Mary Lou Williams: a Morning Glory of Jazz
& a woman of note 🎶
Mary Lou Williams: a jazz legend
I know exactly where I was when I first heard Mary Lou Williams play the piano. It was listening to Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on the radio.
The first show aired April 1, 1979, with guest Mary Lou Williams.[40] Several Piano Jazz programs have been released on CD by Concord Records.
I was sitting on the top step of the stairwell unscrewing the oak handrail from the wall. The why was a little hazy. Either I was painting the wall behind it or cleaning off the old varnish. I didn’t know about masking tape in those days.
I was mesmerized by the clusters of chords she layered over each other. It reminded me of the times I’d sat under the grand piano when my sister or father played. The chords would vibrate through my body and I experienced such peace.
This is what Mary Lou Williams was capable of — even over a transistor radio.
Marian McPartland and Mary Lou Williams became close friends during their years playing in New York’s jazz clubs during the 50s.
I didn’t understand that I was listening to history, but their talent and friendship were unmistakable. Ms. Williams and Ms. McPartland were remarkable…
