Drummer Tony Williams joined Miles Davis' group in 1962 at the age of just 17, more than holding his own in such stellar company and becoming an integral part of the Second Great Quintet. He left Davis' employ after the recording of 'In A Silent Way', and formed his own trio, Lifetime, with guitarist John McLaughlin and organist Larry Young. Their debut album 'Emergency' was released in May 1969 and is regarded as one of the very first jazz-rock albums. it certainly goes much further in a rock direction than Miles did later that year with 'Bitches Brew' (which also featured both McLaughlin and Young on Williams' recommendation).
Here is 'Spectrum' from that debut album. It's the sound of three young musicians at the top of their game and just letting rip. Although not always a comfortable listen, the power of the music - and let's not forget this was 1969 - is quite extraordinary.
Here is 'Spectrum' from that debut album. It's the sound of three young musicians at the top of their game and just letting rip. Although not always a comfortable listen, the power of the music - and let's not forget this was 1969 - is quite extraordinary.
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