Variations in Time: A Jazz Perspective by Andy Williams

What is Jazz? Jazz fans and critics alike have struggled to define this constantly-evolving musical form. Andy Williams, veteran DJ and compiler of the new "Variations in Time: A Jazz Perspective" fundraising compilation on Public Transit Recordings (PTR), has a few words for the music: Colourful. Passionate. Soulful. Electrifying. Witty. Raw. Heavy. Off-kilter. Deep.

The 13 artists Andy hand-picked to grace Variations do more justice bringing the essence of the "Great Black Music" to life. Whether hip hop, spoken word, soul, free or funky, the diverse artists on this PTR compilation share common ground in the Nile of jazz. Andy’s been embracing and linking music for more than 30 years through experiences in Jamaica, England, West Africa, Montreal and Toronto, and he curates PTR's first deep jazz compilation for those who know – and need to know. All proceeds of the CD compilation will go to a cause that inspired Andy, the Tyndale St. George’s Community Centre in Montréal.

Some of the highlights on Variations in Time are Avram Fefer Trio’s "Loss (for Flo)" a slow rimshot groover, featuring Avram's saxophone floating over top of smooth chord changes. Montreal-based Ric'key Pageot and Jazzma provide the tropical piano-propelled "Yoyo (Haitian Folk Melody)." Guitarist Rainer Weins and Afrobeat outfit Follow Follow contribute the insistent groove of "Forks of the Wa." Co-founder of N.O.M.A. and composer for theatre, television and film, Rainer lets the funk loose in a track that mixes a little Fela with some prime Gary Bartz. "We Need Love" is a captivating blend of influences ranging from Leon Williams and Gil Scott-Heron to labels like Strata East or Black Jazz. Delivered by Los Angeles-based Bongo & Return of the Medicine Men, it meshes provocative vocals with musical interludes to startling result.