Venerable jazz bassist and session musician of choice,
Buster Williams steers this thoroughly swinging quartet through a set of vibrant standards and original compositions along with an ace front line consisting of pianist
Mulgrew Miller and vibist
Steve Nelson. Recorded live in 1999 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, the bassist once again exhibits his seasoned musical persona via fluent lines, limber soloing, and a comprehensive sense of swing. Meanwhile,
Nelson and
Miller share most of the soloing opportunities as they consistently demonstrate a keen harmonic relationship atop drummer
Carl Allen's masterstrokes and the leader's sinewy walking bass patterns. Hence,
Nelson's deft articulations in concert with
Miller's swirling clusters and impacting block chords provide an abundance of contrasting elements, as the synergistic interaction provides the winning edge. However, it is all about refinement and a relaxed sense of urgency as the musicians make every note and subtle nuance speak encyclopedic volumes amid the occasional burst of fireworks. No frills or hidden agendas here. Just small ensemble jazz music performed with a touch of class and sophistication.