James Williams & Emil Viklický: 1981 Together

Viklický became familiar with Williams' work during a visit to the U.S. in 1978 and later studied at Berklee, though after Williams had already left the faculty to work as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. By the time of their 1981 meeting in the studio in Prague, each musician brought compelling originals to the session, as well as seeking to find new ground in time-tested standards and classic jazz compositions. Williams' intriguing jazz waltz "For My Nephews" proves to be a strong opener. Viklický's driving bop tribute "One for J.W." also works extremely well. Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" is tackled at a brisk tempo with a bossa nova undercurrent. The pianists devour Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-A-Ning" with a playful interpretation. Whether or not this excellent record is still available in the Czech Republic, it is unlikely to be easy to find elsewhere.

01 For My Nephews 5:50 (James Williams)
02 One for J.W. 4:10 (Emil Viklický)
03 Blue in Dark-Green 6:23 (Emil Viklický)
04 You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 4:17 (Cole Porter)
05 Double Play 7:46 (James Williams, Emil Viklický)
06 Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise 4:37 (Oscar Hammerstein II, Sigmund Romberg)
07 1977 A.D. 5:45 (James Williams)
09 Rhythm-A-Ning 4:32 (Thelonious Monk)
09 Together 04:00 (James Williams, Emil Viklický)