Album Notes

Twin Cities-based tenor saxophonist Irv Williams is hardly resting on his considerable laurels. "Dedicated to You" is Irv's second CD of newly recorded material since reaching his 85th birthday. "That's All?," released in October 2004, was named one of the "Top 20 Local Albums" of 2004 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, listed alongside rappers, rockers, Prince and others. Dubbed "Mr. Smooth," Irv's wise tone and exquisite mastery of melody are the result of decades of musical dedication. Nobody reveals the textures of a ballad quite like Irv Williams. On Dedicated to You, Irv is joined by Billy Peterson (bass), Kenny Horst (drums), Peter Schimke (keyboards) and Loren Walstad (guitar on one track).

"Dedicated to You" finds Irv Williams exploring some lesser-known material along with giving the reverent "Irv treatment" to standards like "Lush Life." Two of the tracks were written by Johnny Pate, who had sent the tunes to Irv years ago. Irv loved the songs and was delighted to finally record his own versions. Pate (b. 1923) is a Las Vegas-based producer, composer and arranger who has served as Joe Williams' music director and enjoyed great success in jazz and R&B.

Raised in Cincinnati and Little Rock, Arkansas, Irv Williams first settled in the Twin Cities in 1942 while serving in the Navy. His career has included stints with Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Eckstine's orchestra and other jazz luminaries. Irv has performed in just about every jazz club the Twin Cities has hosted since WWII, including The Flame Bar where he split sets with the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny Hodges. An educator and mentor to countless Twin Cities musicians, Irv's contributions to the music scene go far beyond his estimable sax skills. Irv was the first jazz musician to be honored by the State of Minnesota with his own "Irv Williams Day" in 1984, and had his picture on the "Celebrate Minnesota" official state map in 1990. His many awards include induction into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame. "Notes from Williams' saxophone seem to float on air rather than fill it." Pioneer Press