Interview with drummer Rodney Green
Meet Wilfie Williams
An interview with drummer extraordinaire Rodney Green, who has worked with the best of the best in the business. Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, Joe Henderson, Benny Green, Tom Harrell, Mulgrew Miller and Diana Krall all employed his services. He and Wilfie discuss the importance of cultural education, mentors from the U.K. and Berklee, and the influence of the Memphis school of pianists - James Williams, Donald Brown and Mulgrew Miller.
Review for Live at the Red Room - EP
Young UK pianist Wilfie Williams opens up with the Kenny Kirkland swing tour de force Steepian Faith giving an earnest performance that acknowledges the intensity of swing the piece requires with his comrades Paul Pandit on bass and Ilya Blazh on drums following Williams lead all the way into an irresistible cohesive ensemble sound.
The Williams original Halcyon follows as the trio projects a joyful optimism conversing rhythmically as the pianist inventively brings forth a melody reminiscent of the late Mulgrew Miller’s writing to a Herbie Hancock Maiden Voyage-like antecedent with a contemporary 2020s distinction. In his soloing however he draws on his own strong sense of melody peppered with the unique melodic vocabulary introduced to the world by McCoy Tyner.
Williams shows off his virtuosity and patience with the Richard Rodgers ballad It’s Easy to Remember which features him confidently in solo piano mode. His introduction is a journey in the modernism so many jazz musicians borrow from the 20th century classical piano tradition familiar in the playing of mentor Joanne Brackeen and influence of Mulgrew Miller. As Williams unfolds and solos through the piece he demonstrates his respect and knowledge of the jazz ballad piano tradition.
The trio go for it as they exchange rhythmic Monkisms on Thelonius Monk’s Skippy. They bring a personal contemporary twist as Williams inspires a true and energetic commitment to the composition which is palpable.
The second original from Williams and the final piece in the set is entitled JT is the Man which takes the tempo up another notch and unleashes Williams and the trio at full power. In the execution of the melody calls on sounds one could imagine created in the realms of Chick Corea and Mulgrew Miller with a wonderful contrast played with a freer and much slower feeling almost outside of time which then launches into the highly energetic and driving accompaniment for the soloing as Williams and the band embark on sparkles of sound that hold the listener’s attention as their musicality does wonderful and satisfying battle.
Wilfie Williams has a solid foundation and all the groundwork of a great artist in the making. This stunning debut points to a great talent as a composer, bandleader and player. The music leaves you wanting to hear more from this exceptional player nestled in the NYC scene loaded with talent, purpose and poignancy.
Julian Joseph
Broadcaster BBC Radio 3’s J to Z