Zodiac Suite

by Mary Lou Williams, Mary Lou Williams Collective

Overview

Mary Lou Williams' Zodiac Suite, a 12-piece work with a different theme made for each of the signs of the zodiac (and keeping in mind the personalities of a few jazz musicians born during each period), was composed and first recorded in 1945. With the assistance of bassist Al Lucas and drummer Jack "The Bear" Parker, pianist Williams performs these moody and often introspective (but occasionally playful) sketches in a forward-looking swing style. Six alternate takes have been added to the original program on this CD reissue which, although not quite essential, has its interesting moments. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	10/17/1995
Label:	Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
UPC:	0093074081020
Rank:	5831

Tracks

1. Aries
2. Taurus
3. Gemini
4. Cancer
5. Leo
6. Virgo
7. Libra
8. Scorpio
9. Sagittarius
10. Capricorn
11. Aquarius
12. Pisces
13. Aries
14. Cancer
15. Virgo
16. Scorpio
17. Aquarius

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mary Lou Williams   Primary Artist,Piano
Mary Lou Williams Collective   Primary Artist
Jack Parker   Guest Artist,Drums
Al Lucas   Bass

Technical Credits

Moses Asch   Engineer,Producer
Dan Morgenstern   Liner Notes,Annotation
Anthony Seeger   Production Supervisor
Matt Walters   Production Supervisor,Reissue Producer
Guy Williams   Composer
Mary Lou Williams   Composer,Annotation
Joe Gastwirt   Mastering
Malcolm Addey   Transfers