The name Mary Lou Williams might just make you chuckle at how some folks still balk at the mention of jazz in high culture. You know, that genre that had the audacity to shape American music, much to the chagrin of classical snobs. The album "Mary Lou Williams" is as conservative as jazz gets, and not in the way you might think—she was a woman in a male-dominated world (gasp!) who dared to compose, arrange, and stride on those piano keys like nobody’s business. Recorded at a time when America was rediscovering its music mojo, this 1971 gem was concocted in New York, destined to become a testament to the rich legacy of African American contributions to jazz.
Mary Lou Williams was no mere artist; she was a pioneer who brought sophistication to jazz, playing with the likes of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. She seamlessly transitioned from boogie-woogie to bebop, brushing aside anyone who dared doubt her mastery. The album "Mary Lou Williams" came at a crucial time, when fusion was trying to steal the limelight from good old jazz roots. Yet, here she was, reminding everyone about the virtues of sticking to what made jazz American: deep emotion, irresistible rhythms, and a narrative that reflected the soul of a nation.
The album itself is a kaleidoscope of blues, swing, and gospel. Tracks like "Praise The Lord" exude a kind of spiritual grit that other genres try but fail to emulate. There's no pity party here, no cavorting for sympathy. Instead, it’s raw and forthrightly honest—a somber echo of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. Let's face it, you won’t find that in a Taylor Swift record. Mary Lou Williams doesn’t just play; she tells stories.
Now, why should you care? Because Mary Lou Williams was a conservative powerhouse in her own right, pushing boundaries yet holding firm to her values. In "Mary Lou Williams", the composition demands audiences' full attention, refusing to dumb down the complexity of the music just because some folks can’t handle more than a three-chord progression. She made music that was both intelligent and entertaining, showing us that it's possible to have both seasoned talent and personality without having to pander to ephemeral trends.
In an age when every new single is more about shock value—cue the latest pop sensation with no real vocal chops—you have Mary Lou Williams demonstrating real skill. She wasn’t any run-of-the-mill musician; she was at the pinnacle of her craft. It’s a reminder that talent and hard work can still produce something timeless, without resorting to gimmicks or autotune.
The album "Mary Lou Williams" also reminds the modern listener that conservatism and innovation can coexist. While liberals scream for constant innovation and change, Williams crafted music that was innovative yet deeply rooted in tradition. Her compositions, filled with gospel and blues influences, invite us to acknowledge our past while celebrating the present and future.
In her track "Ode to Saint Cecile", she calls on Saint Cecilia, the patroness of musicians and emblem of thoughtful musical artistry, blending ecclesiastical elegance with jazz's raw spirit. Religious imagery runs like a bold thread through her work, reflecting her belief in something greater—a shocking sentiment in today's culture of self-worship. Williams made music that invited introspection, celebrated spirituality, and displayed a grounded humility that some modern artists could take a leaf from.
"Mary Lou Williams" is a clarion call for those who believe that skill and depth exist beyond the hype. For those who are tired of drifting through a sea of inconsequential 'artists', Mary Lou stands as a symbol of what true artistry looks like. It’s about discipline, refinement, and pushing past the politics of music to deliver something unwaveringly human. Sure, contemporary musicians might delight in shaking things up for controversy's sake, but Williams played music that was enduring, that struck a chord because it was honest.
Let’s not forget, there was a time when jazz was viewed as a rebellion against the status quo, much like how conservatism is often perceived today. With Williams, you get the best of both worlds—innovative music, steeped in rich traditions, delivered by someone who broke barriers simply by being the best at what she did. So the next time you find yourself browsing through your music library or streaming playlist, take a moment to appreciate what Mary Lou Williams stood for: the enduring power of skillful, heartfelt music that doesn’t need to beg for attention but commands it.