While the situation has improved since the days when these songs were written, women jazz composers in general, and African-American women in particular, rarely had the opportunity to hear their music performed, unless they played it themselves. The kind of music composed by these very talented musicians is not played enough.
A Mellow Bit of Rhythm goes a long way toward remedying this situation by paying tribute to some of the most talented songwriters, who happen to be women, of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s. In addition to tunes by better known performers/writers, such as
Billie Holiday Lil Armstrong, and
Bessie Smith, there are works by Alberta Nichols, Irene Wilson, and
Una Mae Carlisle. But the writer whose works are most represented is the multi-talented
Mary Lou Williams, not just with her popular "Roll 'Em," but with four compositions not as familiar. The music is played here in the style of the era when it was written. But these are by no means old-fashioned arrangements. Rather, this album is comprised of modern players applying their skills to the fine music of a great era. If one had to identify a predominant jazz style, it would be Chicago. But New Orleans is represented as well by "Down in the Dumps."
The leader of the ensemble, an expatriate from England,
Keith Ingham, made his first album as a leader in 1975 and, after a hiatus from the studios, has been recording fairly prolifically during the '90s with his own groups. He is a
Dick Hyman type player, comfortable with all pianistic styles. A close listen evokes images of striding
Fats Waller and
Willie "The Lion" Smith, especially on "Down in the Dumps." This tune also highlights the group's excellent ensemble playing.
Ingham's musical confreres are equally as capable.
Bob Barnard's cornet is reminiscent of
Ruby Braff's. Listen to his solo on
Mary Lou Williams' "Little Joe from Chicago." Multi-reed player
Scott Robinson's playing is wonderfully lyrical.
Robinson also takes up the alto clarinet. The instrument has a woody timbre and a haunting mellow tone, and
Robinson uses it to good effect on "Twilight" and "Yesterday's Kisses," both by
Mary Lou Williams.
James Chirillo's uncluttered, single-string guitar playing is reminiscent of
Joe Pass, especially on "Don't Explain." Having performed with
Claude Williams,
Benny Goodman, and Bob Wilbur,
Chirillo is very comfortable with the playing style featured on the session. Bass player
Greg Cohen's presence amplifies his musical flexibility. He has recorded with the modernist
John Zorn and traditionalist
Ken Peplowski, and is equally comfortable playing with both. Veteran drummer Jackie Williams lays a steady beat keeping good time for whatever music the group is playing.
A Mellow Bit of Rhythm is a collection of joyful jazz played by excellent musicians. ~ Dave Nathan