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Musician

Tony Williams

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Born in Chicago and growing up in Boston, Williams began studies with master drummer Alan Dawson at an early age and began playing professionally at the age of 13 with saxophonist Sam Rivers. Jackie McLean hired Williams at 16. At 17 Williams found considerable fame with Miles Davis, joining a group that was later dubbed Davis's "Second Great Quintet." His first album as a leader, 1964's Life Time (not to be confused with the name of his band "Lifetime," which he formed several years later) was recorded during his tenure with Davis. Williams was a vital element of the group, called by Davis in his autobiography "the center of the group's sound". [citation needed] His inventive playing helped redefine the role of jazz rhythm section through the use of polyrhythms and metric modulation (transitioning between mathematically related tempos and/or time signatures). But perhaps his overarching achievement was in demonstrating, through his playing, that the drummer need not be relegated to timekeeping and accompaniment in a jazz ensemble; that the drummer may be free to contribute to the performance as an equal partner in the improvisation. In 1969, he formed a trio, "The Tony Williams Lifetime," with John McLaughlin on guitar and Larry Young on organ

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Article: Interview

Richie Beirach: Indelible Memories and Thought-Provoking Reflections on a Life in Jazz, Part 1

Read "Richie Beirach: Indelible Memories and Thought-Provoking Reflections on a Life in Jazz, Part 1" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer


This two-part article was first published on All About Jazz on August 13, 2019. Part 1 | Part 2 Richie Beirach hovers somewhat mysteriously in the pantheon of the great modern jazz pianists. Some of the others in that category from his generation (coming up in the 1960s/'70s), like Herbie Hancock, Keith ...

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Article: Radio & Podcasts

Simon Phillips on Protocol, Precision, and the Power of the Hang

Read "Simon Phillips on Protocol, Precision, and the Power of the Hang" reviewed by Steven Roby


Legendary drummer Simon Phillips joins host Steve Roby to discuss five decades of rhythmic mastery, from teenage session work in 1970s London to leading the modern jazz fusion powerhouse Protocol.Fresh off the acclaimed 2022 release Protocol V, Simon reveals he's already recorded Protocol VI, set to drop this spring alongside a major European tour. ...

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Article: In Pictures

Reimagining Bitches Brew at the New York City Winter Jazzfest

Read "Reimagining Bitches Brew at the New York City Winter Jazzfest" reviewed by Dave Kaufman


Each year, the New York City Winter JazzFest, in collaboration with the music-promotion collective Pique-Nique, presents its “Take Two" series, which revisits and reimagines landmark recordings from the jazz canon. Previous editions have paid tribute to historically significant works, including a memorable presentation of Max Roach's Members, Don't Git Weary (Leo Lab, 1968) several years ago. ...

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Article: Radio & Podcasts

RIP Gordon Goodwin and Phil Upchurch. Classics by Bobby Timmons, Peggy Lee, and others

Read "RIP Gordon Goodwin and Phil Upchurch. Classics by Bobby Timmons, Peggy Lee, and others" reviewed by David W. Daniels


Recognizing the transition of Gordon Goodwin and Phil Upchurch. Additionally, classic music from Clifford Brown, Lou Donaldson, and more. Newly released music from La Tanya Hall, Yusef Lateef, Lettuce, and others. Recognizing birthdays for McCoy Tyner, Diane Schuur, and others.Playlist Alchemy Sound Project “Divergency" from Further Explorations (Alchemysoundproject) 00:00 Clifford Brown “Get Happy" from ...

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Article: Profile

Joni Jazz, Part 2

Read "Joni Jazz, Part 2" reviewed by Chuck Lenatti


Part 1 | Part 2 As a young woman growing up in Canada, Joni Mitchell was fond of American popular music and bought records whenever she could afford them. She would sometimes swap painting jobs for jazz albums. Among her favorite jazz artists were Duke Ellington and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. She ...

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Article: Interview

Esmeralda Sella, pianista per caso o per destino

Read "Esmeralda Sella, pianista per caso o per destino" reviewed by Neri Pollastri


Nata a Ravenna, appassionata di jazz, di culture popolari e di improvvisazione radicale, Esmeralda Sella ha appena pubblicato il suo primo disco da leader, Magma (Auand Records), alla testa di un trio completato dal contrabbassista Federico Giolito e dal batterista Giovanni Nardiello. Partiamo dall'antefatto di questa intervista. Quando, qualche mese fa, Marco Colonna ...

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Article: Journey into Jazz

Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases

Read "Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases" reviewed by Kyle Simpler


Although the main Record Store Day event occurs every year in April, the Black Friday drop gives record collectors a chance to find some one-of-a-kind releases to wrap up the year. The list always features music from a wide range of genres, and, of course, there are plenty of jazz releases available. However, these are limited-edition ...

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Article: Radio & Podcasts

Legendary jazz drummer, bandleader and composer Eric McPherson

Read "Legendary jazz drummer, bandleader and composer Eric McPherson" reviewed by Doug Hall


On this show we chat with legendary jazz drummer, band leader, and composer Eric McPherson. Mr. McPherson would be introduced to music and jazz at a very young age. Richard Davis, his godfather and an icon among jazz bassists, was a neighborhood friend of the family, and his mother, a superb dancer-choreographer, deep into the jazz ...

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Article: Live Review

Cindy Blackman Santana Band at Miner Auditorium

Read "Cindy Blackman Santana Band at Miner Auditorium" reviewed by Steven Roby


Cindy Blackman Santana BandMiner AuditoriumSFJAZZ CenterSan Franciso, CASeptember 14, 2025 On the second of two sold-out nights at Miner Auditorium, Cindy Blackman Santana opened with a brief welcome--"Blue Whale"--and nothing more. The band turned toward the center, eyes on her for the first cue, as if to agree that rhythm would set the terms. ...


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