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
Released1990
StudioWestside Studios, London and Systems Two Studios, New York
GenreJazz
Length58:35
LabelVerve
ProducerSteve Coleman, Glenn Skinner, Steve Williamson
Steve Williamson chronology
A Waltz for Grace
(1990)
Rhyme Time (That Fuss Was Us)
(1991)

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ a b Yanow, S.AllMusic: A Waltz for Grace accessed 1 May 2010
  2. ^ a b 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.