Larry Willis Sextet - A Tribute to Someone (2024)

"Larry Willis has never achieved the acclaim that he deserves, but these rewarding 1993 studio sessions for Audioquest, which serve as a tribute to his old friend Herbie Hancock, represent some of his best work as a leader. Willis is clearly his own man, as he makes no attempt to mimic Hancock's keyboard style. Joined by trombonist Curtis Fuller (who is in superb form) and saxophonist John Stubblefield, along with a rhythm section anchored by drummer Ben Riley, Willis avoids the predictable paths. Especially rewarding is his unusual treatment of Hancock's well-known "Maiden Voyage," speeding up its loping tempo and taking a more angular approach with a Latin flavor in his exciting arrangement, though it is unfortunately faded out. "Wayman's Way" was inspired by Hancock's "Like a Hurricane," though one has to pay close attention to catch the relationship between the two pieces. The leader's lovely ballad "Sensei" (Japanese for "teacher") is a trio feature, while his "Teasdale Place" is a fun and funky closer, complete with teasing brief references to Hancock's "Watermelon Man."