|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWILLIAMSON, Steve(b 28 June '64, London, England) Saxophones, composer. Came to prominence in UK jazz renaissance mid-'80s, initially inspired by funk players Grover Washington and Crusaders' Wilton Felder, subsequently by Charlie Parker, lately by M- Base figures like Steve Coleman. Played on Louis Moholo's Viva Le Black and Exile, on Bheki Mseleku's Celebration; his own eclectic debut album A Waltz for Grace '90 on Verve suffered from diffuseness due to split recording between USA and UK; follow-up Rhyme Time '91 was criticized for over-reliance on US influences; Journey To Truth came out '95. A shy man who does not seek the limelight; recordings do not capture the slippery, virtuosic quality of his live performances, where his music has visceral impact. |