Jazz Articles about Willie Akins

Willie Akins: Alima

by Dave Nathan
October 1, 2000

A well kept secret for over 40 years, Willie Akins cut his jazz teeth in New York playing with such jazz giants as Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane at Mintons and Small's Paradise. Working out of St. Louis for the last several years, the Catalyst label has given Mr. Akins his first crack at an album of his own and he takes full advantage of it. The lessons learned during his 40 years are evident as he and his regular ...

Willie Akins Quartet: Alima

by Mike Neely
August 1, 2000

Saxophonist Willie Akins and his quartet play straight ahead jazz with plenty of heart. Their Alima is a satisfying performance by a group of musicians who display a chemistry that could only arise out of the mutual respect of attentive listening.

Akins plays a warm tenor, at times reminiscent of Hank Mobley and early John Coltrane. Drummer Montez Coleman is a shaker and mover in this band, his playing sometimes taking the form of an upbeat dialog with Akins. He ...