“Something More” is an apt title for Buster Williams’ current quartet.

Among the busiest and most prolific of modern bassists, Williams has always been something “more” himself, from his early days with Jimmy Heath, Gene Ammons, and Sonny Stitt (all before age 20), to his alliance with such vocalists as Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, and Betty Carter, and his work on projects as diverse as the Jazz Crusaders, Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi Band, and Sphere with T.S. Monk. Much in demand as a sideman, Williams has also shone as a frequently-recorded leader and composer. The Penguin Guide to Jazz notes his “impeccable harmony” and a “rhythmic sense that is unfailing, feeling, and utterly original,” characteristics well displayed in his recent visits to the Twin Cities (at the Dakota in 2002, 2003, and 2004) as well as with the Geri Allen Trio at the Iowa City Jazz Festival last summer.

Bass players often are overlooked or under appreciated even by “jazz fans”—bass solos often seem to be regarded as mere intermissions while the horn or piano takes a break. Buster Williams commands our attention, as much to his supporting lines as to his dynamic and creative solos. But this group does offer “something more” than a great bass player and composer. Always traveling in superb company, Williams will bring to the Jazz Showcase three musicians with plenty of star appeal of their own:
Patrice Rushen will be on the piano bench, fitting these gigs into a schedule that includes producing, directing, composing, scoring, and recording. In the footsteps of mentor Quincy Jones, Rushen has received critical acclaim for songwriting and scoring for films such as “Men in Black” and “Waiting to Exhale.” She has numerous credits as music director for television, film, and such touring stars as Janet Jackson; recently spent a year as composer in residence for the Detroit Symphony; and is actively involved in bringing music education to inner city youth. Yet she is also one incredible pianist whose classical training has been extended to all points in the musical universe, from rock-fusion and R &B to physical, complex post-bop jazz. Throughout her career, she has performed solo and with such artists as Stanley Turrentine, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, and Dianna Reeves. And to our delight, with Buster Williams in Chicago. Seeing her is a rare treat.

Photograph courtesy of Howard Gitelson

And what better choice of drummer to drive Something More than Lenny White? Best known for his early work with Miles Davis (on “Bitches Brew”) and Chick Corea’s Return to Forever band, White is still known more as a fusion drummer than mainstream jazz artist, which is a shame because he so readily morphs into the latter in the company of such talents as Williams and Rushen. In fact, much like Steve Smith of Journey (and recently locally, with George Brooks’ Summit), Lenny White has proven to be a master of percussion regardless of genre. This is one timekeeper to take the time to enjoy.

Steve Nelson should be a familiar face to fans of Dave Holland, as he still holds the vibes chair in both the Holland Quintet and Big Band. Expect some new opportunities for Nelson with Something More, where the presence of the piano should give him new territory to explore. A scholar as well as performer with a Master’s Degree in music from Rutgers and faculty appointment at Princeton, Nelson’s credits include work with Kenny Barron, Bobby Watson, Mulgrew Miller, Johnny Griffin, and Jackie McLean and numerous recordings as sideman and leader.

Buster Williams’quartet promises that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts - and given the parts, that means there is truly “Something More” on the jazz scene.

Buster Williams Tour
• March 29-April 3 The Buster Williams Quartet "Something More" The Jazz Showcase Chicago, Ill.
• April 8 Buster Williams, Cedar Walton, Benny Golson, Jimmy Cobb-La Coruna Spain
• April 24 Benny Golson Quartet New Orleans, La
• May 6-7 Larry Willis Quintet Smoke New York, NY
• May 12-14 Benny Golson Quartet Smoke New York,NY
• May 27 Steve Turres' Rahsaan Roland Kirk Project Herbst Theater San Francisco, Ca
• June 23 Buster Williams Quartet "Something More" Verona Jazz Festival Verona, Italy
• July 28-31 Larry Willis Quintet The Jazz Standard New York, NY
• August 6 Denny Zeitlin Trio Litchfield Jazz Festival Litchfield,CT
• Sept. 2 Denny Zeitlin Trio Chicago Jazz Festival Chicago, Ill.
• Sept. 18 Denny Zeitlin Trio Monterey Jazz Fest. Monterey,Ca