This Side Up

Pianist Jessica Williams may not be a household name, but she's certainly got credentials. The former child prodigy gigged with the legendary Philly Joe Jones in her formative years, was the house pianist for San Francisco's storied Keystone Korner club in the late-'70s, and counts Dave Brubeck as one of her biggest fans. Williams dropped out for a while, choosing to focus on her music rather than performing. Even so, the post-bop pianist still managed to put out a pile of records on Jazz Focus and Candid in the '90s. While those labels are well regarded, This Side Up, her first for the mighty MaxJazz label, should stir up a lot of new interest. Here Williams's technical mastery of the keyboard is stunning, but what's more impressive is her focus on creating moody ambiance and brilliant melodies in much the same way as Miles Davis did. The nine originals shine, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Theme for the Eulipians" sounds outstanding as well, with Williams subtly supported by the great duo of bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Victor Lewis. --Tad Hendrickson