Virginia Mayhew Quartet With Special Guest Wycliffe Gordon - Mary Lou Williams - The Next 100 Years (2010)

Virginia Mayhew has been one to watch since she entered the New York jazz scene. The tenor saxophonist has drawn a good deal of attention working in bands led by major artists, and she has consistently turned out top-notch CDs under her own name as well. Mary Lou Williams: The Next 100 Years is a bit unusual in that there is no pianist on the date, instead relying on a veteran rhythm section made up of guitarist Ed Cherry, bassist Harvie S, and drummer Andy Watson, plus the in-demand trombonist and leader Wycliffe Gordon as a guest. "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?" is one of Williams' best-known works, a bluesy affair with potent solos by the leader and Cherry, with Gordon's greasy muted solo adding a vocal flavor. Cherry's intricate bluesy playing in the infectious "Waltz Boogie" (a boogie-woogie in 3/4 time) is matched by Mayhew's robust tenor. S and Watson set the table for the driving take of "Medi II" before Gordon (on open horn) and Mayhew take charge with their explosive solos. The laid-back, moody "Medi I" follows in sharp contrast, with Mayhew gently embellishing the melody over the rhythm section and Watson's sensitive percussion providing an effective backdrop. Mayhew also plays several strong originals. Her explosive "One for Mary Lou" packs a powerful punch in an uptempo setting, with Gordon rivaling the leader for top solo honors. "5 for Mary Lou" starts like a bar-walking anthem with just sax and trombone, though it turns jaunty with the addition of the rhythm section, filled with hot solos and playful unison lines for the horns. Highly recommended.

Review by Ken Dryden