Steve Williams : New Incentive

After a quarter-century as drummer to Shirley Horn, Steve Williams emerges as a leader with a potent modern-bop quintet and some hefty star power from guest soloists Roy Hargrove, Gary Bartz and the late John Hicks. But it’s the core band that makes waves. Williams provides expert leadership and driving grooves, abetted by rhythmic twists from pianist Olivier Hutman. Meanwhile, trumpeter Donvonte McCoy and trombonist Antoine Roney spin buoyant lines that feed gracefully into each other and bassist Michael Bowie greases the wheels for fluid motion in this burning debut.

Originally Published May 1, 2007