All Alone
Northern California pianist Jessica Williams released several low-profile but well-regarded records in the '80s and '90s, but thanks to 2002'sThis Side Up, her profile has expanded beyond an appreciative few (which included Dave Brubeck). Here, Williams follows that trio date withAll Alone, a solo effort that is an absorbing look at this amazing post-bop pianist. There is an elegant moodiness throughout that is punctuated by classical flourishes and bluesy trimmings, with gems like "As Time Goes By" (from the movieCasablanca), Irving Berlin's "All Alone," and Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" conveying a bluish romanticism that can only come from someone who has been around the block. Williams drops a string of four originals into the middle of the 12-song program, and they are well thought out and expertly rendered. While "The Sheikh" gets downright funky, Williams sounds best when she plays the romantic on tunes such as the original "Bill's Beauty" and the standards.--Tad Hendrickson