Buster Williams

[HutchFan]

There doesn't appear to be a thread dedicated to the great bassist Buster Williams, so I've decided to start one.

Over the last month or two, I've been on a big Buster kick, listening to his recordings both as a leader and sideman.  He's got such an immaculate swing feeling.  And that totally distinctive tone!  Whenever Buster appears on a record, he elevates those around him.

Just for kicks, I compiled a list of some of my favorite records that feature Buster in a sideman role.  Here it is, in no particular order:

• Chet Baker - Peace (Enja)
• Herbie Hancock - Mwandishi (Warner Brothers)
• Kenny Barron - Golden Lotus (Muse)
• Norman Connors - Love from the Sun (Buddah)
• Sonny Fortune - Waves of Dreams (A&M/Horizon)
• Buck Hill - Scope (SteepleChase)
• Shirley Horn - A Lazy Afternoon (SteepleChase)
• Bobby Hutcherson - Farewell Keystone (Theresa/Evidence)
• Buddy Terry - Pure Dynamite (Mainstream)
• McCoy Tyner - Sama Layuca (Milestone)
• Bill Barron - Jazz Caper (Muse)
• Franco Ambrosetti - Wings (Enja)
• Stanley Cowell - We Three (DIW)
• Joe Farrell - Outback (CTI)
• Chico Freeman - Peaceful Heart, Gentle Spirit (Contemporary)
• Carlos Garnett - Black Love (Muse)
• Freddie Hubbard - Outpost (Enja)
• Eric Kloss - Essence (Muse)
• Charles Sullivan - Re-Entry (WhyNot)
• James Williams - The Arioso Touch (Concord)
• Larry Willis - The Big Push (HighNote)
• Denny Zeitlin - Slick Rock (MAXJAZZ)
• Sonny Simmons & Prince Lasha - Firebirds (Contemporary)
• Harold Land - The Peace-Maker (Cadet)
• Woody Shaw - Woody III (Columbia)
• Jimmie Rowles - Grandpaws (Choice)
• Bennie Maupin - The Jewel in the Lotus (ECM)
• Hilton Ruiz - Piano Man (SteepleChase)
• Mary Lou Williams - Free Spirits (SteepleChase)
• Ron Carter - Piccolo (Milestone)
• Black Renaissance - Body, Mind and Spirit (Baystate/Luv N' Haight)
• Cedar Walton - Among Friends (Theresa/Evidence)
• Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya - African River (Enja)
• Donald Brown - Sources of Inspiration (Muse)
• Gary Bartz - Episode 1: Children Of Harlem (Challenge)
• Geri Allen - The Gathering (Verve)
• Steve Kuhn - Love Walked In (Venus/Sunnyside)
• Steve Turre - Lotus Flower (Verve)
• Jeff Lederer - Sunwatcher (Jazzheads)

Also, this morning, Ethan Iverson posted a message about Buster on Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/iverson/p/buster-williams-in-the-news?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email  Iverson extensively quotes drummer Billy Hart's take on Buster.  Fascinating reading!

 

So do you enjoy Buster's playing?  If so, what are your favorite recordings -- either as a leader or sideman?  Concerts?  Interactions?

Let's discuss Buster!  

 

Edited 2 hours ago by HutchFan

[JSngry]

Completely from another world, but I always enjoyed how he play the Nancy Wilson gig.

As well as the Jazz Crusaders 

[HutchFan]

Some photos of Buster:

with Herbie Hancock & Billy Hart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sure that many of you have already seen it, but I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend Buster's documentary: Buster Williams Bass to Infinity.

Edited 1 hour ago by HutchFan