Jazz musician Jamison Williams reveals his favorite Disney songs

A couple of years ago, Northeast Florida free jazz saxophonist Jamison Williams became enchanted by the music of Disney films. Since then he has dedicated his creative life to deconstructing that catalog live and on record. Here, Williams reveals his three favorite pieces of Disney-related songcraft.

“It’s a Small World” 
The innocence and beauty found in this melody, so ultimately memorable, and one that defines the preciousness of my youth; this is a timeless song of curiosity, diversity, and universal bonding, one I continually experience as I constantly tour throughout this tiny world we share.

“When You Wish Upon a Star” 
This exemplifies the absolute ideal musical standard, and it’s designed, lyrically, around a common resourceful resolve; the song contains octave intervals and modulation. Both are tools in a musical language I love using whenever possible. Everything about it is palatable to my ears.

“Do You Want to Build a Snowman”
The third verse will forever make me cry. I’ve tried not to, held back, I purge like a broken main. “Elsa, I know you’re in there …”

This article appears in Jul 13-19, 2016.