Mary Lou Williams was an American jazz stride pianist, composer, and arranger. Williams had written hundreds of compositions or arrangements, and recorded over a hundred records. Williams wrote and arranged for such greats as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, and she was friend, mentor, and teacher to Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. She displayed remarkable versatility and power, and is probably the most influential woman in the history of jazz. In 2010 Ms. Williams would have been 100 years old, and we plan this event as a birthday celebration during Women’s History Month on March 26-27, 2010. This tribute concert features an all-star big band, small ensemble, and chorus performing a selection of Ms. Williams compositions led by Artistic Director/Arranger/and Vibraphonist Cecilia Smith and assistance conductor Cecil Bridgewater along with featured soloist Amina Claudine Myers on piano.
Made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Program.
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