Tickle the Ivories

-By Daniel Curtiss


Mary Lou Williams was an iconic figure of her time, a blessed individual, and a piano prodigy.  Her music spanned over a number of styles that included classic jazz, swing, bop, and even Sacred Jazz.  Having some knowledge of jazz prior to learning about Mary, I am very aware of the talent that it takes to master even one of these styles, yet she seems to have mastered them all.  By the mere age of twenty, she was a regular member of Andy Kirks band and contributed greatly to the groups dynamics and stardom.  Her almost sporatic playing style attracted musicians in a way that no jazz pianist (let alone a woman jazz pianist) had done before.  Reading about Mary Lou Williams is one thing, but to fully understand the depth of her genius, you need to hear her play. 
         The compositions of Mary Lou Williams are various and range from her most famous tunes such as "Roll 'Em" and "St. Martin de Porres" to other less known pieces.  Regardless of what you are listening to however, I can assure you that you wont be dissapointed.  Her piece "Scorpio" which was performed by the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra had an outworldly sound to it that stood out to me as very ahead of her time.  Mary Lou Williams used her music to shed light on many facets of American culture, as you might imagine.  Just her presence as an African American jazz musician and composer provided some well needed pushes in the musical, and social societies of America.
        The First Lady of Jazz is quite the title to bestow upon someone, but I find it also quite fitting for the person that Mary Lou Williams was.  Her work with Jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman helped bring her to the top, although it was undoubtably her immense skill that allowed her those opportunities in the first place.  Even as an older women, Williams ability and speed astounded me.  She is truly a master of her trade.