Not So Modern Drummer celebrates the life and music of Legendary Drummer Tony Williams in our new ongoing series. Chapter Four presents the personal commentary and recollections of Joe Corsello
In September of 1964, I was admitted to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where I began my musical studies with some amazing teachers, one being Alan Dawson.
In December of that same year, I was in my lesson with Alan and there was a knock at the studio door. Upon opening the door, I saw what I thought was another student. Alan invited him in and said, “Joe Corsello, I’d like to introduce you to Anthony Williams, the drummer with Miles Davis”.
My lesson had ended so I got to listen to their conversation. Anthony was telling Alan how much he enjoyed playing with Miles, but he was concerned about his drum solos. Miles wanted extended solos with no form, filled with excitement, then a cue to bring the band back in. Alan had a great suggestion and all three of us laughed. Tony thought it would work just fine. He thanked Alan, shook hands, hugged us and left the studio.
I had no idea that this young eighteen-year-old had already recorded on three major albums:
1. ‘Miles Davis Live at Philharmonic Hall’, 1964
2. Blue Note recording with Jackie McLean titled, ‘One Step Beyond’, 1964
3. Blue Note recording, ‘Una Mas’, 1963 led by trumpeter Kenny Dorham… Three absolutely classic must have recordings!!!!
In 1972, the jazz/fusion band, New York Mary, was formed (myself, Rick Petrone, Bruce Johnstone, Lew Soloff, John Scofield, and Alan Zavod). We opened for numerous rock bands throughout the U.S. We then went on tour with a band called ‘The Tony Williams Lifetime’.
…The Rest is History.