A Waltz for Grace is the debut album by English saxophonist Steve Williamson, released on the Verve label in 1990.
Reception
The Los Angeles Times stated that "U.S.-session bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Mark Mondesir ... provide inventive rhythmic stimulus which Williamson uses for demonstrations of reserve as well as gut-busting enthusiasm."
AllMusic awarded the album with 3 stars and its review by Scott Yanow states: "At 25, Williamson displayed an original tenor sound and, although some of his soloing is in the Greg Osby/Gary Thomas 'M-Base' mode, he was not limited to that abstract style of improvising".Yanow, Scott, [ A Waltz for Grace], AllMusic. Retrieved 1 May 2010. The Penguin Guide review says: "What is lastingly impressive about A Waltz for Grace is its tremendous rhythmic variety. 'Groove Thang' (a UK recorded soprano-percussion duet) leads directly into the fuller-sounding 'Synthesis' from New York, both largely dependent on Williamson's ability to balance a line over a jolting, staccato pulse".
Track listing All compositions by Steve Williamson except where noted.
"Down (Slang)" – 3:18 "Awakening" – 4:35 "Visions" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:29 "A Waltz for Grace" – 4:15 "Mandy's Mood" – 5:49 "Soon Come" – 4:14 "Straight Ahead" – 4:45 "Mandela" – 4:29 "Groove Thang" – 1:42 "Synthesis" – 4:59 "Hummingbird" – 5:41 "How High the Bird" – 4:22 "Words Within Words" – 5:01
Personnel Steve Williamson – all saxophones Mark Mondesir – drums Lonnie Plaxico – bass Gary Crosby – bass Dave Gilmore – guitar Hawi Gondwe – guitar Julian Joseph – piano Abbey Lincoln – vocals on "A Waltz for Grace"
References