Four jazz giants and living legends collide once again on the Smoke Session Recording label. Four in One is the latest effort of the Heads of State, which is comprised of saxophonist and Baltimore native Gary Bartz; pianist Larry Willis; drummer Al Foster; and the latest addition to the ensemble, bassist David "Happy" Williams.
This marks their second recording and it features original tunes from each member of the quartet, as well as selections by a few jazz icons that mentored the members individually over the years.
The initial recording of the Heads of State, Search for Peace (2015), was more in the vein of a McCoy Tyner ensemble. This one spreads out even further as they tackle music from Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Harris and even Charlie Parker. Heads of State also re-record a Bartz classic in the tune, "And He Called Himself A Messenger,” which happens to be one of my favorites.
Tune in all month long to hear various selections from Head of State with “Four in One”, our CD of the month here on Your Source for Cool Jazz & More, WEAA 88.9FM.