Tony Williams - Native Heart (Blue Note, 1990)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Tony Williams (d); Billy Pierce (ts, ss); Wallace Roney (tr); Mulgrew Miller (p); Ira Coleman (b); Robert Hurst (b)

Recorded on September 11 - 13, 1989

The last great Miles Davis quintet, which featured Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, left an indelible mark on the venerable quintet format during the 1980s. It was the format and style that Wynton Marsalis adopted in his efforts to restore the jazz tradition. Wallace Roney, the trumpet player on Native Heart, adopted the same approach on his debut album (Verses, Muse, 1987). 

Tony Williams, of course, was the drummer for Davis before Miles moved on to a more electric, R&B-based style. Native Heart was the fourth of a series of albums that Williams recorded for Blue Note in the 1980s. It followed Foreign Intrigue (1985), Civilization (1987), and Angel Street (1988). Listening to these albums today reminds us of how fundamental Williams was to the sound of the great Davis 1960s quintet. His drums produced a splashy, polyrhythmic sound that occupied much of the foreground on albums like Miles Smiles and E.S.P. On Williams' 80s Blue Notes, that sound comes close to dominating the proceedings but not in a negative way. Indeed, the drums provoke soloists Roney, Mulgrew Miller, and Billy Pierce to make their voices heard. If anyone is disadvantaged, it would be the bass players. 

One reason that we chose Native Heart over the earlier Blue Notes is the composing. It's common to disregard the writing skills of drummers, but Williams has composed many outstanding tunes. One of his best is "Sister Cheryl," which appeared on Marsalis' debut album as well as Foreign Intrigue. On Native Heart, all of the tunes are composed and arranged by Williams, and they all serve the artistic vision of the composer. "Crystal Palace" was also included on Miller's Countdown album (Landmark, 1989) on which Williams played. "Extreme Measures," the funky "Juicy Fruit," and the title track are all very strong compositions by the leader.

Native Heart was issued on LP, CD, and Cassette in 1990. A remastered Japanese release appeared in 2013. The CDs include a bonus track "Liberty," a 5:18 minute drum solo, which is nice but also dispensable.