Record Reviews

TONY WILLIAMS ~ PLAY OR DIE MOOSICUS 1214 (Barcode: 885513121424) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 Released: 2022 This is a reissue / remaster of the little known album by American drummer / composer bandleader Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist recorded in Germany during his trio tour, which also included keyboardist Tom GrantFind albums by this artist and bassist Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist. The album presents five original compositions, two each by Williams and O`Hearn and one co-credited to all three musicians. The album was released by a small independent Swiss label and was never reissued since 1980, when it was recorded and originally released. The music is typical power Fusion, that Williams played with his ensemble LifetimeFind albums by this artist, dominated by the keyboard / synthesizer sound and superb bass work by O`Hearn, who played a key role in Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist ensembles in the late 1970s. Williams adds his energetic and technically brilliant drumming for the entire duration, as expected. The compositions are a bit sketchy and the trio’s limited instrumentation influences the result, which is a bit lackluster at times, mostly due to the inadequate work by Grant, but Fusion lovers should find this stuff interesting, especially since it was out of circulation for over forty years. Overall, this is a long overdue reissue of a “lost” album by one of the greatest Jazz / Fusion drummers of all times and in view of his relatively limited recorded legacy as a leader, this reissue is definitely welcome, despite its limitations.

Updated: 17/08/2022Posted: 17/08/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend