ALBUM REVIEWS : *** STEVE WILLIAMSON “A Waltz for Grace” <i> Polygram</i>

Williamson, the latest saxophonist out of England seeking, and qualifying for, young-lion status, blends ‘60s Hank Mobley-style blowing with big-beat, new-thing excursions on this disc recorded with varying English and American personnel. It’s a promising first release that begins to carve out some identity for this young saxophonist. Though snatches of Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane and even Joe Henderson can be heard in his playing, Williamson doesn’t wear his influences on his sleeve. His tenor playing on Stevie Wonder’s ballad “Visions” is warmly understated while his alto rant on “How High the Bird” is sufficiently twisted. U.S.-session bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Mark Mondesir, who plays on all cuts, provide inventive rhythmic stimulus which Williamson uses for demonstrations of reserve as well as gut-busting enthusiasm. Guest vocalist Abbey Lincoln sounds tentative, almost fragile, on the title cut--a contrast to her past work.