This is a highly enjoyable session with trumpeter Richard Williams. It would be his only date as the leader. He recorded as a sideman on quite a few albums, perhaps most notably on some legendary Mingus albums. I’ll be honest, I haven’t explored his output much, but from what I’ve heard so far his style is right up my alley. He both has lovely technique as well as plenty of lyricism. And with my love for jazz trumpet in general, I feel this album has plenty to offer.
Lee Morgan is my favorite trumpeter and his rendition of Benny Golsons ”I Remember Clifford” on BLP 1557 is one of my favorite ballads of all time. Richard Williams performs his own take on the beautiful threnody to Brownie here, and he delivers some trumpet candy for sure.
It’s always a real treat to dive deeper into an artists work, when said artist perhaps has been on the periphery of ones jazz explorations. I’ll eventually take that deep dive into Williams’ output, but for now, this session as well as some other sideman stuff with Mingus on ”Black Saint…” and ”Mingus x 5” and Oliver Nelsons ”Screamin’ the Blues” will do just fine.
Do you have any opinion on this album or Richard Williams’ other work, or as a trumpeter in general? Write away guys.
Take care and enjoy the summer and some jazz on vinyl. Cheers!