Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Bruce Williams - Private Thoughts (2016) PASSIN' THRU RECORDS



Williams' fourth recording as a leader is his first featuring solely original music. The Bard College and Juilliard Jazz professor has graced the horn sections of The World Saxophone Quartet, as well as groups led by Stanley Cowell and the like. On Private Thoughts, Bruce Williams asserts himself as a stirring composer and triumphantly underscores the emotion, and acceptance of life's fragility. Bruce Williams: alto & soprano saxophone, Josh Evans: trumpet, Frederick Hendrix: trumpet & flugelhorn, Brad Williams: guitar, Brandon McCune: piano, Alan Palmer: piano, Chris Berger: bass, Vincent Ector & Chris Beck: drums.

“…playing the bebop standard Anthropology as a disarmingly slow ballad gave the young alto saxophonist Bruce Williams time to show what a good blues player he can be.”

Ben Ratliff/New York Times

“Bruce Williams is a promising young altoist whose playing is marked by both precision and passion.”

Stuart Broomer/Cadence Magazine

“He is a soulful musician but not over-obsessed with super technique. I enjoy his playing and I like his writing. His future looks very promising.”

Stanley Cowell/jazz pianist/educator

“As a saxophonist, Williams is a brilliant consolodationist, comprising Charlie Parker’s bouyant tone, Hank Crawford’s edge, and Jackie McLean’s dexterity… he previews the sound of jazz in the 21st century.”

Eugene Holley Jr./Downbeat/JazzTimes magazine

“After seeing the Cecil Brooks’ band live, I was compelled to purchase Brotherhood, the debut recording of the saxophonist Bruce Williams. Both live and on the recording, Williams’ solos are on the edge, electric, and exciting. Bruce’s performances occupy a rare place, some where between total control and absolute freedom.”

Mark Griffith/Modern Drummer magazine

“…with a set consisting of a potpourri of standards, originals, blues and grooves, his style shows a “tradition in transition” approach. Williams has good chops and he shows quite a bit of promise.”

Jack Aldrich/Victory Music Review


Josh Evans (tp)
Frederick Hendrix (tp/flh)
Brad Williams (g)
Brandon McCune (p)
Alan Palmer (p)
Chris Berger (b)
Vincent Ector (ds)
Chris Beck (ds)

01. Mata Leon
02. Private Thoughts
03. Premonitions
04. Forever Asking Why
05. Old Forester
06. Last Visit in the Mirror
07. The Void
08. The Price We Pay For Peace
09. I Still Carry On
10. View Through A Street
11. Past Tense