Pianist Larry Willis is one of the very best mainstream jazz pianists extant. Like Herbie Hancock, Willis is lyrical but also excels in an assortment of contexts. Emerging from a classical background, he was for many years the quintessential sideperson, performing and recording with Hugh Masekela, Jackie McLean, Carmen McRae, and Woody Shaw. He was also a member of the fusion/pop band Blood, Sweat & Tears for many years. In the 1990’s Willis established himself as a leader, releasing many discs on European and American independent labels.