James Williams' second and last recording for Sunnyside includes several veterans of
Art Blakey's bands, including the pianist/leader, saxophonist Billy Pierce, and guitarist
Kevin Eubanks. Rounding out the sextet is alto saxophonist
Bill Easley, bassist
Rufus Reid, and drummer
Tony Reedus (
Williams' nephew, a talented musician in his own right). The leader's thunderous post-bop vehicle "Progress Report" proves to be a driving opener, with strong solos by Pierce,
Easley (on clarinet) and
Eubanks.
Williams' haunting "Mr. Day's Dream" is an infectious waltz with lush ensembles, with
Easley carrying the theme on flute.
Eubanks contributed the furious, constantly shifting "Unconscious Behavior," though it is the leader who really wails in this track. Conga player
Jerry Gonzalez is added for the infectious Latin strut "Scenes from a Village Dance" (composed by another
Blakey alum, pianist
Donald Brown. Two tracks were added from
Williams' earlier Sunnyside LP
Alter Ego in the CD reissue of
Progress Report, though
Alter Ego was eventually released in complete form. Sadly, even the CD edition of
Progress Report has long been out of print, so fans of the late
James Williams will want to pick this one up before it disappears for good. ~ Ken Dryden