This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 3, 2011 - This Friday evening, Feb. 4, tenor saxophonist Willie Akins revisits his acclaimed 1998 recording "Alima" with what promises to be a historic and memorable performance at Robbie's House of Jazz in Webster Groves.
Cut in the studio over a three-day period from Nov. 28-30, 1997, "Alima" remains the only recording Akins released as a leader over the course of a professional career that extends back to the mid-1950s, when the Webster Groves native first began playing as a precocious teenager with St. Louis area bands.
Akins' musical talent led him to venture into the highly competitive New York City jazz scene fresh out of high school in 1957, and he worked hard to gain acceptance into the inner circle of jazz greats. Over the next 11 years, Akins played with legendary names such as Mongo Santamaria and Roy Haynes, gradually establishing a name for himself with a burly, swinging and individual sax style that always placed the music first.
But Akins returned to St. Louis in 1968 after his father fell critically ill, and has been a mainstay on the St. Louis jazz scene ever since. Over the years, he has served as a mentor, bringing talented young musicians into his band and nurturing their growth in a way very similar to the manner in which famed drummer Art Blakey schooled up-and-coming talent in his band, the Jazz Messengers.
Although Akins has become the elder statesman of the St. Louis jazz scene, his talent and musical ability remains at an all-star level.
The release of "Alima" a dozen years ago gained considerable critical praise for Akins. Backed by outstanding musicians -- Simon Rowe on piano, Willem Von Hombracht on bass and drummer Montez Coleman -- Akins showcased his skill on a blend of well-crafted original compositions as well as intriguing interpretations of songs by the likes of Jimmy Heath and Sam Rivers.
Akins has reunited the original "Alima" band for the Robbie's performance, and the quartet will take to the road for performances next week at the Artist's Quarter in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 9 and at Studio 222 in Fargo, N.D., o Feb. 10 and 11.
Listening to "Alima" recently underscores Akins rare talent as a saxophonist, composer and bandleader - as well as the considerable contributions of Rowe, von Hombracht and Coleman to the quality of Akins only recording as a leader.
This should be a special evening of jazz at Robbie's Friday night - and certainly a well-deserved tribute to one of St. Louis' most talented and revered musicians - Willie Akins.
One can hope that Akins, who is nearing the age of 72, will grace listeners with another recording as a leader soon. In the meantime, we do have "Alima," and the extraordinary opportunity to hear it live - performed by the same talented musicians who recorded it in 1997.
Terry Perkins is a freelance journalist, who frequently writes on music for the Beacon.