Williams, Arthur
Forgiveness Suite
'Forgiveness Suite' highlights the forgotten free jazz trumpeter Arthur Williams. Recorded live in 1978 at WKCR Radio, this 30-minute composition is a snapshot of New York's loft jazz scene, blending spiritual jazz with the compositional strategies of Chicago's AACM. The album features Williams, alongside Toshinori Kondo (trumpet), Peter Kuhn (bass clarinet), and William Parker (bass). The trumpets alternate between simple, hymn-like melodies and complex rhythmic variations, while Kuhn and Charles (drums) provide textured support. The piece culminates in a powerful collective improvisation, showcasing Williams' raw, captivating style.