JAZZ REVIEW : Talented Williams Trio Leaves Doubts

Buster Williams, who appeared at the Jazz Bakery during the weekend with his own trio, is a bassist with countless credits as sideman, leader and accompanist to singers.

Limber fingered, with a dark, rich tone, Williams leaves no doubt about his technical virtuosity. On Friday, his solos involved the full range of the instrument, occasional chording and moments of walking bass for contrast.

There was evidence of some preparation as the trio (with Stephen Scott on piano and Tootie Heath on drums) indulged in long introductory ostinato vamps, interludes and tempo changes that brought some variety to such standards as “If I Should Lose You” and “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.”

Scott, who soloed at length, is a powerful performer with incisive articulation. Heath was his usual reliable self, playing one sensitive solo on brushes.

In the final analysis the trio offered few creative crests; Williams seemingly overextended his solos to the point where he ran short of ideas. Granted Williams’ stature as an eminent virtuoso, he hardly seems logically destined to be a leader.