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Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams

Composer, arranger, and pianist Mary Lou Williams’ musical career reflected the history of American jazz from the late 1920s through the 1970s. Described by Duke Ellington as being “beyond category,” Williams was conversant in jazz styles ranging from stride through swing and be-bop to the avant-garde, yet her music was always rooted in spirituals and the blues. This self-produced recording, originally recorded in 1962 and 1963, contains a mix of standards and originals including four original compositions reflecting her devout interest in religious music.

The vinyl reissue of Mary Lou Williams, which includes a liner notes booklet, is part of the Smithsonian Folkways Vinyl Reissue Series, revisiting some of the most iconic and influential albums in our collection.

For a limited time, we are offering Elizabeth Cotten's Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar, Lucinda Williams's Happy Woman Blues, and Mary Lou Williams as a Vinyl Bundle with Bonus Folkways Slipmat.

Track Listing

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101
Black Christ of the Andes (St. Martin de Porres) Mary Lou Williams 06:39
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102
It Ain't Necessarily So Mary Lou Williams 04:47
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103
The Devil - Chorale Vocal Mary Lou Williams 04:05
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104
Miss D.D. Mary Lou Williams 02:33
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105
Anima Christi - Chorale Vocal Mary Lou Williams 02:51
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201
A Grand Nite for Swinging Mary Lou Williams 02:54
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202
My Blue Heaven Mary Lou Williams 03:12
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203
Dirge Blues Mary Lou Williams 03:29
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204
A Fungus Amungus Mary Lou Williams 03:00
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205
Praise the Lord - Chorale Vocal Mary Lou Williams 06:02