Jazz Articles about Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams: This Side Up

by C. Michael Bailey
May 1, 2002

Full-bodied piano from the West Coast

In spite of many fine recordings, apparently Jessica Williams' pianistic light remains beneath the basket. No more— This Side Up, Ms. William's debut for Max Jazz should shine a light on her exquisite talent for all of the listening public to see (hear). As the third release in Max Jazz's popular piano series, This Side Up finds Ms. Williams paying tribute in the intimate piano trio setting. Baltimore-born and San Francisco tempered, Williams ...

Jessica Williams: This Side Up

by Jim Santella
May 1, 2002

As she interprets Rahsaan Roland Kirk's “Theme for the Eulipians," Jessica Williams swaggers with the same attitude its composer possessed. A swinging blues feeling runs through her session, but the pianist's clearly defined keyboard technique takes her along a delicate path. The right hand paints light watercolor pastels that contain lightning streaks of contrast. Her left hand is freed up by the presence of a bassist, so Williams is able to supply a subdued countermelody and harmonic fill. In all, ...

Jessica Williams: Blue Fire

by Jerry D'Souza
June 1, 2001

Jessica Williams is a no-nonsense person. You can hear this in conversation with her, you can feel this from her liner notes and you can sense it from her music. The attitude stems not only from confidence but also with being comfortable with her craft, something that leaps out each time you listen to her music.

In writing the notes to this record, Williams makes several pertinent points. One is that the tradition in her music will not go away ...

Jessica Williams: Solo Piano Compositions / Jessica Williams Plays for Lovers

by Jorg Knobloch
February 1, 2001

These two CDs recorded in September 2000 are amongst the latest output of Ms. Williams on her own record label. More than 30 CDs recorded for labels like Jazz Focus, HEP and Candid and others (the reviewer owns 28 and knows of three more) make Ms. Williams a very prolific artist. On her own label she takes control over all aspects of CD production. This time around, the artwork is quite lightweight, but the same doesnotapply to the music.

Solo ...