A penetrating and lyrical jazz pianist, Jessica Williams was known for her superb technique, dense harmonies, and deft improvisational skills. Emerging in the 1970s, she built upon the traditions of players like Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, interpreting standards alongside her own sophisticated post-bop originals. In addition to notable work with Philly Joe Jones and Charlie Rouse, she largely garnered acclaim for her own trio albums, earning Grammy nominations for 1986's Nothin' But the Truth and 2004's Live at Yoshi's, Vol. 1. Prior to her passing in 2022, Williams began focusing more on solo piano, as on 2010's Touch and 2014's With Love.