This Side Up marks the third release in the MaxJazz label's Piano series and the first release in 2002. Previous releases in the series include Peter Martin's
Something Unexpected and
Bruce Barth's
East & West.
Jessica Williams composed all of the songs for this program and builds the excitement level from track to track with tributes to some of her major influences. Included is "Miles to Go" for
Miles Davis -- a mid-tempo bebop piece that showcases her brilliant arpeggios and multi-layered sound with drummer
Victor Lewis and bassist
Ray Drummond. She reconnects with
Dexter Gordon on "I Remember Dexter" and honors bassist
Milt Hinton on "The Judge." Top pick is "Innocence" for its quiet solitude and beauty -- the perfect song for just relaxing and listening to jazz from an intelligent and spiritual perspective.
Jessica Williams re-creates a buzz of interest in the world of young adults with this effective recording, and since her formidable reputation among her peers is rock solid,
Williams' diverse repertoire should not remain a strange concept as a result of her inclusion in this remarkable Piano series. ~ Paula Edelstein