Nothin' But the Truth
By 1986 pianist Jessica Williams had largely developed her own style and sound. Influenced by Thelonious Monk but improvising with her own voice (and a rather phenomenal technique), Williams performs four of her originals, the standardStars Fell on Alabamaand two Monk tunes (Ugly BeautyandRound Midnight). Jessica Williams' witty and consistently surprising playing on the trio set with bassist John Wiitala and drummer Bud Spangler is quite memorable and enjoyable.