Another Time features a quartet of seasoned practitioners lead by the veteran American drummer Jeff Williams. The CD is Williams' first as a leader in over ten years. A former student of the great Alan Dawson and stints working with luminaries such as Dave Liebman, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano and Kenny Wheeler confirms Williams as a front rank performer. On Another Tme he is able to call upon friends and long-time musical associates to produce a convincing recording featuring structured compositions with abundant opportunities to lay down free statements. Search Me is the first of five Williams' compositions on the CD and it is the master percussionist who leads the way. John Herbert's double bass follows and in time all four players are introduced to the listener. Alto saxophonist John O'Gallagher features heavily throughout the CD, notably on She Can't Be a Spy as he mines the heritage laid down by Oliver Nelson. Trumpeter Duane Eubanks, a sideman to Dave Holland, offers a reflective solo on his own composition Purple, Blue and Red. Bassist Herbert contributes a tune - Fez - on which there is excellent ensemble work, fizzing alto and constantly shifting drum patterns. O'Gallagher's ballad Go Where You're Watching is a sensitive tune, beautifully scored with composer and Eubanks prominent. The title track - Another Time - closes a most accomplished CD.
Anorther Time is released on 10 October 2011 on Whirlwind Recordings (WR4616). The album launch in London is on 18 November. It should be noted that the London date features Williams with a UK line-up. The quartet on the CD recording can be heard live at the 2012 Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
Russell
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