Images (Of Things To Come) – James Williams

Images (Of Things To Come) is a great example of the lyricism that is characteristic of James Williams' songs. The melody is singable and memorable as it bridges a colorful set of changes. The first chord is Em7 and the beginning of the melody suggests E minor, which is the key signature in our lead sheets, but the rest of the song moves toward other key centers. The form is a neat 24 measures, with the 17th through 20th measures being a repeat or "tag" of the previous four-measure phrase. This later section of the song suggests a B minor tonality, followed by a resolution to C major before returning to E minor for the next chorus.

There is a 16-measure intro that alternates between two modes of the same scale: B phrygian and C lydian. James plays chord voicings here, but the former mode is written in our lead sheet as B phrygian to avoid a complicated chord symbol. The basic voicing here from the bottom up is F♯, B, C, E—essentially Cmaj7♭5/B or Cmaj7(♯11)/B if a G is added.

Click on the next album cover for James' Solo Piano Arrangement, performed by Kenny Drew, Jr.

James Williams' solo piano arrangement is two choruses long, without an intro. The recording by Kenny Drew, Jr. is a bit slower than the original version. Click on Piano Corner for more details.