[MRL 312] Charles Williams - Charles Williams

Charles Williams - Charles Williams (MRL 312)
1971


Charles I. Williams- Alto Saxophone
David "Bubba" Brooks- Tenor
Don Pullen- Organ
Bill Curtis- Drums
Gordon Edwards- Bass
Earl Dunbar, Jr.- Guitar


Side One
You Got Me Running- 7:53 (J. Reed)
Please Send Me Someone To Love- 7:51 (P. Mayfield)
Bacon Butt Fat- 5:33 (C. Williams)

Side Two
Country Mile- 3:50 (C. Williams)
Catfish Sam'ich- 5:05 (C. Williams)
There Is No Greater Love- 8:39 (J. Jones/ M. Symes)

Recording Location: New York City (Prob. Mercury Recording Studios, West 57th Street)
Produced by: Bobby Shad
Liner Notes: Leonard Feather
Liner Photos: Chuck Stewart



AMG Review by Jason Ankeny

Charles Williams' self-titled Mainstream debut hearkens back to the soul-jazz sound dominant a decade ago. Despite the lean, mean funkiness of his alto sax leads, the session makes few nods to prevailing sensibilities, instead favoring a spacious, mellow mood suggesting the classic Prestige Records formula. Joined by up-and-coming organist Don Pullen as well as tenorist David Bubba Brooks, guitarist Earl Dunbar, bassist Gordon Edwards, and drummer Bill Curtis, Williams proves a deceptively commanding presence, eschewing pyrotechnics and histrionics on a series of earthy yet accomplished solos that ripple with imagination. The organic groove extends across the record, and while each player shines, the music is far greater than the sum of its parts.