Bassist Buster Williams and his quartet perform six of his originals plus two standards on Griot Libertè. Williams' songs range from the modal "Nomads" and the medium-tempo blues "Related to One" (which includes some complex transitions) to the lyrical ballad "The Triumphant Dance of the Butterfly" and the swinging "Joined at the Hip," which has George Colligan's best solo of the set. Williams takes plenty of solos but is also generous in featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris and pianist Colligan with drummer Lenny White being stimulating in support. There are times (particularly during "Related to One") when the group sounds a bit like the Modern Jazz Quartet, but other selections find the musicians showing more individuality. They are very much in tune with each other and, although not a touring group, sound as if they play together very regularly. Excellent modern mainstream jazz. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Nomands
2. Related To One
3. The Triumphant Dance Of The Butterfly
4. The Wind Of An Immortal Soul
5. Every Time We Say Goodbye (Cole Porter)
6. Joined At The Hip
7. Concierto De Aranjuez (Joaquín Rodrigo)
8. After The Ninth Wave
BUSTER WILLIAMS bass, piccolo bass
LENNY WHITE drums
STEFON HARRIS marimba, vibraphone
GEORGE COLLIGAN piano
Music composed by Buster Williams, except (5) by C. Porter and (7) by J. Rodrigo
Recorded February 5, 2004 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
HighNote Records, Inc. – HCD 7123