A Waltz for Grace

A Waltz for Grace is the debut album by English saxophonist Steve Williamson, released on the Verve label in 1990.

A Waltz for Grace
Studio album by Steve Williamson
Released	1990
Studio	Westside Studios, London and Systems Two Studios, New York
Genre	Jazz
Length	58:35
Label	Verve
Producer	Steve Coleman, Glenn Skinner, Steve Williamson
Steve Williamson chronology
A Waltz for Grace (1990) Rhyme Time (That Fuss Was Us) (1991)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz	[2]

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."^[3]

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".^[1] 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".^[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Steve Williamson except where noted.

1. "Down (Slang)" – 3:18
2. "Awakening" – 4:35
3. "Visions" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:29
4. "A Waltz for Grace" – 4:15
5. "Mandy's Mood" – 5:49
6. "Soon Come" – 4:14
7. "Straight Ahead" – 4:45
8. "Mandela" – 4:29
9. "Groove Thang" – 1:42
10. "Synthesis" – 4:59
11. "Hummingbird" – 5:41
12. "How High the Bird" – 4:22
13. "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

1. Yanow, S.AllMusic: A Waltz for Grace accessed 1 May 2010
2. Richard Cook and Brian Morton, The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, LP & Cassette (Penguin, 1992: ISBN 978-0-14-015364-4).
3. Kohlhaase, Bill (29 July 1990). "'A Waltz for Grace'". Calendar. Los Angeles Times. p. 64.