Buster Williams debut as a leader from 1975…
Buster Williams – Pinnacle – Muse/Time Traveler/ Craft Recordings # TT-M006 – 180 gm vinyl – 1975 – 44:07 – ***1/2
(Buster Williams – acoustic & electric bass, vocal; Earl Turbinton – soprano sax, bass clarinet; Sonny Fortune – soprano sax, flute, alto flute; Woody Shaw – trumpet; Onaje Allan Gumbs – acoustic & electric piano, Moog Synthesizer, Arp string ensemble; Billy Hart – drums; Guilherme Franco – percussion; Suzanne Klewan & Marcus – background vocals)
As part of the Muse Records re-release series of jazz LPs from the 1970s, Time Traveler Recordings, in association with Craft Recordings, is issuing Pinnacle, the debut recording (as a leader) of bassist, Buster Williams.
Buster has had a long career as a top notch bassist, who has played with all the greats over the years, and is still going strong. Before this 1975 release, Williams had accompanied Nancy Wilson, McCoy Tyner, and was a major contributor to Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi group from 1970-1973.
For his leader debut, Muse, used a first rate group of horn players (saxophonists, Sonny Fortune, and Earl Turbinton, and added trumpeter, Woody Shaw, on two tracks.) The rhythm section is composed of pianist, Onaje Allan Gumbs, and drummer, Billy Hart. Percussion duties were ably handled by Guilherme Franco.
The five tracks, with four written by Buster, cover a wide range of genres, including spiritual jazz, post bop, with a strong dose of fusion, and a little funk thrown in. Several tracks have background vocals, which sometimes distract a bit.
“The Hump” opens with some 1970s psychedelia, with fusion meeting funk. Williams is on fender bass, while Turbinton and Fortune stir the pot on bass clarinet, and soprano sax, respectively. Gumbs’ synthesizer sets the mood, while Billy Hart’s forceful drumming is strong in the mix. The title track has Buster on vocals, while Earl and Sonny share soprano lines, with Earl taking lead duties. Woody Shaw adds his trumpet.
“Tayamisha,” written by Buster for his daughter, holds up quite well after 50+ years, and is a highlight of this LP. The two saxes have a high pitched keening blend, and Gumbs has a great straight ahead acoustic piano solo, while Buster’s bass solo stands out. He also has a major say on the closer, “Batuki,” an Allan Gumbs composition. Fortune and Turbinton blend well, while Woody Shaw is restrained, adding color, instead of heat. Once again, Williams solos extensively.
The sound mix is spot on, with the original analog masters used by Matthew
Lutthans at the Mastering Lab, and the pressings on 180 gm vinyl by Optimal. There are new liner notes, and a rare period photograph. Just in time for Record Store Day (April 18), this LP is housed on a Stoughton old style tip-on jacket.
It’s great to experience Buster Williams early in his career, backed by such great sidemen.
—Review by Jeff Krow
Buster Williams – Pinnacle
Tracklist:
Side A: The Hump, Noble Ego, Pinnacle
Side B: Tayamisha, Batuki
