“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Joe Williams. Sony....

“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Joe Williams. Sony. 96W50080. Williams’ versatility is well to the forefront as he tackles blues (“Every Day,” “The Comeback”), ballads (“Once in a While”), a Benard Ighner medley of “Same Old Thing” and “Everything Must Change,” then turns over the vocal mike to his pianist, Kirk Stuart, on “But Not for Me.” Although he talks about Ellington in the interview, none of Duke’s songs is included. One of the special delights is an old-timey rhythm tune, “I Had Someone Else Before I Had You.” Good rhythm backing, except that there are some annoying bass drum thumps and thuds. Still, a fine representation of a peerless all-around jazz vocal artist. 4 stars.