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
Tracks
1-1. Geo Rose
1-2. Blackbird
1-3. Ancient Eyes
1-4. Citadel
1-5. Warriors
1-6. Angel Street
2-1. Sister Cheryl
2-2. The Slump
2-3. Mutants On The Beach
2-4. Civilization
2-5. Crystal Palace
2-6. Life Of The Party
2-7. The Announcements
IRA COLEMAN bass
TONY WILLIAMS drums
MULGREW MILLER piano
BILL PIERCE tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
WALLACE RONEY trumpet
Recorded March 2-8, 1992 in Tokyo, Japan
Blue Note – CDP 0777 7 99031 2 2