Release Date: 04 December 2012
Label: SteepleChase
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 716043104321
Genres: Jazz
Release Date: 05 August 2022
Label: SteepleChase
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 716043104314
Genres: Jazz
Description
180g audiophile vinyl reissue of Mary Lou Williams' highly sought after 1976 LP 'Free Spirits', featuring bassist Buster Williams and drummer Mickey Roker.
The First Lady of jazz, Mary Lou Williams (1910 - 1981) was the evolution of jazz itself. Starting her professional career as pianist/composer/arranger in the 20s, her style was swing but in the '40s she adopted the bop and later on she even ventured into the realm of avant-garde jazz. Yet she never lost her blues feeling which is evident in this long-awaited LP.
She contributed compositions and arrangements for many famous big bands such as Andy Kirk, Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. In the late '60s and the '70s she was more focused on composing sacred music. And one of her jazz masses was choreographed by Alvin Ailey. Around the time of this recording Mary Lou in her mid-60s was still active in the New York jazz scene performing regularly at the Cookery with the group recorded here. SteepleChase was proud to have the opportunity of recording one of the most significant artists of jazz of this century.
Mary Lou Williams: piano
Buster Williams: bass
Mickey Roker: drums
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
Nate Radley
John Hart
Chet Baker
Andy LaVerne & Dick Sisto
David Janeway
Rolf Billberg
Kirk Knuffke
Dizzy Gillespie
Tuohi Klang
Skerik, Brian Haas, James Singleton, Simon Lott
Heikki Sarmanto
Max Roach
Gil Evans
Henry Mancini
Ray Barretto
Miles Davis Quintet
