Jessica Williams: Toshiko
Recorded: Brooklyn, NY, August 16-18, 2002
Rating: 94/100 (learn more)
There's no doubt that Jessica Williams, like other women in jazz, has been inspired by those who came before her, such as Mary Lou Williams and Toshiko Akiyoshi. In fact, Jessica maintains a growing list of "Women in Jazz" on her website. Williams was the house pianist at the Keystone Korner in San Francisco when she met Mary Lou, who told her: "Don't ever let anyone stop you." Akiyoshi has studied Japanese history, culture, and traditional music, all of which permeate many of her compositions, including "Kogun," “Tales of a Courtesan," "Long Yellow Road," and "Kourakan Suite." Williams distinctive original, "Toshiko," serves as a tribute to Akiyoshi by acknowledging its namesake's interest in Japanese folk music.
"Toshiko" has the pensive air and delicacy of a Japanese folk song played on a koto. Williams renders the melody with sparkling clarity, enriched by tenderly struck left hand chords. The pianist does little else but play the theme in a deeply affecting manner, and in her final chorus becomes powerfully emotional before tempering her attack back to its original musing and yearning nature. This is one of Williams' sparsest, and most concise and unassuming recorded performances.
Reviewer: Scott Albin
Tags: 2000s jazz · solo piano
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