Jazz Articles about James Williams

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James Williams: I Fall In Love Too Easily

by Artur Moral
February 25, 2025

Several factors hinder the enduring legacy of a figure like James Williams: a limited discography as a leader, curtailed by his deep commitment to teaching and early death, the frustrating unavailability of much of his published work in both physical and digital formats, lacking even a partial retrospective compilation, and, not a minor issue, a name that complicates searches and causes ongoing confusion on streaming platforms and websites. This makes his current visibility scarce and fragmented. The ten records with ...

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Frank Tiberi, Joe Lovano and George Garzone: Tiberian Mode

by Jim Worsley
May 7, 2020

While the three tenor saxophone soloists with piano, bass, and drums was already a proven sextet formula, the Tiberian Mode is one of vast reproportioning and accelerated creativity. Led by big band divinity Frank Tiberi and two of his disciples, George Garzone, and Joe Lovano, the project unleashes power, vigor, and contrasting jazz sensibilities. Attention is piqued even before listening when you learn that the first song is the first and last section of John Coltrane's “Giant Steps" ...

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James Williams: Jazz Dialogues Vol. 1-4

by Russ Musto
December 15, 2004

The tragedy of pianist/producer James Williams' premature passing in July at the age of 53 is too great and painful too dwell upon at this early juncture, so suffice it to say that the sadness his untimely death has brought to his many, many friends and fans in the jazz community is truly immense. Williams was a prince among men, loved and respected by all who knew and performed with him and this four-volume set of duos with 24 individual ...

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Pianist James Williams Re-Opens Defunct Jazz Dive

by Matt Merewitz
June 1, 2004

Audience rapport is the true key for pianist James Williams. The Memphis-born Jazz Messenger alum has an urbane aura in his voice and his mannerisms that translate to his playing. He is a torch pianist much in the Ellingtonian tradition and fittingly has a special penchant for Strayhorn’s main d’oeuvre.

What strikes me about Williams is not that he knows virtually every song in the jazz, pop, classical, and gospel canons; or his keen sense of melody; or even his ...

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Frank Tiberi: Tiberian Mode

by Jack Bowers
August 1, 1999

Better late than never. Although Frank Tiberi’s stature among his fellow musicians approaches legendary, it took a Woody Herman alumnus (John Nugent) with his own record company to appreciate the benefits of bringing the present leader of the Herman Herd into a studio to document his prodigious talents. And while doing so, to invite two of Tiberi’s ardent admirers and former “students,” saxophonists Joe Lovano and George Garzone, to take part in the session. Lovano and Garzone are graduates of ...