Jessica Williams - Higher Standards

ianmonroe

Review by Ian Monroe

Higher Standards by Jessica Williams: A Jazz Gem That Still Shines If you’re into jazz, especially the kind that makes your fingers tap and your heart skip a beat, Higher Standards by Jessica Williams is worth checking out. Released in 1997 under Candid Records (UK), this album hits all the right notes for piano jazz lovers. With Dave Captein on bass and Mel Brown handling drums, it’s got that tight trio vibe that just feels like home. Now, let me tell ya—this isn’t one of those albums where every track blends together. No way. It’s packed with classics like “East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)” and “A Night in Tunisia,” but it’s how Jessica plays them that sticks with you. Let me break it down. First up, “East of the Sun.” Man, oh man. When Jessica sits down at the keys, she doesn’t just play; she talks to you through the music. This version has this cool, laid-back swing, but there are moments when her fingers fly across the piano so fast, you almost can’t believe what you’re hearing. Then Mel Brown comes in with these crisp drum fills that feel like little sparks lighting up the whole tune. Honestly, I’ve listened to this track five times already today alone. It’s impossible not to hit repeat—it’s smooth yet exciting, like sipping coffee while watching raindrops race down a window. Then there’s “A Night in Tunisia.” If you think you’ve heard enough versions of this Dizzy Gillespie classic, trust me, this one will surprise you. Jessica takes the melody and turns it inside out, adding her own twists and turns without losing its soul. There’s this part midway where the bass and drums drop out, leaving her solo hanging in midair. For a second, it feels like time stops. And then—boom—the band crashes back in, and suddenly you’re grinning ear to ear because it’s just so good. The album also features other gems like “Mack the Knife” and “Solitude,” but honestly, after hearing “East of the Sun” and “Night in Tunisia,” everything else feels like icing on an already delicious cake. The mix of bop energy and heartfelt ballads keeps things fresh from start to finish. What gets me about Higher Standards is how alive it sounds. You can practically hear the musicians smiling as they play off each other. It’s clear they weren’t just phoning it in—they were vibing hard in the studio. And honestly? That connection makes all the difference. So yeah, if you’re looking for something to brighten up your day or give you those late-night chill vibes, grab this album. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing it over and over again until your neighbors start humming along too. Oh, and here’s a random thought: wouldn’t it be wild if someone made a movie inspired by this record? Picture Jessica walking through smoky clubs, wowing crowds with her killer solos… okay, maybe I’ve been watching too many old-school flicks lately. Either way, go listen. You won’t regret it!

Download Jessica Williams - Higher Standards
Artist: Jessica Williams
Album: Higher Standards
Rating: 3.67

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: jessica-williams-higher-standards.zip
  • MP3 size: 85 mb
  • FLAC size: 782 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
When Your Lover Has Gone 5:54
When Your Lover Has Gone05:54
Mack The Knife 5:05
A Night In Tunisia 7:47
My Heart Belongs to Daddy06:26
A Night in Tunisia07:47
Midnight Sun08:43
Solitude06:18
East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) 9:04
Get Out of Town6:47
Don't Take Your Love From Me 9:18
Don't Take Your Love from Me09:18
Midnight Sun 8:43
My Heart Belongs To Daddy 6:26
Solitude 6:18
East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)09:04
Mack the Knife05:05

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Catalog Numbers

CCD 79736

Labels

Candid

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Formats

CD

Credits

RoleCredit
BassDave Captein
DrumsMel Brown
PianoJessica Williams

About Jessica Williams

Classical pianist, jazz musician. Born: March 17, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland - Died: March 12, 2022

Real Name

    • Jessica Jennifer Williams

Name Vars

  • J. Williams
  • Jessica
  • Jessica Jennifer Williams
  • Jessica Williams
  • Williams

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: Jessica Williams’ 1997 jazz album *Higher Standards* features two versions of some tracks, like "When Your Lover Has Gone" and "A Night in Tunisia." It’s like she wanted to give listeners a chance to hear her explore the same songs in different ways. The album showcases her incredible piano skills alongside Dave Captein on bass and Mel Brown on drums. And fun fact—it was released in the UK under the Candid label. Not many albums let you compare takes of the same tune, but this one does it effortlessly.

Comments

greenbassline
greenbassline
2025-03-15
J'ai deja chronique un disque de la pianiste Jessica Williams a propos de l'excellent "This Side Up". J'ai entendu cette pianiste pour la premiere fois sur un album de Leroy Vinnegar ""Boss of the Walking Bass". J'avais ete subjugue par la qualite de cette pianiste.On est en presence d'une tres tres grande artiste de jazz. Ces disques sont de qualite et celui la nous offre 65 minutes de bonheur. Il a ete enregistre en novembre 1996 pour le label Candid. Elle est accompagnee par Dave Captain a la contrebasse et Mel Brown a la batterie. Ils interpretent 9 standards entierement mis a la sauce Jessica comme un "Mack the knife" acere ou "My heart belongs to daddy" aux notes perlees ou encore une version brillante de "Solitude" pleine de citations ellingtonnienne. C'est excellent !Pour le sens du rythme, elle a de qui tenir puisqu'elle a fait ses classes avec Philly Joe Jones avant de s'installer a la fin des annees 70 a San Francisco ou elle a ete un certain temps la pianiste attitree du legendaire club de jazz Keystone Korner.Signalons que son site est tres bien fait, il permet d'ecouter des extraits de ces disques ou de visionner de nombreux extraits de ses concerts.Pourquoi cette pianiste n'est-elle pas plus connue? Je vous confie donc un des secrets les mieux gardes du jazz: Mme Williams est une tres grande pianiste mais que cela reste entre nous. Amateur de jazz et de bonne musique, faites connaissance au plus vite avec cette grande artiste trop meconnue, vous ne le regretterez pas!