Alter Ego Williams, James Quintet/Sextet / HL00000608 click for RealAudio clip Recorded by DONALD BYRD on HARLEM BLUES Landmark: LCD-1516 2 / Recorded September 22, 1987  Tempo Medium Latin Arrangement Difficulty medium-easy Solo Difficulty medium-easy Pianist JAMES WILLIAMS is one of contemporary jazz's most prominent and prolific composers, writing first for the Jazz Messengers and then for his own groups, including his current working group I.C.U. Williams' writing skills have been utilized by numerous artists, including Gary Burton, Art Farmer, Tommy Flanagan, the Boys Choir of Harlem, and on this recording with legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd. This Latin rhythm piece, recorded here by a quintet, also includes parts for sextet performance, and is ideal for beginners. SEXTET/QUINTET INSTRUMENTATION 1st part: Flute C treble clef, Trumpet, Alto Sax 2nd part: Soprano Sax (Trumpet or Tenor Sax), Alto Sax, Trombone 3rd part: Guitar, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Baritone Sax Rhythm Section: Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar FULL SCORE This composition is playable by almost any group, but will challenge the sensitivity and musicality of even the most seasoned jazz musician. It works very well with either a 2- or 3-instrument front line. SOLOS: The changes lend themselves well to inspiring lyrical, well-constructed solos. The inexperienced soloist gets plenty of time on each change, and the advanced player gets plenty of room to fully explore a key center before moving on. OTHER RECORDINGS James Williams "Alter Ego" Sunnyside 1007 Kevin Eubanks "Live at Bradley's" Blue Note 30133 Roy Hargrove "The Vibe" BMG 63132 Victor Lewis "Eeeyyess!" Enja 9311 Donald Byrd "Harlem Blues" Landmark 1516 JAMES WILLIAMS (b. 1951). After teaching at Berklee for 3 years, James joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1977 (in a group that included Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson and Billy Pierce), where he played piano on 10 separate recordings. Since 1981, he has recorded more than 20 albums as a leader and another 20 as a sideman, many of which he also produced. He records his compositions in various settings, including vocal arrangements with the Boys Choir of Harlem and his new group, Intensive Care Unit. He has taught at the Hartt conservatory, was an artist-in-residence at Harvard and Dartmouth and continues to conduct clinics across the country and in Europe. James organized a 5-piano tour, "The Key Players," and produces critically acclaimed artist tributes at New York's Merkin Concert Hall. A "musician's musician," James' compositions such as Alter Ego, Fourplay, and Old Times Sake have been recorded by many Jazz greats including Blakey, Gary Burton, Art Farmer, Tommy Flanagan, Roy Hargrove, Clifford Jordan and T.S. Monk. Related Website http://www.jazzcorner.com/jameswilliams.html Hal Leonard Stock Number HL00000608 List Price $25.00 TO ORDER: take note of the publication's HL number and call Music Dispatch at 1-800-637-2852. Or go to one of the following online music stores: Music Dispatch Stantons Sheet Music Byron Hoyt Music Colony Music Penders Music Marina Music J.W. Pepper Sam Ash Music Sheet-music.com Sheet Music Direct Sheet Music Service Sheet Music Online Sheet Music Plus Or, order from your local music dealer. Click here to locate your local music dealer.