Tony Williams Quintet - Tokyo Live 1992

This live two-CD set, one of the last recordings by the Tony Williams Quintet before it disbanded, is a fine retrospective of the group's music. All but the Beatles' "Blackbird" are originals by the drummer/leader, and the 11 lengthy performances (only two songs clock in at less than nine minues and 51 seconds) give one a strong idea as to how the quintet sounded during a typical club performance. Trumpeter Wallace Roney and the versatile Bill Pierce (on tenor and soprano) have their spots, and pianist Mulgrew Miller is well-featured on the thoughtful "Citadel" while bassist Ira Coleman is heard purely in a supportive role. There is never any doubt who the leader is, for Tony Williams dominates the ensembles, taking several five-minute drum solos and being quite prominent in the mix.

Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tony Williams - drums
Wallace Roney - trumpet
Bill Pierce - tenor and soprano sax
Mulgrew Miller - piano
Ira Coleman - bass

Disc 1

1 Geo Rose [Tony Williams] 11:33
2 Blackbird [John Lennon, Paul McCartney] 6:06
3 Ancient Eyes [Tony Williams] 11:29
4 Citadel [Tony Williams] 18:06
5 Warriors [Tony Williams] 15:23
6 Angel Street [Tony Williams] 11:09


Disc 2


1 Sister Cheryl [Tony Williams] 14:40
2 The Slump [Tony Williams] 9:51
3 Mutants on the Beach [Tony Williams] 14:46
4 Civilization [Tony Williams] 12:11
5 Crystal Palace [Tony Williams] 10:21
6 Life of the Party [Tony Williams] 2:30
7 The Announcements [Tony Williams] 3:41