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Early Williams as Pianist?
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Topic: Early Williams as Pianist?
sakman
Goldmember
Hi,In doing a general search the other day on Amazon, I came across two odd John Williams listings. The first is on a Verve re-issue called "Stan Getz and the Cool Sounds". I could not find a copy but it appears this was recorded in Hollywood in the early 50s. A John Williams is listed as pianist.
The other odd appearance was on a Petula Clark set as conductor/arranger. This appeared to be something from the early 70s or late 60s.
So, anyone know if either or both of these are from Williams' jazz band performance days?
posted 08-25-2002 08:15 PM PT (US) JJH
Goldmember
probably, but he went by "Johnny" back then didn't he?
He's playing the piano part a Henry Mancini LP/CD re-issue I have called Peter Gunn -- just a GREAT CD by the way.
NP -- suite from The Mask of Dimitrios, Adolph Deutsch; a Morgan./ Stromberg/ Moscow SO collaboration posted 08-25-2002 09:30 PM PT (US) jburrows
Minimember
Williams is featured on the Joshua Bell/John Williams recording of the music of George Gershwin. Williams performs the on the piano preludes 1-3 along with Joshua Bell on the violin. This CD came out about 3 years ago I think, but it is great stuff also featuring the LSO under Williams as conductor.
posted 08-25-2002 10:26 PM PT (US) Lou Goldberg
Goldmember
I remember seeing an LP with Williams on the cover from the mid-50s that was strictly him playing Jazz pieces. He performs on a number of discs. He plays a cool harpsichord on Mancini's Combo LP and he plays on Drasnin's VooDoo LP among others.
posted 08-26-2002 12:54 AM PT (US) soundtrackman
Goldmember
Williams also worked as a session pianist in the late 50's/early 60's and can be heard on Goldsmith's remarkable "Studs Lonigan" recording - especially impressive is the 10-minute long "drunken night out" sequence.I can't think of any other time these two titans worked together.
Mark T.
posted 08-26-2002 06:11 AM PT (US) Ken S
Goldmember
sakman,that Petula Clark thingy could be someways linked with the musical remake of GOODBYE, MR CHIPS on which Williams served as an arranger and conductor in 1969. Leslie Bricusse wrote all the music and lyrics. Especially the song "London Is London" can be easily identified with a fresh Williams orchestral sound like on THE REIVERS.
SOME LIKE IT HOT also features Williams as pianist - although there is not much noticeble piano music there.
KEN posted 08-26-2002 11:46 AM PT (US) sakman
Goldmember
I think you may be right about the "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" song(s). I have the Mancini discs already. It would seem that the time is right. The Getz CD would be right before he began working in TV but he was playing on some scores already (like SLIH).
posted 08-26-2002 12:35 PM PT (US) Ed
Goldmember
Williams is credited as piano soloist on Franz Waxman's HEMINGWAY'S ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG MAN.
posted 08-27-2002 10:53 AM PT (US) Old Infopop Software by UBB