Mary Lou Williams
recorded exclusively for
Asch
during this period, and most of her performances are included on this two-LP boxed set.
Williams
's style was in a state of transition as she was gradually discarding stride piano and developing a much more boppish approach. She is heard here in a wide variety of settings ranging from piano solos to small groups and even a big band. Among her sidemen are trumpeters
Frankie Newton
,
Dick Vance
Bill Coleman
(who is well-featured), and
Kenny Dorham
, clarinetist
Edmund Hall
, trombonist
Vic Dickenson
, and tenors
Don Byas
and
Coleman Hawkins
. This very valuable set is well-worth an extensive search. ~ Scott Yanow