A Waltz for Grace is the debut album by English saxophonist Steve Williamson, released on the Verve label in 1990.
Reception
The Los Angeles Times stated that "U.S.-session bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Mark Mondesir ... provide inventive rhythmic stimulus which Williamson uses for demonstrations of reserve as well as gut-busting enthusiasm."
AllMusic awarded the album with 3 stars and its review by Scott Yanow states: "At 25, Williamson displayed an original tenor sound and, although some of his soloing is in the Greg Osby/Gary Thomas 'M-Base' mode, he was not limited to that abstract style of improvising". The Penguin Guide review says: "What is lastingly impressive about A Waltz for Grace is its tremendous rhythmic variety. 'Groove Thang' (a UK recorded soprano-percussion duet) leads directly into the fuller-sounding 'Synthesis' from New York, both largely dependent on Williamson's ability to balance a line over a jolting, staccato pulse".
Track listing
All compositions by Steve Williamson except where noted.
- "Down (Slang)" – 3:18
- "Awakening" – 4:35
- "Visions" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:29
- "A Waltz for Grace" – 4:15
- "Mandy's Mood" – 5:49
- "Soon Come" – 4:14
- "Straight Ahead" – 4:45
- "Mandela" – 4:29
- "Groove Thang" – 1:42
- "Synthesis" – 4:59
- "Hummingbird" – 5:41
- "How High the Bird" – 4:22
- "Words Within Words" – 5:01
Personnel
- Steve Williamson – all saxophones
- Mark Mondesir – drums
- Lonnie Plaxico – bass
- Gary Crosby – bass
- Dave Gilmore – guitar
- Hawi Gondwe – guitar
- Julian Joseph – piano
- Abbey Lincoln – vocals on "A Waltz for Grace"
References
