Mary Lou Williams: Medi No. 2

Track

Medi No. 2

Artist

Mary Lou Williams (piano)

CD

Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz with guest Mary Lou Williams (The Jazz Alliance TJA 12045-2)

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Musicians:

Mary Lou Williams (piano), Ronnie Boykins (bass).

Composed by Mary Lou Williams

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Recorded: October 8th, 1978

Albumcovermarylouwilliams-marianmcpartland-pianojazzradiobroadcast

Rating: 91/100 (learn more)

Composed during her religious chapter, “Medi No. 2,” also on Zoning (1974) and Mary Lou’s Mass (1977), demonstrates her inherent progressiveness. Like Miles, Mary Lou had the depth and capacity to transform within each era. This track is an example of her all-encompassing vocabulary; her right hand lays out an eloquent, eternal theme, while her left hand retells the history of jazz piano. Unequalled in her versatility, she set a benchmark for a myriad of players, composers, and arrangers. Last thought: “Mary Lou, this is Strays. Duke can’t make the gig, will you play it?” And so she did.

Reviewer: Marissa Dodge

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