Spring - Anthony Williams (1977) (1LP Vinyl, Japan) - Near Mint (NM)

Condition: Used

Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)

Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)

Spring by Anthony Williams.

Few records capture the fearless spirit of mid-sixties jazz quite like "Spring" by Anthony Williams. Recorded on August 12, 1965, this is the sound of a young drummer already thinking far ahead of his years, gathering a remarkable cast of players to explore music that stretches, breathes, and constantly questions where it might go next.

At the center is Williams himself, who composed every piece here and drives the session from the drum chair with an intelligence and restlessness that had already made him one of the most talked about musicians of the era. Across the five compositions, from the opening "Extras" through "Echo" and "From Before" on the A-side, and "Love Song" and "Tee" on the B-side, his writing balances open, searching passages with moments of quiet intensity.

The band is extraordinary. Two tenor saxophones, played by Sam Rivers and Wayne Shorter, give the front line a rare depth and flexibility, allowing the horns to intertwine, converse, and pull apart in ways a single voice never could. Herbie Hancock brings his unmistakable touch on piano, while Gary Peacock's bass anchors the group with both warmth and adventurous freedom, matching Williams beat for beat as the music opens up.

As with so many of the finest recordings from this period, the sound was captured by Rudy Van Gelder, whose engineering lends the session its clarity and presence, letting every cymbal, every reed, and every note from the bass sit exactly where it should. The result is a listening experience that feels intimate and immediate, drawing you close to a group of musicians in the act of discovery.

The package carries the visual signature of its time as well, with design by Reid Miles and photography by Francis Wolff, the two artists whose work defined the look of an entire catalog and turned album covers into lasting works of art. This copy comes complete with its obi and insert, welcome touches for collectors who appreciate the full presentation.

"Spring" remains a rewarding listen for anyone drawn to jazz at its most exploratory, a meeting of young talent and seasoned instinct that still sounds fresh decades on. It has earned its place among the records that carry the SJ Seal Of Approval, a title worth seeking out for the shelf of any serious enthusiast.

Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Extras
A2. Echo
A3. From Before
B1. Love Song
B2. Tee

Credits:
Gary Peacock - Bass
Anthony Williams - Composed By
Reid Miles - Design
Anthony Williams - Drums
Francis Wolff - Photography By
Herbie Hancock - Piano
Rudy Van Gelder - Recorded By
Sam Rivers - Tenor Saxophone
Wayne Shorter - Tenor Saxophone

Notes:
Recorded August 12, 1965.

Comes with obi and insert.

[url=https://www.discogs.com/lists/SJ-Seal-Of-Approval/577495]SJ Seal Of Approval[/url]

Artist: Anthony Williams

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Blue Note

Catalog Number: GXK 8007

Release Year: 1977

Country: Japan