Judy Kirtley

Bill Mays Trio: Autumn Serenade

by Dan Bilawsky
May 14, 2023

In Autumn Serenade, Bill Mays gifts us a bountiful harvest of seasonally-bound beauties. This 40th leader date from the eminent pianist finds him fronting a trio with two longtime colleagues--bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Ron Vincent--and welcoming vocalist Judy Kirtley and producer/guitarist Matt Balitsaris for guest appearances on a single track. Together, all parties join up for a musical journey filled with reflection and romance. Opening on the John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman-associated “Autumn Serenade," Mays makes good on ...