Bassist
Buster Williams and his quartet perform six of his originals plus two standards on
Griot Libertè.
Williams' songs range from the modal "Nomads" and the medium-tempo blues "Related to One" (which includes some complex transitions) to the lyrical ballad "The Triumphant Dance of the Butterfly" and the swinging "Joined at the Hip," which has
George Colligan's best solo of the set.
Williams takes plenty of solos but is also generous in featuring vibraphonist
Stefon Harris and pianist
Colligan with drummer
Lenny White being stimulating in support. There are times (particularly during "Related to One") when the group sounds a bit like
the Modern Jazz Quartet, but other selections find the musicians showing more individuality. They are very much in tune with each other and, although not a touring group, sound as if they play together very regularly. Excellent modern mainstream jazz. ~ Scott Yanow