Blue Note

The Paul Gonzales Sextet with special guest Doug Lawrence

A Tribute to James Williams

He's Paul Gonzalez. You probably recognize him as a trumpet player in local ensembles like Tetragon, Son Como Son, Straight Up and the Albuquerque Latin Jazz Orchestra. He's also done stints with Caribe, Carlos “Patato” Valdes, The Platters, The Pete Escovedo Orchestra and locals Doug Lawrence and Ottmar Liebert, as well as leading his own groups.

Gonzalez recently recorded Warm Valley, a sexy, smoky CD that brims with sultry horn passages and upbeat Hot Club jazz. Joining him on the recording is a near peerless quartet of local jazz masters, including the magical drummer Arnaldo Acosta, bassist Milo Jaramillo and pianist Steve Figueroa, along with guest appearances by saxophonist Kanoa Kaluhiwa, trombonist César Bauvallet, and drummers Victor Rodriguez and Tomás White.

For his very special tribute to his mentor and teacher, the late pianist James Williams, Gonzalez will appear with a sextet that includes Figueroa, Bauvallet, David Parlato on bass, Diego Arencon behind the kit and saxophonist Doug Lawrence as special guest.

Williams' “Be Real Special” appears on Warm Valley and, if it's any indicator of what's to come from tonight's concert, audiences are in for a real treat. And even if you're not too familiar with Williams' compositions and playing, you'll likely be stunned by the sheer force of local talent on one stage.