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| Harlem Speaks Begins 2006 with Buster Williams The Jazz Museum in Harlem launches its Harlem Speaks series in 2006 with master bassist Buster Williamson January 12, 2006. Born in Camden, NJ in 1942, Williams learned to play bass from his father, Charles Anthony “Cholly” Williams. He has played, recorded and collaborated with jazz giants such as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, Chet Baker, Chick Corea, Lee Konitz, Nancy Wilson, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, the Jazz Crusaders, Sarah Vaughan, Mary Lou Williams, Hank Jones, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Rowles, Cedar Walton, Billy Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, Errol Garner, Kenny Barron, Charlie Rouse, Dakota Staton, and Freddie Hubbard, to name only a few. In the 1980s he performed with the renowned groups Sphere and The Timeless Allstars, and formed his own group, Something More, in 1990. ”After working almost continuously for 30 years as a sideman, ” says Williams, “I decided it was time to take the plunge, step up to the front, play my music, and express my concept of a cohesive musical unit. I've served my apprenticeship under many great masters and feel that it's my honor and privilege to carry on the lineage that makes this music such an artistically rich art form.” Drummer Rudy Lawless, 65, spent his early years in Harlem on 159th and Amsterdam Avenue, within blocks of fellow drummers Sid Catlett, Denzel Best, “Slick” Jones and Jimmy Crawford. He heard these artists and others as a young man at Harlem clubs such as Pop's, Lou's, Dexter's and the Amsterdam Caf. Alto sax legend Jackie McLean set up his first drum set; Art Blakey, one of his idols, even came to his home to give him drumming tips. At 16, he spent a summer touring cross country with Eddie Durham. In addition to leading his own ensembles, he's performed with Andy Kirk, Blue Mitchell, Hank Jones, Rex Stewart, Roy Eldridge, and bassist Addison Farmer. He's recorded with vibraphonist Freddie McCoy, vocalists Etta Jones and Betty Roche, and pianist Lenore Raphael, with whom he recently did a five- day gig at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |