Archive for the ‘Tony Williams’ Category
Miles Davis: Miles in Tokyo (1964 – Label: Sony)
Recorded in ’64, Miles in Tokyo finds the iconic Miles Davis performing with his almost-second great quintet. Tenor saxophonist Sam Rivers, a more accomplished and daring experimentalist than his predecessor, George Coleman, joined the group after a fellow Bostonian, drummer Tony Williams, recommended him to Davis. There are times on this recording when one might understand why Davis and Rivers never meshed, and times when the partnership is quite wonderful, though brief.
On “If I Were a Bell,” for example, after a lucid and melodic statement by Davis, Rivers purposely goes off-center on his solo. He does it with enough force that his motions are neither subtle nor nuanced; they’re noticeable. Yet on the more forlorn and dark “My Funny Valentine,” he shows greater care to stay within the song’s melody, a treatment that resonates well with the rest of the group.
“So What” is taken at a faster pace than the version on the seminal Kind of Blue with, again, Davis and Rivers varying in their melodic approaches. By “Walkin’,” though, it is Davis who alters his style, accepting some restless elements into his approach. He flies fast and furiously through his solo, provoking Williams into some manic beats. Williams, for his part, always sounded best in contexts that were more “out” than “in,” and the inclusion of Rivers on this date certainly allowed him greater, rhythmic latitudes. Herbie Hancock, as well, finds some dissonant and interesting moments on “Walkin’.” The finale, “All of You,” finds Davis muted and lyrical, Rivers wild but compliant, and the rest of the group providing a wonderful groove.
Months after this concert in September of ’64, the definitive version of the second great quintet, with Wayne Shorter on tenor, finally took form. The almost-second great quintet heard on Miles in Tokyo is an aberration, a rare gem, and worth investigating.
All About Jazz (Germein Linares )
2. If I Were A Bell
3. My Funny Valentine
4. So What
6. All of You
7. Go-Go (Theme And Announcement)
Miles Davis (tpt);
Sam Rivers (ts);
Herbie Hancock (p);
Ron Carter (b);
Tony Williams (d)
Recorded live at Kohseinenkin Hall,Tokyo, Japan on July 14, 1964 – Label: SONY
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Herbie Hancock: Maiden Voyage (1965 – Blue Note)
“Maiden Voyage” is arguably Herbie Hancock’s finest record of the ’60s, reaching a perfect balance between accessible, lyrical jazz and chance-taking hard bop. By this point, the pianist had been with Miles Davis for two years, and it’s clear that Miles’ subdued yet challenging modal experiments had been fully integrated by Hancock. Not only that, but through Davis, Hancock became part of the exceptional rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, who are both featured on Maiden Voyage, along with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and tenor saxophonist George Coleman. The quintet plays a selection of five Hancock originals, many of which are simply superb showcases for the group’s provocative, unpredictable solos, tonal textures, and harmonies. While the quintet takes risks, the music is lovely and accessible, thanks to Hancock’s understated, melodic compositions and the tasteful group interplay. All of the elements blend together to make Maiden Voyage a shimmering, beautiful album that captures Hancock at his finest as a leader, soloist, and composer.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine (All Music Guide)
1. Maiden Voyage
Freddie Hubbard (trumpet)
George Coleman (tenor sax)
Herbie Hancock (piano)
Ron Carter (bass)
Tony Williams (drums)
Eric Dolphy – Out to Lunch! (February 25, 1964 – Blue Note Records)
In 1964, Dolphy signed with the legendary Blue Note label and recorded Out to Lunch (once again, the label insisted on using “out” in the title). This album was deeply rooted in the avant garde, and Dolphy’s solos are as dissonant and unpredictable as anything he ever recorded. Out to Lunch is often regarded not only as Dolphy’s finest album, but also as one of the greatest jazz recordings ever made.
After Out to Lunch and an appearance as a sideman on Andrew Hill’s Point of Departure, Dolphy left to tour Europe with Charles Mingus’ sextet (one of Mingus’ most underrated bands and without a doubt one of the most exciting) in early 1964. From there he intended to settle in Europe with his fiancée, who was working on the ballet scene in Paris. After leaving Mingus, he performed with and recorded a few sides with various European bands and was preparing to join Albert Ayler for a recording.
On the evening of June 28, 1964, Dolphy collapsed on the streets of Berlin and was brought to a hospital. The attending hospital physicians, who had no idea that Dolphy was a diabetic, thought that he (like so many other jazz musicians) had overdosed on drugs, so they left him to lie in a hospital bed until the “drugs” had run their course.
Out to Lunch is one of the finest records of its kind. This record is easily at the caliber of A Love Supreme and The Shape of Jazz to Come. That may seem a mighty bold statement. But this is an outstanding reality once we consider how Dolphy shows himself as solid bandleader and arranger who opens up plenty of room for his players. Much in the ideology of his fellow avant-garde players, the solos exude experiment. Yet Dolphy’s control is masterful and no matter how far out he gets, you can feel his passion and know his path has been well articulated.
Original Release Date: February 25, 1964 (Label: Blue Note Records)
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Dexter Gordon – The Other Side of Round Midnight: (1985 – Blue Note)
Across Rhythm 