This song was used as the musical introduction to the 'Ten O'clock News' on WGBH in Boston when Chris Lydon was doing the show in the late 70s and into the 80s ..
..Some great comments here !!.When this lp came out I bought it on the names of Williams & Middleton (Drums & Keys respectively) because of their work with other known musicians. I had no idea who Holdsworth was & this was my first exposure to his style. WOW what a guitarist !! Never heard anyone play like that & so had to dig up anything he did prior (Soft Machine) I always thought this tune would've been perfect for sports reels like Olympic Ice skating (the beginning of it) or NFL highlighs
@YallSuckTheBig1 Between 1555 and 1931 the Jesuit Order was expelled from at least 83 countries, city states and cities, for engaging in political intrigue and subversion plots against the welfare of the state, according to the records of a Jesuit priest of repute(Thomas J. Campbell).-J.E.C. Shepard
What a lesson of foot coordination between hi-hats and bass drum. Tony was really a unique expressive drummer. Allways playing on very simple drum (but great quality ones...Gretsch) set-ups, nothing fancy. His relaxation while drumming very opposed to the near to exhaustion work out of Buddy Rich (do not compare them...please!). I love that part on 5:35-5:38 between snare and bass drum, a truly amazing musician. He should have lived until his 100. So long master...
@TheMoonchild1969 This passage is from The incredible marquis by Herbert Gorman entitled the soldier of fortune(chapter six) It was natural that Dumas believed implicitly in the magic of somnambulism, in animal magnetism and in chiromancy. No Haitian dancing before his Voodoo altar was more superstitious than Dumas. Home, to Dumas, therefore, was an authentically inspired adept in communicating with unseen world.
@TheMoonchild1969 "The public is practically unaware of the over wheming responsibility carried by the Vatican and its Jesuits in the starting of the two world wars-m a situation which may be explained in part by the gigantic finances at the disposition of vatican and its jesuits."---Edmond paris, The secret history of the Jesuits
@TheMoonchild1969 'It is my opinion that if the liberties of this country(USA) are destroyed, it will be by the subtlety of the Roman catholic Jesuit priests, for they are the most crafty, dangerous enemies to civil and religous liberty. They have instigated most of the wars of Europe.' Marquis de LaFayette
@TheMoonchild1969 "Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an INVISIBLE GOVERNMENT owing NO allegiance and acknowledging NO responsibility to the people. To destroy this invisible government, to befoul this unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of today." PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 1906
I remember listening to this album at Berklee collage of music, Boston 1978, everyday. A couple of years after Vinne Colaiuta left Berklee for California to audition for and get the gig with Frank Zappa. Tony was one of the best drummers period.
Tony was so kind to me back in '83 at Zildjian Day. I told him how much fun people made of us drummers in marching bands and he told me he also played in marching band and that it was how he got his chops so tight learning all those strokes, and said never let that get to you. Took a great pic together that's on my Facebook page. My all time fave drummer!!
I remember hearing this song for the first time on my little transistor radio, probably when it first came out. Listening to my normal heavy rock station I believe it was a Sunday morning because that's was probably the only time they would play something out of the ordinary. I was blown away by the drums. Couldn't wait for the song to end so I could find out who the group was. Of course I ran out the next day and bought the LP. Thanks for posting
Of all the millions of choices on YouTube, crossing the decades of music, this, right here, is a highlight. I agree with SterlingRe, words fail to convey how great this is. Tony Williams is great ..but..Allan Holdsworth. I've seen him, heard his records, he can solo indefinitely, always interesting, but THESE 2 MINUTES of his playing,oh, man, he put it all together, you almost want to base a religion on this solo. Like Hendrix on "May This Be Love". Other thoughts on great guitar solos?
One more crazy story that I hear about a great musician having money problems : I saw Allan Holdsworth live in Paris 15 years ago, and such a great musician deserves to make a living out of his work...
@MrPierrovitch Then I guess you know that after this LP was recorded and mixed, Allan was so broke that he had to sell his guitars to pay for the plane ticket back to England. True story.
Some great "feel good" music right here. Normally, I never listen to jazz, but, I must say, the last 6 minutes : 59 seconds I just spent listening to this were quite nice!
I used to go to the Bermuda Onion in TO many moons ago. One night I went to see Tony. His drums were right beside my table. I became a believer that the power of drums can heal man. He played for me that night. Outta sight. Makes me cry to think one of the best is no longer with us. God can really torture us eh? I had a drink with him later and found him to be one of the most sensitive and special people I have ever met. He inspired me to be myself and play my kit(for 31 years now) in my own way
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. Williams and Holdsworth blessed us with this masterpiece and I am both humbled and thankful to have experienced this.
Saw The Tony Williams Lifetime with Bruce, McLaughlin, Young. THE most powerful music I have ever seen live...and this coming from a Detroiter who saw The MC5 a few dozen times. In fact, some of Tony's music from that era was influenced by groups like the MC5 which he mentioned by name in an interview. He was remarkable drummer...at 17 he was on the road with Miles Davis picking up God knows what influences. He is missed
This is one of the ALL-TIME best fusion songs, and one of my top 5 favorites. This album was introduced to me about 25 years ago, and it is still influencial to ALL musicians!
A word about Tony Williams: Holdsworth and John McLaughlin said it best in a Guitar Player interview about 5 or 6 years ago: Nobody plays it like Tony! He really was one of a kind.
Check out Cindy Blackman's jazz work. She was a protege of Tony's...she's really good!
I saw Tony, Pasqua, and Newton perform during the Million Dollar Legs tour. Lifetime was the opening act for Stanley Clarke (with David Sancious, Gerry Brown, and Ray Gomez), who was on the Journey to Love tour. AH didn't make the tour. I don't remember the guitarist but he held his own. AH didn't make the Enigmatic Ocean tour with JLP either - Jamie Glaser was the guitarist (Casey Schurrell drums, Ralphe Armstrong bass)
@awbolden ..... Enigmatic Ocean was some of Holdsworth's best stuff ever, even to this day. When I play that for friends, they simply don't believe the album is 34 yrs. old. Then I prove it and their jaws drop even further.
Never got to see Tony but did catch Caldera and Elvin Jones at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA. and Pat Martino at the Roxy in Hollywood.....Thoroughly insane shows.
I dont think enough can be said for Tony Newton's bass work on this album...this album is the perfect mix of technical proficiency and groove, I have been listening to it for 15 years now and still am not sick of it
I love how, back then, when Alan would just sort of casually take his time entering a solo (making all the listening guitarists think, "Yeah, he's O.K., I guess"), then kick the living shit out of them all, starting at 4:20! Breathtaking, as was Tony's beautiful drumming! No nonsense music!!
This brings back memories. I love the fiery drumming of Tony bringing out some fire in Holdsworth's solo - which is really the most incredible solo I have ever heard anywhere.
What a master!!! I wonder if somebody know if Tony Williams has and album whos name is the pleasure of Flight? Its so important to me...let know about...Thaks.
This is my favorite piece from the album. Tony Wiliams are just the best players on their respective instruments, The creativity of these magic musicians is just wonderfull. Thanks for posting this musical jewell.
An 8 track my Dad had (This album, JLP 'cosmic messenger', Pat Martino "Joyous Lake', and Mahavishnu "Inner Worlds".. I'm 3ish at the time hearing this.. my sleeping music... memories!
I too listened to Jean Luc, Holdsworth, Caldera, and others. Saw the Joyous Lake Tour at the Roxy, forced my way backstage and met Pat, shot the breeze, and me and my bass player ended up giving his bass player a ride to his hotel! Some memories last a lifetime and beyond.
Tony has been my favorite drummer since i heard him way back in the 70's,I once saw his band backing Cobham,another drummer i really like.But Tony has always been my favorite.
@progjazzfusion so thats why i felt like i've heard it before...i think it's entitled 'kinder' in 'velvet darkness'... this version is better by the way
@guyroeeandbuzi - yes I agree this full band version is more enjoyable than allan's solo acoustic version from Velvet Darkness, but good tune nonetheless.
Man. tony is the perfect amount of rough around the edges. Like even if you transcribe his fills I don't think it is possible to play like him. Amazing. Genius.
I agree entirely. Its that searching for new fills and pushing his limits that made him great.
These days it seems guys play very quick with the help of double pedals but i dont feel the passion. The tempo changes he creates make it even more out there. great stuff
This may be my favorite Progressive Jazz album. Every time I play it I hear something I hadn't noticed before. Allan Holdsworth and Tony Williams are 2 of the very best all time at their respective instruments. I really don't have the words to describe how brilliant this playing is. Allan's ripping runs and creativity are insane. Tony's tragic death was a great loss to the music world. I'm not sure just how many people realize what a creative genius he was behind the kit. A true legend.
@SterlingRe I want to say I absolutely agree with you. You cannot come any closer to perfection than Holdsworth and Tony Williams on the same album. Do you know Atavachron, by Holdsworth with Tony on song #5 Looking Glass. I have seen both musicians separately but never together. Too bad. I have been a drummer myself for 31 years. Tony is number 1.
@JohnnyFiveEagles It seems we both appreciate these two legends. I still play this album frequently and am never bored with it. That's when you know an album is very special. Enjoy
@SterlingRe Absolutely - If anyone is coming to this from a Guitarist/Allan Holdsworth angle then I'm sure that they will agree that Tony Williams was a genius drummer (there are only a few) the way he gives rock music a swing and some of those fills are just insane - incredible drummer that was lost to us too soon - RIP Tony.
I always loved this Holdsworth solo, and it's probably my sentimental favorite of all his memorable explorations. I saw this band at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, Pa. in the fall of '75. It was a small counterculture coffee house in the Phila. suburbs where many people who later became famous played. To paraphrase Joe Satriani, those of us present that night "witnessed a hole being torn in the space time continuum", and my perception of everything was permanently altered.
That drum riff...can't tell you how long it took me to learn it. When I first heard this recording as a young man back in the 1970s I thought it was from another planet.
This is my favorite song, off my favorite album, from my favorite drummer...RIP Tony...you are sorely missed.
Actually my understanding is that Holdsworth wrote this tune long before, as 'Kinder' but never recorded it in ensemble until this album [that I know of].
To have seen this man perform this whole album when it first came out,ooooooohhhh all you could say is how did he do that?I saw it with my own eyes at the berkeley community theater.R.I.P. TONY WILLIAMS.
I saw this Tony Williams group minus Allan Holdsworth in 1975. They played selections from Believe It and Million Dollar Legs. I believe Jamie Glaser was the replacement. TWL were the warmup for Ajax - the name of the Stanley Clarke Group featuring Gerry Brown (dr) David Sancious (kb/g), Ray Gomez (g), James Tinsey (tr) - School Days Tour
As players, we consist of influences but influences aren't a means to an end. Derivative players are boring because they have no cause, no story, nothing really to say.
Of course, TW had influences but he sounded like TW. I don't know what Steve Smith is doing? He looks like a cardboard cut-out and sounds like one.
HOLDSWORTH IS A FUCKING MONSTER....it kills me that guitarists worship Eddie DOUCHE halen and never have heard the genius of Allan,,Allan would make eddie his bitch!
Circuitdesign...yes i sure would say you digress when comparing gadd to Tony on any channel!!!!!!!!!!Tony had rhe heart, soul, mind and body to play anything Gadd ever thought of but Gadd would be so stuck trying to emulate this guy.
My fave tune from that LP. Nice changes and that Holdsworth sound gave this group that edge. Tony's phrasing n fills is non-pareil and he really drives this band. The way he plays with the meter and its pulse is so Tony, with bravado, power and elegance. Holdsworth's solo here provided the dark approach to guitar fusion playing and it reminds me a lot of Bill Connors (Hymn OF The Seventh Galaxy - RTF) when both these guitarists started out with this approach. A great recording performance!
I would like to point out how Tony makes the music "breathe" so well. That may sound like a very esoteric comment, but as someone who has listened to a lot of drummers in his life, this is a skill that a lot of drummers don't have. It is one thing to have a sense of time like a metronome, but it is even a more amazing and desirable trait to know how to define a pulse that may not have machine-like precision, but moves around to bring the best out of the music. Tony did it like no one else.
Gadd...he's one of the master blending superb technique with musicality and expressivity. Both in jazz settings or on Michael McDonald/Jarreau kind of recordings. Flawless!
Yes, Gadd has a gift that cannot be learned. Since you mentioned Jarreau, I love Gadd on "Spain."
But we digress. This forum should be about Tony's genius. He influenced Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine and so many others. I think a lot of rock drummers do not realize what a powerful force Tony was in changing not just jazz drumming, but rock drumming as well. He is under-rated in the rock community.
I too saw this group in 1975 at the Cleveland Agora, with the opening act being David Sancious & Tone. Both were beyond words ... jazz / fusion at it's best. Just unbelievable .... nothing like it today ...
the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex covered this song @ the drum pad 20th anniversary. both this version nd the JCC'c version are beautiful! but JCC's version is a lot more rock
I remember hearing this on the way back from Germany in the 80's on an airplane cruising at 35,000 feet. I had to find out who the hell is the guitarist. I'd never heard the guitar played that way before.
What is fasinating is this album is going on 35 yrs old yet when you hear it today it's still sounds fresh. The musicians were so true to the music. Tony's playing on this record is like the bible of drumming.
I was lucky enough to see them at a little place called the silver dollar saloon in east lansing mich. back in the 70's, 2 bucks to get in, what a great show, never forget it.
Thanks, yeah it was cool, I read years later that he had to sell his guitar to get a ticket home after that tour, thats just sick! what an amazing player, and Tony too, awsome drummer, great band. Thanks, Clive.
Holdsworth said later that he couldn't bear to listen to himself on this record, he had grown so much as a musician. The guy just gets better every day.
He is? Well....he ripped me a new one the other day at a studio although it's my fault but if I had been auditoning for Heart Survivor or the Babys I would have cut the gig for sure
amo esta composicion.
es excelente!!
floffunk 1 week ago
This song was used as the musical introduction to the 'Ten O'clock News' on WGBH in Boston when Chris Lydon was doing the show in the late 70s and into the 80s ..
shpilk 2 weeks ago
..Some great comments here !!.When this lp came out I bought it on the names of Williams & Middleton (Drums & Keys respectively) because of their work with other known musicians. I had no idea who Holdsworth was & this was my first exposure to his style. WOW what a guitarist !! Never heard anyone play like that & so had to dig up anything he did prior (Soft Machine) I always thought this tune would've been perfect for sports reels like Olympic Ice skating (the beginning of it) or NFL highlighs
YallSuckTheBig1 1 month ago
@YallSuckTheBig1 Alan Pasqua plays Keys on this!
musicminor25 1 month ago
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@YallSuckTheBig1 Between 1555 and 1931 the Jesuit Order was expelled from at least 83 countries, city states and cities, for engaging in political intrigue and subversion plots against the welfare of the state, according to the records of a Jesuit priest of repute(Thomas J. Campbell).-J.E.C. Shepard
uriahheep108 2 weeks ago
What a lesson of foot coordination between hi-hats and bass drum. Tony was really a unique expressive drummer. Allways playing on very simple drum (but great quality ones...Gretsch) set-ups, nothing fancy. His relaxation while drumming very opposed to the near to exhaustion work out of Buddy Rich (do not compare them...please!). I love that part on 5:35-5:38 between snare and bass drum, a truly amazing musician. He should have lived until his 100. So long master...
TheMoonchild1969 1 month ago
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@TheMoonchild1969 This passage is from The incredible marquis by Herbert Gorman entitled the soldier of fortune(chapter six) It was natural that Dumas believed implicitly in the magic of somnambulism, in animal magnetism and in chiromancy. No Haitian dancing before his Voodoo altar was more superstitious than Dumas. Home, to Dumas, therefore, was an authentically inspired adept in communicating with unseen world.
uriahheep108 2 weeks ago
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@TheMoonchild1969 "The public is practically unaware of the over wheming responsibility carried by the Vatican and its Jesuits in the starting of the two world wars-m a situation which may be explained in part by the gigantic finances at the disposition of vatican and its jesuits."---Edmond paris, The secret history of the Jesuits
uriahheep108 2 weeks ago
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@TheMoonchild1969 'It is my opinion that if the liberties of this country(USA) are destroyed, it will be by the subtlety of the Roman catholic Jesuit priests, for they are the most crafty, dangerous enemies to civil and religous liberty. They have instigated most of the wars of Europe.' Marquis de LaFayette
uriahheep108 2 weeks ago
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@TheMoonchild1969 "Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an INVISIBLE GOVERNMENT owing NO allegiance and acknowledging NO responsibility to the people. To destroy this invisible government, to befoul this unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of today." PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 1906
uriahheep108 2 weeks ago
Oh my god what a great hi-hat groove!!!!!
imXaXteapot2112 1 month ago
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RethinkingAmerica 1 month ago
I remember listening to this album at Berklee collage of music, Boston 1978, everyday. A couple of years after Vinne Colaiuta left Berklee for California to audition for and get the gig with Frank Zappa. Tony was one of the best drummers period.
murvon 1 month ago
I love these chords.
HollywoodWags 1 month ago
Did Williams ever play with Joni Mitchell? Anyone know this?
SomethingReal1119 1 month ago
GREAT.
airvee 1 month ago
Favourite track.
centakos 2 months ago
Best GUITAR SOLO OF ALL TIME... End of story.... Holdsworths best TONE was when he played his SG GUITAR ...
KungFuBodyBuilder 4 months ago
Tony was so kind to me back in '83 at Zildjian Day. I told him how much fun people made of us drummers in marching bands and he told me he also played in marching band and that it was how he got his chops so tight learning all those strokes, and said never let that get to you. Took a great pic together that's on my Facebook page. My all time fave drummer!!
drumpyrate68 4 months ago
I remember hearing this song for the first time on my little transistor radio, probably when it first came out. Listening to my normal heavy rock station I believe it was a Sunday morning because that's was probably the only time they would play something out of the ordinary. I was blown away by the drums. Couldn't wait for the song to end so I could find out who the group was. Of course I ran out the next day and bought the LP. Thanks for posting
DWGERRY26 4 months ago
@DWGERRY26 You're Welcome!
musicminor25 4 months ago
GREATEST JAZZ FUSION DRUMMER..PERIOD...
doublethumpbass89 4 months ago
Amazing.... sound, energy, adventure. Music that makes you fly!
CaptainHookMusic 5 months ago
a great track.
mickaelchamard 5 months ago
vaaaaaaaaaaaaaamo amigo tony
floffunk 5 months ago
One of my favourite songs of all time!!!! Tony and Alan especially! All of them actually!
JoeSzilagy 6 months ago
great drummer !
iade38 6 months ago
This is just a reminder of how so very good music can be! Thanks very much for posting!
theXKandQaresilent 6 months ago
Comment removed
wuckle 6 months ago
Christian Vander of Magma played this tune with his jazz band "Alien Quartet" in the 80's at a jazz club in Paris, and he was great also.
RIP Tony
MrPierrovitch 7 months ago
Of all the millions of choices on YouTube, crossing the decades of music, this, right here, is a highlight. I agree with SterlingRe, words fail to convey how great this is. Tony Williams is great ..but..Allan Holdsworth. I've seen him, heard his records, he can solo indefinitely, always interesting, but THESE 2 MINUTES of his playing,oh, man, he put it all together, you almost want to base a religion on this solo. Like Hendrix on "May This Be Love". Other thoughts on great guitar solos?
jn89015 7 months ago
MAN even with that 70's setting i can here the master holdsworths style. its truly his own
Xioaxioa10 7 months ago
Believe it!!!!
JimmyLeeVanDePutte 7 months ago
Nice. Also like the drums sound
Inyakis 8 months ago
To think after playing on this wonderful album, AH had to sell his Gibson SG to pay the air fair home.
We do not live in a fair or just world.
pobinr 8 months ago
@pobinr
One more crazy story that I hear about a great musician having money problems : I saw Allan Holdsworth live in Paris 15 years ago, and such a great musician deserves to make a living out of his work...
MrPierrovitch 7 months ago
@MrPierrovitch Then I guess you know that after this LP was recorded and mixed, Allan was so broke that he had to sell his guitars to pay for the plane ticket back to England. True story.
rayjr62 6 months ago
I saw this band in Boston at Paul's Mall and it kicked my ass...I was a fan before the show and always will be RIP Tony Williams
Stubummer 8 months ago
Some great "feel good" music right here. Normally, I never listen to jazz, but, I must say, the last 6 minutes : 59 seconds I just spent listening to this were quite nice!
TerminusCOBHC 8 months ago
I used to go to the Bermuda Onion in TO many moons ago. One night I went to see Tony. His drums were right beside my table. I became a believer that the power of drums can heal man. He played for me that night. Outta sight. Makes me cry to think one of the best is no longer with us. God can really torture us eh? I had a drink with him later and found him to be one of the most sensitive and special people I have ever met. He inspired me to be myself and play my kit(for 31 years now) in my own way
JohnnyFiveEagles 9 months ago
one of the most righteous bass and drum grooves ever laid down.
TheBassfresh 9 months ago
Comment removed
kstrat 9 months ago
Amen on the Cobby reference!
foxridge11 10 months ago
Channel 8 News in San Diego used to use this track for their opening back in the late 70's. Very cool!
foxridge11 10 months ago
holy shit!!!!!!!
earthchild100 10 months ago
my first Holdsworth album, and what a beginning, journey into the creativness of this artist and the incredible musicians he has played with
mistrynp 10 months ago
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. Williams and Holdsworth blessed us with this masterpiece and I am both humbled and thankful to have experienced this.
osay00 1 year ago
Belive It is one of the best all time fusion albums.
hbsouthernjr 1 year ago
@hbsouthernjr You know that's right!! Not a bad cut on it man.
caryzia 10 months ago
Tony Williams is a GRAND MASTER!!!
unclecharms 1 year ago
The one dislike here just made a simple mistake.....or they are completely
tone deaf, and that is sad. I feel for them and I'll give them another chance to listen to the brilliance here.
i40gordy 1 year ago
Amazing
DWCartwright 1 year ago
Saw The Tony Williams Lifetime with Bruce, McLaughlin, Young. THE most powerful music I have ever seen live...and this coming from a Detroiter who saw The MC5 a few dozen times. In fact, some of Tony's music from that era was influenced by groups like the MC5 which he mentioned by name in an interview. He was remarkable drummer...at 17 he was on the road with Miles Davis picking up God knows what influences. He is missed
wildcat66buick 1 year ago
Only a couple of drummers play like this.....Elvin Jones and Vinnie Colaiuta.
I know there are others. I'm just too old to think of them...........
i40gordy 1 year ago
@i40gordy You can't comment on a jazz fusion video and forget Billy Cobham!
Nireves33 1 year ago
mi favorito desde hace mil años
doronkorecords 1 year ago
3:43 for anyone who came here for the solo :P
Elastane 1 year ago
This is some of the most intricate drumming mixed with Allans Special guitar style of playing-what a RUSH!!!! Tokyo Dream is also a good one!
sc00terful 1 year ago
This is one of the ALL-TIME best fusion songs, and one of my top 5 favorites. This album was introduced to me about 25 years ago, and it is still influencial to ALL musicians!
A word about Tony Williams: Holdsworth and John McLaughlin said it best in a Guitar Player interview about 5 or 6 years ago: Nobody plays it like Tony! He really was one of a kind.
Check out Cindy Blackman's jazz work. She was a protege of Tony's...she's really good!
markrevwin 1 year ago
superb ¡¡¡¡
SOULMUSICFX 1 year ago
I hear this song and feel like I'm on an airplane leaving the ground of some oceanside airport in the early moments of dawn.
In other words, this song gives me boners.
ratchpick2 1 year ago
This sound is gorgeous, just outstanding.
gangst1978 1 year ago
I saw Tony, Pasqua, and Newton perform during the Million Dollar Legs tour. Lifetime was the opening act for Stanley Clarke (with David Sancious, Gerry Brown, and Ray Gomez), who was on the Journey to Love tour. AH didn't make the tour. I don't remember the guitarist but he held his own. AH didn't make the Enigmatic Ocean tour with JLP either - Jamie Glaser was the guitarist (Casey Schurrell drums, Ralphe Armstrong bass)
awbolden 1 year ago
@awbolden ..... Enigmatic Ocean was some of Holdsworth's best stuff ever, even to this day. When I play that for friends, they simply don't believe the album is 34 yrs. old. Then I prove it and their jaws drop even further.
Never got to see Tony but did catch Caldera and Elvin Jones at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA. and Pat Martino at the Roxy in Hollywood.....Thoroughly insane shows.
i40gordy 1 year ago
I dont think enough can be said for Tony Newton's bass work on this album...this album is the perfect mix of technical proficiency and groove, I have been listening to it for 15 years now and still am not sick of it
Medjai1979 1 year ago
I love how, back then, when Alan would just sort of casually take his time entering a solo (making all the listening guitarists think, "Yeah, he's O.K., I guess"), then kick the living shit out of them all, starting at 4:20! Breathtaking, as was Tony's beautiful drumming! No nonsense music!!
JoeSzilagy 1 year ago
one of these days ill get that groove, or one of these years
kylecabana 1 year ago
This brings back memories. I love the fiery drumming of Tony bringing out some fire in Holdsworth's solo - which is really the most incredible solo I have ever heard anywhere.
R.I.P. Tony - you inspired me
svenghoulieil 1 year ago
@svenghoulieil I just watched Allan play this in person earlier tonight!!! Wow!!!!!!!!
MrGuitardudeism 1 year ago
@MrGuitardudeism I saw him about six months ago - wow!!! is about all you can say.
cheers
svenghoulieil 1 year ago
Why did this music had to die?
Today there is nothing but shit out there.
No sperm can fertilize a woman's ovum to produce such people who would do this GREAT music.
NelsonRealTime 1 year ago
This tune is terrific.
Parvenu333 1 year ago
How many drummers does it take to make a tony williams?
YOU CAN'T!!!!
ParallaxDrums 1 year ago 27
@ParallaxDrums You Got That Right!!!
Tony Was One Of A Kind!!!
musicminor25 1 year ago 6
@ParallaxDrums Nobody, but Jimmy Chamberlin is pretty close;) Check out his cover of this song;)
82907 9 months ago
@ParallaxDrums lolll word!
GelaniLoves 8 months ago
I have a mint- double Polydor TonyWilliamsLifetimeEmergency,The first FUSION,,with two other KINGS, JohnMcLaughlin and LarryYoung!!
MrWildcountry 6 months ago
What a master!!! I wonder if somebody know if Tony Williams has and album whos name is the pleasure of Flight? Its so important to me...let know about...Thaks.
MrRemava 1 year ago 2
@MrRemava Are you talking about his album "The Joy Of Flying"?
musicminor25 1 year ago 3
@MrRemava joy of flying
coffeefoot 1 year ago
Wonderful. I love Tony Williams, Allan Holdsorth, Chad Wackerman, Gary Husband, etc.e etc...
schiavodelritmo 1 year ago
Allan just nails the lick at 4:23-4:28
JonP1961 1 year ago
ammigo
floffunk 1 year ago
This is my favorite piece from the album. Tony Wiliams are just the best players on their respective instruments, The creativity of these magic musicians is just wonderfull. Thanks for posting this musical jewell.
josefomx 1 year ago
is the song "Fred" composed bij Allan or Tony? I thought it was a allan song, now I see its on Tony's album Im doubting..
Paiste01 1 year ago
Some of the band tortoise's stuff reminds me of this, compositionally. I always thought so. I wonder if they are into Allan.
JoeHeiderGuitar 1 year ago
Simply amazing
turkeygrandpa69 1 year ago
That was and is the shit...
GMD825 1 year ago
Man, I can't tell you how much TONY has inspired me - absolute genius!
thedevil1473 1 year ago
great track!! Holdsworth & Pasqua so young.................so fantastic!! and Tony,of course,(R.I.P.)nothig to add to his class! excellent!!
fabbux 1 year ago
Love the guitar lick at 5:15 - 5:18
dwing186 1 year ago
@dwing186 I'm lovin that lick too! Gonna go grab my ax!
Khaliyl19 1 year ago
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dwing186 1 year ago
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dwing186 1 year ago
Woah, it's so cool you can hear Simon Phillips got inspired by mister Williams.
SimonBak90 1 year ago
remember gettin' this cassette...i wore it out...thanks TW...
jamesbach54 1 year ago
I doubt it will ever get any better than this.
RobinB84 1 year ago
Amazing song!
crazy8sdrums 1 year ago
Thankyou musicminor25, i'm a big fan of Tony Williams and Alan Holdsworth, but i've never heard this one before!
muscritiq80 1 year ago
An 8 track my Dad had (This album, JLP 'cosmic messenger', Pat Martino "Joyous Lake', and Mahavishnu "Inner Worlds".. I'm 3ish at the time hearing this.. my sleeping music... memories!
roligarciajr 2 years ago 2
@roligarciajr
I too listened to Jean Luc, Holdsworth, Caldera, and others. Saw the Joyous Lake Tour at the Roxy, forced my way backstage and met Pat, shot the breeze, and me and my bass player ended up giving his bass player a ride to his hotel! Some memories last a lifetime and beyond.
i40gordy 1 year ago
Tony has been my favorite drummer since i heard him way back in the 70's,I once saw his band backing Cobham,another drummer i really like.But Tony has always been my favorite.
MrSteph58 2 years ago
this song was also done on Allan's first solo album "Velvet Darkness"
progjazzfusion 2 years ago
@progjazzfusion so thats why i felt like i've heard it before...i think it's entitled 'kinder' in 'velvet darkness'... this version is better by the way
guyroeeandbuzi 1 year ago
@guyroeeandbuzi - yes I agree this full band version is more enjoyable than allan's solo acoustic version from Velvet Darkness, but good tune nonetheless.
progjazzfusion 1 year ago
Man. tony is the perfect amount of rough around the edges. Like even if you transcribe his fills I don't think it is possible to play like him. Amazing. Genius.
NDiesel31 2 years ago 2
I agree entirely. Its that searching for new fills and pushing his limits that made him great.
These days it seems guys play very quick with the help of double pedals but i dont feel the passion. The tempo changes he creates make it even more out there. great stuff
doubts 1 year ago
I love this kind of jazz and have since I was a little kid.I remember hearing Spyro Gyra-Morning Dance,and was captivated by it.
Foolishpleazure 2 years ago
This may be my favorite Progressive Jazz album. Every time I play it I hear something I hadn't noticed before. Allan Holdsworth and Tony Williams are 2 of the very best all time at their respective instruments. I really don't have the words to describe how brilliant this playing is. Allan's ripping runs and creativity are insane. Tony's tragic death was a great loss to the music world. I'm not sure just how many people realize what a creative genius he was behind the kit. A true legend.
SterlingRe 2 years ago 24
@SterlingRe I want to say I absolutely agree with you. You cannot come any closer to perfection than Holdsworth and Tony Williams on the same album. Do you know Atavachron, by Holdsworth with Tony on song #5 Looking Glass. I have seen both musicians separately but never together. Too bad. I have been a drummer myself for 31 years. Tony is number 1.
JohnnyFiveEagles 9 months ago
@JohnnyFiveEagles It seems we both appreciate these two legends. I still play this album frequently and am never bored with it. That's when you know an album is very special. Enjoy
SterlingRe 9 months ago
@SterlingRe Absolutely - If anyone is coming to this from a Guitarist/Allan Holdsworth angle then I'm sure that they will agree that Tony Williams was a genius drummer (there are only a few) the way he gives rock music a swing and some of those fills are just insane - incredible drummer that was lost to us too soon - RIP Tony.
wuckle 3 months ago
how come everything bass wise I've heard from Tony Newton sounds awful; but this is a masterpiece with excellent bass work?
PhatLarkin 2 years ago
Love this stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!
dtsjr1227 2 years ago
Such amazing drive from the drums and some of those fills are insane - genius!!
wuckle 2 years ago 2
I always loved this Holdsworth solo, and it's probably my sentimental favorite of all his memorable explorations. I saw this band at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, Pa. in the fall of '75. It was a small counterculture coffee house in the Phila. suburbs where many people who later became famous played. To paraphrase Joe Satriani, those of us present that night "witnessed a hole being torn in the space time continuum", and my perception of everything was permanently altered.
hanksteelbranch 2 years ago 3
That drum riff...can't tell you how long it took me to learn it. When I first heard this recording as a young man back in the 1970s I thought it was from another planet.
This is my favorite song, off my favorite album, from my favorite drummer...RIP Tony...you are sorely missed.
bedlam6666 2 years ago 3
@bedlam6666
It is from another planet. And Tony is on another planet now.
ignaciomoran 2 years ago 2
Wow, talk about inventive and creative drumming, Tony was King!
Khaliyl19 2 years ago 3
Miss Tony a lot. And those Sunday breakfasts in San Anselmo with him. Yeah. Tony is king!
ignaciomoran 2 years ago 2
This is the "perfect" fusion album. Simply magic.
michaelofpetaluma 2 years ago 18
This sort of launched Alan Holdswoth's career. Great tune and the magic was in the studio on this one. Tony made this all happen.
ignaciomoran 2 years ago
Actually my understanding is that Holdsworth wrote this tune long before, as 'Kinder' but never recorded it in ensemble until this album [that I know of].
shpilk 2 years ago
Love this Album...the best music !!!!
2020shredfest1980 2 years ago 3
my favorite album?
grserm 2 years ago 3
To have seen this man perform this whole album when it first came out,ooooooohhhh all you could say is how did he do that?I saw it with my own eyes at the berkeley community theater.R.I.P. TONY WILLIAMS.
autoracer1man 2 years ago
This is drumming at is best! ...
The guitar solo is awsome man!
cuyesterday 2 years ago
I saw this Tony Williams group minus Allan Holdsworth in 1975. They played selections from Believe It and Million Dollar Legs. I believe Jamie Glaser was the replacement. TWL were the warmup for Ajax - the name of the Stanley Clarke Group featuring Gerry Brown (dr) David Sancious (kb/g), Ray Gomez (g), James Tinsey (tr) - School Days Tour
awbolden 2 years ago
He he....Allan missed the cue @ 6:20
Samsgarden 2 years ago
@Samsgarden LOL, I know. And they just leave the mistake in the tune. That's what I love about jazz!!
Jay435 1 year ago
@Samsgarden - yeah, but then, so does the bass, faltering just a few seconds later
but . . .
that human element is what gives Jazz - and its crtically needed element of improvisation - its unique and genuine quality
DoctorPatient 1 year ago
Amazing how good this sounds some thirty odd years later.
Tony is timeless and makes Allan sound better. Sorry Chad, you're good but I really dig the school of TW a lot better!
Samsgarden 2 years ago 4
R.I.P.
joeholl3333 2 years ago
Now, I realize that the way steve smith plays his drumkid is heavily influenced to Tony Williams.
rbjsakti 2 years ago
As players, we consist of influences but influences aren't a means to an end. Derivative players are boring because they have no cause, no story, nothing really to say.
Of course, TW had influences but he sounded like TW. I don't know what Steve Smith is doing? He looks like a cardboard cut-out and sounds like one.
Samsgarden 2 years ago
yay!
leorock001 2 years ago
HOLDSWORTH IS A FUCKING MONSTER....it kills me that guitarists worship Eddie DOUCHE halen and never have heard the genius of Allan,,Allan would make eddie his bitch!
harveydents 2 years ago
allan exists thanks to eddie, he financed his career in the US...
KingAcosta28 2 years ago 3
Circuitdesign...yes i sure would say you digress when comparing gadd to Tony on any channel!!!!!!!!!!Tony had rhe heart, soul, mind and body to play anything Gadd ever thought of but Gadd would be so stuck trying to emulate this guy.
rrdrums110 2 years ago
I just saw Allan in San Pedro last night. Gary Husband on drum and Jimmy Johnson on guitar; just insane. He plays that synth solo on his guitar.
Just amazing.
samoht21 2 years ago
I was there too, it was great! he played Proto Cosmos as well
ugtibo 2 years ago 2
Just saw Allan live a few mins ago in Montreal and he played FRED :D
drstrangeluv1680 2 years ago 5
One of Holdsworth's best solos in my opinion...Tony cooks...just a smokin' hot tune all around...
tsfonline 2 years ago 4
My fave tune from that LP. Nice changes and that Holdsworth sound gave this group that edge. Tony's phrasing n fills is non-pareil and he really drives this band. The way he plays with the meter and its pulse is so Tony, with bravado, power and elegance. Holdsworth's solo here provided the dark approach to guitar fusion playing and it reminds me a lot of Bill Connors (Hymn OF The Seventh Galaxy - RTF) when both these guitarists started out with this approach. A great recording performance!
ignaciomoran 2 years ago 2
Steve Gadd cf Tony W is like comparing a metronome with the tides and the surf - in other words there is no comparison.
countkafka 2 years ago
thank God somebody is recognizing one of a kind drummer / artist Tony Williams
Joeey 2 years ago
I would like to point out how Tony makes the music "breathe" so well. That may sound like a very esoteric comment, but as someone who has listened to a lot of drummers in his life, this is a skill that a lot of drummers don't have. It is one thing to have a sense of time like a metronome, but it is even a more amazing and desirable trait to know how to define a pulse that may not have machine-like precision, but moves around to bring the best out of the music. Tony did it like no one else.
circuitdesign 2 years ago 2
that's so true.
bjornengineer 2 years ago
Steve Gadd has this trait as well. And he was heavily influenced by Tony Williams.
circuitdesign 2 years ago
Gadd...he's one of the master blending superb technique with musicality and expressivity. Both in jazz settings or on Michael McDonald/Jarreau kind of recordings. Flawless!
Bjorn
bjornengineer 2 years ago
Yes, Gadd has a gift that cannot be learned. Since you mentioned Jarreau, I love Gadd on "Spain."
But we digress. This forum should be about Tony's genius. He influenced Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine and so many others. I think a lot of rock drummers do not realize what a powerful force Tony was in changing not just jazz drumming, but rock drumming as well. He is under-rated in the rock community.
circuitdesign 2 years ago 4
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shpilk 2 years ago
@circuitdesign almost like a balloon expanding and morphing tony's play hugs and vice versa
hagnuj 1 year ago
I too saw this group in 1975 at the Cleveland Agora, with the opening act being David Sancious & Tone. Both were beyond words ... jazz / fusion at it's best. Just unbelievable .... nothing like it today ...
Tru22Tru 2 years ago 2
the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex covered this song @ the drum pad 20th anniversary. both this version nd the JCC'c version are beautiful! but JCC's version is a lot more rock
trendkillPA 2 years ago 2
I remember hearing this on the way back from Germany in the 80's on an airplane cruising at 35,000 feet. I had to find out who the hell is the guitarist. I'd never heard the guitar played that way before.
jazz1bro 2 years ago 4
What is fasinating is this album is going on 35 yrs old yet when you hear it today it's still sounds fresh. The musicians were so true to the music. Tony's playing on this record is like the bible of drumming.
CHC4669 2 years ago 3
If you dig this check out Holdsworth playing with "Gong"!
alleracsum 2 years ago
For me this gets the best guitar solo award of 70's. And a great tune as well.
LedZepLive 2 years ago
I was lucky enough to see them at a little place called the silver dollar saloon in east lansing mich. back in the 70's, 2 bucks to get in, what a great show, never forget it.
uncleclunk 2 years ago 2
Ok, you win the Luckiest Mother Fucker of the Year Award so far. That one is going to be hard to beat.
LedZepLive 2 years ago
Thanks, yeah it was cool, I read years later that he had to sell his guitar to get a ticket home after that tour, thats just sick! what an amazing player, and Tony too, awsome drummer, great band. Thanks, Clive.
uncleclunk 2 years ago 2
It's just amazing to see Allan Holdsworth's evolution through the years.....a trully master.
dionbass 2 years ago 5
This is one of the albums that changed my life. Jeff Beck opened the door with Blow By Blow, and this album blew it open.
siskokidd 2 years ago
Holdsworth said later that he couldn't bear to listen to himself on this record, he had grown so much as a musician. The guy just gets better every day.
TadRapidly 2 years ago 3
Amazing piece of music!
wuckle 2 years ago 2
I hadn't heard this for so long, thanks, great interplay between the musicians, he never over powers, always space for the others around him.
mrubbish1 2 years ago
god... you have to be in awe of this drum-bass connection.
BlueM0nk 2 years ago
I heard this many years ago while on the way back from Germany. Imagine how my jaw dropped after hearing Holdsworth for the first time.
jazz1bro 2 years ago
Tony Newton on bass - nice bloke, got some inspirational videos up on expert village
jonescrusher1 2 years ago
He is? Well....he ripped me a new one the other day at a studio although it's my fault but if I had been auditoning for Heart Survivor or the Babys I would have cut the gig for sure
ThePaistecat 2 years ago
I just found, this; having a bit of a moment
charlesfelixmagnus 2 years ago 6
This was Holdsworth at his finest.
cheapsince77 2 years ago 4
im jaming to this right now ;;;;;;;;4/5/2009
PeartDisicple481 2 years ago
Wow, I gotta find out where to get this stuff, can't find it anywhere D:
Psychootom 3 years ago
wow tony williams and allan holdsworth together
dreadtodred 3 years ago 3
Saw this group live in a small club on L.I. NY. About the time when this album came out.
They played this piece and the whole group cooked. Allan blew my mind. Never saw that type of technique before.
Van Halen said he love this guys style.
BlueRoseRocketBand2 3 years ago