Album Notes

According to the liner notes to 88 year-old tenor saxophonist Irv Williams' new CD "Finality", this is Irv's final recording. A bona fide legend in the Twin Cities jazz scene, this is Irv's fourth CD release of new material since 2004. The previous three received stellar reviews, and the depth of feeling and expression that Irv brings to the tenor sax makes “Finality” another musical treasure. The original “Debra’s Dream,” an arresting-yet-gentle performance that starts with sax and guitar before becoming a solo piece, is overwhelmingly emotional. From the swinging “Castle Rock” by Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges to the contemplative “Old Folks”, Irv Williams keeps digging deep into the textures of song.
Is “Finality” really the final CD by the man they call “Mr. Smooth”? Given that Irv continues to perform three to four nights a week, it’s not as though he lacks the stamina or energy to continue recording. But when you listen to the wisdom and soul that caresses every note in Irv’s performance, one can only conclude that he is a man to be taken at his word. And if he changes his mind, that’s his prerogative and his fans’ blessing.
Joining Irv Williams on “Finality” are Loren Walstad (guitar), Peter Schimke (piano), Gordy Johnson (bass) and Kenny Horst (drums). “Finality” introduces Gus Sandberg as Irv’s special guest on tenor sax.
Pat Courtemanche

ABOUT IRV WILLIAMS:
Raised in Cincinnati and Little Rock, Arkansas, Irv Williams first settled in the Twin Cities in 1942 while playing in the Navy band. Irv started out as a childhood violinist, a diminutive youngster who charmed the crowds with his musical talent and his undeniable “cuteness.” His father, a doctor, prescribed the clarinet to strengthen Irv's lungs during a bout with bronchitis at age 11. Williams fell in love with the horn and soon moved on to the sax – all he wanted to do was blow the horn. This beloved tenor sax player has worked in bands fronted by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Eckstine's orchestra and many other jazz luminaries at venues like the Apollo Theater and the Howard Theater. His warm, soulful tone and mastery of the jazz ballad earned him the moniker “Mister Smooth” (as bestowed by former Pioneer Press jazz writer Bob Protzman). 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 stars like 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. He spent decades teaching in the St. Paul public schools, guest lecturing at the University of Minnesota, and performing with the late jazz messenger, Dr. Reginald Buckner. 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 and receiving the Arts Midwest Jazz Masters Award in 1995. Since turning 85, Irv has released three wonderful CDs (“Finality” is the fourth) and continues to be a hard working live performer. His 2006 release “Duo”, with Peter Schimke on piano, was a remarkably sublime performance by the two long-time collaborators. Describing Irv's 2005 CD “Dedicated To You” in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Tom Surowicz remarked, “It's one thing to be prolific and vital at age 85. It's quite another for an artist to be doing some of his best work.” Irv's CD “That's All?”, released in October 2004, was named one of the “Top 20 Local Albums” of 2004 by the Star Tribune. “Notes from Williams' saxophone seem to float on air rather than fill it.” Pioneer Press.