Claude Williamson Trio - El Noche De Espana (1994) [2019 SACD+ DSD64]

Claude Williamson (1926-2016) was an American jazz pianist who studied at the New England Conservatory of Music before moving to jazz, influenced mainly by Teddy Wilson, then by Al Haig and Bud Powell. In 1947 he moved to California, working first with Teddy Edwards, then with Red Norvo in San Francisco, with Charlie Barnet in 1949, and with June Christy for two years.

Later he worked with Max Roach, Art Pepper and others. Williamson was a longtime member of the Lighthouse All-Stars (substituting for pianist Russ Freeman), performing with Bud Shank, Stan Levey, Bob Cooper, Conte Candoli and Howard Rumsey. In 1956 he became the piano player in the Bud Shank quartet. In 1968 he started working as a pianist for NBC, first on The Andy Williams Show, then for Sonny and Cher. In 1978 Williamson went back to the jazz world and released many albums, mainly for Japanese labels, often accompanied by Sam Jones and Roy Haynes.

Tracks:

01. Senor Blues
02. Poinciana
03. Estrellita
04. Barbados
05. El Noche De Espana
06. Besame Mucho
07. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
8. Estate
9. I Heard You Cried Last Night
10. Nightingale In Berkeley Square

Personnel:

Claude WIlliamson, piano
Don Prell, bass
Tony Johnson, drums