A Waltz for Grace

{{Album ratings

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev2 = The Penguin Guide to Jazz

| rev2Score = {{rating|3.5|4}}Richard Cook and Brian Morton, The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, LP & Cassette (Penguin, 1992: {{ISBN|978-0-14-015364-4}}).

}}

The Los Angeles Times stated that "U.S.-session bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Mark Mondesir ... provide inventive rhythmic stimulus which Williamson uses for demonstrations of reserve as well as gut-busting enthusiasm."{{cite news |last1=Kohlhaase |first1=Bill |title='A Waltz for Grace' |work=Los Angeles Times |date=29 July 1990 |department=Calendar |page=64}}

AllMusic awarded the album with 3 stars and its review by Scott Yanow states: "At 25, Williamson displayed an original tenor sound and, although some of his soloing is in the Greg Osby/Gary Thomas 'M-Base' mode, he was not limited to that abstract style of improvising".Yanow, S.[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r150315|pure_url=yes}} AllMusic: A Waltz for Grace] accessed 1 May 2010 The Penguin Guide review says: "What is lastingly impressive about A Waltz for Grace is its tremendous rhythmic variety. 'Groove Thang' (a UK recorded soprano-percussion duet) leads directly into the fuller-sounding 'Synthesis' from New York, both largely dependent on Williamson's ability to balance a line over a jolting, staccato pulse".

All compositions by Steve Williamson except where noted.

1. "Down (Slang)" – 3:18
2. "Awakening" – 4:35
3. "Visions" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:29
4. "A Waltz for Grace" – 4:15
5. "Mandy's Mood" – 5:49
6. "Soon Come" – 4:14
7. "Straight Ahead" – 4:45
8. "Mandela" – 4:29
9. "Groove Thang" – 1:42
10. "Synthesis" – 4:59
11. "Hummingbird" – 5:41
12. "How High the Bird" – 4:22
13. "Words Within Words" – 5:01

• Steve Williamson – all saxophones
• Mark Mondesir – drums
• Lonnie Plaxico – bass
• Gary Crosby – bass
• Dave Gilmore – guitar
• Hawi Gondwe – guitar
• Julian Joseph – piano
• Abbey Lincoln – vocals on "A Waltz for Grace"

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Category:1989 debut albums

Category:Steve Williamson albums