Buster Williams©Andrea Canter

“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 February 18-21, Williams brings his latest version of Something More to the Iridium in Manhattan.

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. Later he was hired by Dakota Staton, and over time appeared with jazz giants such as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, Chet Baker, Chick Corea, Dexter Gordon, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Larry Coryell, Lee Konitz, McCoy Tyner, Illinois Jacquet, Nancy Wilson, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, the Jazz Crusaders, Ron Garter, Woody Shaw, Sarah Vaughan, Benny Golson, Mary Lou Williams, Hank Jones, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Rowles, Hampton Hawes, Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Billy Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Count Basie, Errol Garner, Kenny Barron, Charlie Rouse, Kenny Dorham, Freddie Hubbard, and more. But "after working almost continuously for 30 years as a sideman," says Buster, "I decided it was time to take the plunge, step up to the front, play my music, and express my concept of a cohesive musical unit. I've served my apprenticeship under many great masters and feel that it's my honor and privilege to carry on the lineage that makes this music such an artistically rich art form.” Williams was awarded an NEA grant for composition in 1991, shortly after forming the first configuration of his “Something More” band.  In addition to his quartet, Williams recent work has included tours with Kenny Barron (with whom he once collaborated on the ensemble Sphere) and Benny Golson. 

The current Buster Williams Something More Quartet offers “something more” than a great bass player and composer. Always traveling in superb company, Williams will bring an all-star ensemble to Smoke with the sublime Steve Wilson on alto sax, monster pianist Patrice Rushen, and long-time collaborator Lenny White on drums. 

Steve Wilson©Andrea Canter

Patrice Rushen's career has included producing, directing, composing, scoring, and recording and well has performance artistry on keyboards. 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; 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, Dianna Reeves and, of course, Buster Williams.

 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. Recent exploits have included the reunion tour and recording with RTF, touring with the Chick Corea Trio, and touring/recording with pianist Hiromi and RTF bassist Stanley Clarke in the Stanley Clarke Trio.

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 four exceptional nights at the Iridium. 

The Iridium is located at 1650 Broadway (at 51st), Manhattan, www.iridiumjazzclub.com. Buster Williams and Something More perform February 18-21, two sets each night at 8:30 and 10:30 pm.

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