Description
Composer, arranger, and pianist Mary Lou Williams’ musical career reflected the history of American jazz from the late 1920s through the 1970s. Described by Duke Ellington as being “beyond category,” Williams was conversant in jazz styles ranging from stride through swing and be-bop to the avant-garde, yet her music was always rooted in spirituals and the blues. This self-produced recording, originally recorded in 1962 and 1963, contains a mix of standards and originals including four original compositions reflecting her devout interest in religious music.
The vinyl reissue of Mary Lou Williams, which includes a liner notes booklet, is part of the Smithsonian Folkways Vinyl Reissue Series, revisiting some of the most iconic and influential albums in our collection.
Track Listing
Black Christ of the Andes (St. Martin de Porres) Mary Lou Williams 6:39
It Ain’t Necessarily So Mary Lou Williams 4:47
The Devil - Chorale Vocal Mary Lou Williams 4:05
Miss D.D. Mary Lou Williams 2:33
Anima Christi - Chorale Vocal Mary Lou Williams 2:51
A Grand Nite for Swinging Mary Lou Williams 2:54
My Blue Heaven Mary Lou Williams 3:12
Dirge Blues Mary Lou Williams 3:29
Album Info
CATALOG NUMBER(S) FW02843, FJ 2843
YEAR(S) RELEASED 2019, 1964
LABEL/COLLECTION Folkways Records
GENRE(S) Jazz & Ragtime
COUNTRY(S) United States
CULTURE GROUP(S) African American
INSTRUMENT(S)
Bass; Bass clarinet; Drum; Guitar; Piano; Saxophone
CREDIT(S)
Moses Asch - Recorder
Mary Lou Williams - Artist