“Something More” is an apt title for Buster Williams’ ensemble. Among the busiest and most prolific of modern bassists, Williams has always been more than a sideman, 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, to his work on projects as diverse as the Jazz Crusaders, Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi Band, and Sphere with T.S. Monk. In addition to his numerous supporting roles, 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.” On January 8-9, Williams brings his latest version of Something More to Yoshi's in Oakland.

Bass players often are overlooked or underappreciated 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. The son of a bassist, Williams grew up in New Jersey, noting that “we were a two-bass family.” He was playing with Jimmy Heath while still in high school, and shortly after graduation was working with Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt.

The current Buster Williams Quartet offers “something more” than a great bass player and composer. Always traveling in superb company, Williams will bring an all-star ensemble to Yoshi's, includig composer/ pianist Patrice Rushen, vibraphonist Stefon Harris and drummer Lenny White.

Patrice Rushen returns on the piano bench, fitting this gig 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. Seeing her is a rare treat.

A leader of the younger generation, vibraphonist Stefon Harris began playing piano at six and ultimately gained proficiency on more than a dozen instruments. He attained the principal percussionist chair with the Empire State Youth Orchestra as a high school student and went on to graduate from the Manhattan School of Music with a BA in classical music and an MA in jazz performance. Harris has received wide recognition through 3 Grammy nominations (including 2003 for his recording, “Grand Unification Theory”); was named “Best Mallet Player” for 5 straight years by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has received various awards from Jazz Times, Downbeat, Jazziz, Newsweek, and more. Among his recording credits include partnerships with Max Roach, Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Buster Williams, Charlie Hunter, and many other top jazz artists. Additionally he is committed to jazz education and conducts numerous clinics and workshops at schools and universities throughout the country.

And what better choice of drummer 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 Buster Williams and Patrice Rushen. In fact, much like Steve Smith of Journey, Lenny White has proven to be a master of percussion regardless of genre.

The Buster Williams “Something More” Quartet promises that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts—and given the parts, that means two nights of exceptional jazz at Yoshi's!