An entrancing set of original instrumental compositions featuring a unique blend of the composer's jazz piano trio interwoven with string quartet, and, on track 11, vocalist Jade Maze singing the hauntingly beautiful "I'll Let You Break My Heart Again."

12 MP3 Songs in this album (51:50) !
Related styles: Jazz: Chamber Jazz, Classical: Chamber Music, Featuring Piano

People who are interested in Bill Evans Kieth Jarrett Maurice Ravel should consider this download.


Details:
Bradley Williams holds a 25-year reputation as one of Chicagoâs most original and searching voices at the jazz piano keyboard. His dynamic yet lyrical approach is brought to the fore in this brand-new set of original compositions arranged for a magical interplay between his long-time trio and the deep intimacy of an exquisite Chicago string quartet.

In compositions at times reminiscent of Ravel and at times of Weather Report, Sojourn covers a wide terrain of tempos and moods. Driven by the robust cello of Cheng Hou Lee, âOnward and Sidewaysâ finds a broad, hymn-like melody propelled by a gentle jazz waltz that builds and wanes. âBouquet (for Amy)â and âAll the Pretty Flowersâ wind their entrancing florid themes through the instrumental voices, led respectively by the violins of Marie Wang and Blaise Magniere.

The miniature âCul-de-sac,â featuring again the dancing violin of Magniere, is a clever odd-meter take on a regular rhythm, and âGal Costaâ (inspired by the amazing Brazilian singer) works one of the composerâs favorite feels, a bright samba in 3/4 time. The latter features the nimble grace of Michael Schlick at the drum set.

âThe Strollâ pays homage to Williamsâ hero, Horace Silver, with its languorous swing and restless harmonies. âFanfareâ taps into the aforementioned Weather Report energy with Schlickâs drum work driving affairs forward, and a free improvisation by the string quartet. As a companion piece, âThrenodyâ opens with a rich solo cadenza by violist Tony Devroye and proceeds with a dark theme melding into a glorious ensemble release.

With a melody one might walk out of the theater whistling, âSome Adviceâ allows the trio to stretch and trade, with some thoughtful contributions by bassist Daniel DeLorenzo. The string quartet answers with a fugal statement of the theme and finally all join together.

Sojournâs single vocal contribution comes from the gifted singer Jade Maze on a melancholy ballad in the 'pop' vein, âIâll Let You Break My Heart Again.â Mazeâs soulful rendition of Williamsâ words provides a beautiful realization to this recordingâs pervasive lyrical nature.

The final, spiritual-tinged title track once again finds the music in an expansive 3/4 time setting, this time alternating with 4/4, an evocative theme surging forth. The ghost of Ravel hovers over the rich harmonies in the string quartet and the rubato wanderings of the piano.

With its variety, spirit and depth, Sojourn is a fascinating journey that draws the listener in and, then, alongâ¦

Bradley Williams performs internationally with his own groups, including The Original 21st Century Review. In that setting and others he performs as a vocalist, and is a noted arranger and producer in Chicago. He served, in the late 1990âs, as co-host of WFMTâs internationally syndicated radio program âWords and Music.â He has 12 recordings to his credit as leader or co-leader.

He's served as adjunct jazz professor at Depaul University for 20 years, and has given jazz seminars in Russia. Williams also offers piano and voice classes at Wheaton College. More information at http://BradleyWilliamsLive.com.