The Real Deal (2004)

About this title: A brilliant pianist who can apparently play anything that comes into her mind, Jessica Williams has been one of the giants for nearly 20 years, ever since she reached a high level in the mid-'80s. She never lets her virtuosity rule the music nor are her solos overcrowded or overly dense; she lets the music breathe. Her wit and constant sense of swing make her performances accessible, yet other pianists must at times wonder how she thought of (much less played) a particular phrase. Williams has recorded quite a few albums by now, and none are unworthy. The Real Deal, her fifth outing for the ... read more

Tracks:

1. Misty [Garner]
2. Morning of the Carnival [Bonfa]
3. Friday the 13th [Monk]
4. Petite Fleur [Bechet]
5. If I Should Lose You [Robin/Rainger]
6. 'Round Midnight [Hanighen/Monk/Willi]
7. Teo [Monk]
8. Sweet and Lovely [Amheim/Tobias/LeMar]
9. To Thelonious With Love [Williams]
10. Out and Out Blues [Williams]
11. My Romance [Rodgers/Hart]
12. Don't Blame Me [Fields/McHugh]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.