Trio 3 played five evenings together with pianist Geri Allen in the New York jazz club Birdland, paying homage to the jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams. They presented fresh and individualistic interpretations of some of the most beautiful pieces of the "First Lady of Jazz". Intakt has recorded these evenings.
Mary Lou Williams was one of the most famous pianists of swing. She wrote arrangements for Duke Ellington and played in countless bands and orchestras. Her music grew from ragtime over swing and blues, but was also geared to modern harmony. Within the same year she performed in Carnegie Hall as a duo with pianist Cecil Taylor as well as with Benny Goodman. Today many of her compositions belong to the canon of African-American music.
The four greats of today's jazz, saxophonist Oliver Lake, bassist Reggie Workman, drummer Andrew Cyrille and the pianist Geri Allen deliver their interpretation of legendary compositions like Roll 'Em, New Musical Express or What's Your Story, Morning Glory. The musicians have a close relationship to Mary Lou Williams. In his early years Andrew Cyrille was drumming in Mary Lou Williams' band. And pianist Geri Allen played the role of Mary Lou Williams in Robert Altman's movie Kansas City.
credits
released July 4, 2011
Reggie Workman: Bass
Andrew Cyrille: Drums
Oliver Lake: Alto Saxophone, Flute
Geri Allen: Piano
All compositions by Mary Lou Williams except Intermission by Mary Lou Williams and Milton Suggs. Compostions published by Cecilia Music Publishing Co., except Roll’Em by EMI-Universal. Recorded August 19, 21, 2010 by Peter Karl at Birdland Jazzclub New York. Mixed by Peter Karl, Andrew Cyrille and Oliver Lake at Studio Peter Karl, Brooklyn, NY. Mastered by Peter Karl at Studio Peter Karl. Liner notes: Peter O’Brian, Geri Allen, Andrew Cyrille. Photos: Richard Candy. Cover art: Oliver Lake. Graphic design: Jonas Schoder. Produced by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.
supported by 19 fans who also own “Celebrating Mary Lou Williams (Live at Birdland New York)”
I really appreciate that with such a large group of musicians the overall sound and experience of listening is really spacious, never cluttered. The lovely recording helps that a lot, and of course the compositional aspects that make it breathe are superb- it gets more and more fun as I listen again and again. Jasper Skydecker
supported by 18 fans who also own “Celebrating Mary Lou Williams (Live at Birdland New York)”
Yes,yes,yes! I've been waiting for Dave to do this again...two brilliant runs by DDQ and Keystone were documented on Greenleaf back in the day; they were groundbreaking...recorded and released within 24 hours for each set...they were stellar performances and I play them again and again.
With absolutely no chance of ever being there, this is the closest i'll ever be to 'being there'...so excited I may need to lay down in a darkened room for a while! John Cratchley
Drummer, composer, and producer Janek van Laak creates free and flowing jazz that highlights bold vocals and instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 19, 2024
supported by 18 fans who also own “Celebrating Mary Lou Williams (Live at Birdland New York)”
This quintet has acquired legendary status as a working unit...all the musicians are exemplary at their craft and DD is one of my 'Big5'...he is an exquisite composer of both depth and breadth of vision...you can instantly recognise Dave's DNA in a tune...what's more, you feel there is also so much more to come!;his powers of expression are so special.
These compositions are from the heart and I can only suggest that you take them to yours...
John Cratchley