A grand lady of Jazz and an important influence throughout the several decades of her career, from blues to the avant-garde 60s, Mary Lou Williams deserves a place alongside the greatest names. A mother-figure, mentor to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk whom she helped and encouraged, but also an arranger and prolific composer, Mary Lou Williams made over a hundred records. Jean-Paul Ricard pays homage to her by turning the spotlight on the musical heritage of the first great female jazz performer. Jean BUZELIN