Pianist-composer Chris Pattishall's debut recording is an auspicious one. "Zodiac" is his reworking of Mary Lou Williams' "Zodiac Suite" with expanded instrumentation. Williams was, of course, a pioneering pianist, composer, and arranger whose "Zodiac Suite" remains an underappreciated gem. Pattishall, who studied with Marcus Roberts and Harold Mabern, gained an appreciation for the jazz piano greats. Pattishall, in collaboration with producer Rafiq Bhatia, brought together an ensemble Jamison Ross (drums), Riley Mulherkar (trumpet), Ruben Fox (saxophone), and Marty Jaffe (bass) to increase expert the legendary Mary Lou Williams' wondrous music.
Williams' original suite was inspired after reading a book on astrology, with each sign being a taking-off point that would take further inspiration from friends in the jazz world. So for "Aries," she was inspired by Ben Webster and Billie Holiday, while "Libra" found inspiration in Art Tatum. As a song cycle, the performances still ring fresh today. Pattishall's added instrumentation to this song cycle showing the continuing relevance of this music.
While Pattishall may initiate a performance with piano, the added instrumentation allows additional musical colors. Bhatia's production at times adds a dreamlike quality, such as during the "Scorpio," which closes with some riveting saxophone from Fox. Pattishall adds some Monkish angular phrases in his comping on this track with its shifting tempos and moods. "Sagittarius" provides a piano solo showcase for Pattishall's considerable piano talent on a composition Williams dedicated to Eddie Heywood. "Three Blind Mice" is quoted in this performance. "Capricorn," dedicated to Frankie Newton, was one of Williams' favorite compositions of the suite, and the rendition here has the sober feel of the original performance. While there are no solos on "Capricorn," trumpeter Mulherkar and saxophonist Fox provide a mournful tone with their ensemble playing. Then the two weave around each other during "Aquarius."
It says so much that one does not have to listen to Mary Lou Williams' original recording to appreciate the outstanding music. Taking these memorable classic compositions and bringing together a terrific band that revives these multi-faceted compositions with such spirit is a remarkable achievement. Incidentally, Mary Lou Williams' recording is available from Smithsonian-Folkways, as well as various streaming services. One can download the full liner notes for the Williams recording at the Smithsonian website https://folkways-media.si.edu/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40810.pdf.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "Libra" from "Zodiac."
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