CD Review: Marty Williams - Long Time Comin'

CD Review: Marty Williams - Long Time Comin'

Year: 2011

Record Label: In Moon Bay

Style: Vocal Jazz

Musicians: Marty Williams (piano, vocals), Eric Swinderman(guitar), Ruth Davies (bass), Jon Evans (bass), Ranzel Merritt(drums)

Review:
With over 25 years of experience, Marty Williams is a recognized voice in the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene. His soulful style is deeply rooted in the blues, sometimes venturing into a rock sound in songs like "Brother (where are you)", the Beatles "Come Together" and the funk feel of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy".

Even in the jazzier tracks, "Compare to what", "Falling in Love Again" and "Love for Sale", Williams voice maintain that bluesy quality to it. Williams voice and savvy, cool phrasing are infuse with the soul of an experienced singer, at times similar to jazz greats like Louis Armstrong especially on his version of Burt Bacharach "The Look of Love".

As a pianist Williams is equally as good, his playing has been described as unique, bringing comparisons to piano legends like Thelonious Monk. Williams use of harmonies and space on "Falling in Love Again" and "Love for Sale" certainly have some Monk influence.

All the arrangements are by Marty Williams. Some lean toward the blues, others, like "Monk's Dream" mixed fusion and straight ahead jazz but some are pure jazz like "On a Clear Day" and "Sweet and Lonely".

Tracks: Brother (Where Are You), Caravan, Come Together, Compare to What, Falling in Love Again, Love for Sale, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, Monk's Dream, On a Clear Day, Sunny, Sweet and Lovely, The Look of Love

Artist's Website: www.martywilliamsmusic.com

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre