The drummer quite deservedly landed an article in Down Beat in the January 2018 issue. Itâs fitting that such a stalwart jazz advocate should be prominently featuredâhe is giving so much to jazz, through his relentless grooves as well as his knack for producing impeccable albums. His latest offering is a marvel. Crisp and inventive, without any of the conceptual tinsel that the industry expects to market jazz, his latest albums focuses on the essential: the compositional material and the expressive interaction between creative players. In the same spirit as his previous album dedicated to Cedar Walton (Groundwork), this is about making the most of great tunes, including three by the leader. Thereâs a clever funky reworking of Hancockâs âThe Mazeâ, Buster Williamsâs superb ballad âChristinaâ, his swinging compositions âThe Wind of an Immortal Soulâ, a deft original by Eric Reed (âManhattan Melodiesâ) and Horace Silverâs âPeaceâ to add another touch of sensitive introspection. This aspect of the leaderâs musical world is especially prominent here with his splendid âEarly Morningâ and the title track, clearly anchoring the date in a somewhat grave ambiance. The balance between hard blowing and more contemplative moods is a delicate affair based on the playersâ personal commitment. One can only enjoy the subtle drone and conversation of Buster Williamsâs lines, the drummerâs tasteful accents, the colours provided by Eric Reed and the lyricism of Moore and Hendersonâtwo deeply original voicesâ all of this merging into a refined and intense set of deep and determined musical declarations. Each outing by Willie Jones III is a statement, one of devotion and passionâthis one particularly vivid and heartfelt.
