AMG Review of Spectrum: The Anthology

Leo Stanley
All Music Guide

Spectrum: Anthology is a double-disc, 25-track compilation that traces the evolution of Tony Williams' early-'70s jazz fusion combo, Lifetime. Over the course of their career, Lifetime featured a number of top jazz and rock players, including John McLaughlin, Ron Carter, Alan Holdsworth, Larry Young, and Jack Bruce, with many of the musicians turning in edgy, exciting performances. In fact, Spectrum is a better way to get acquainted with Lifetime than the actual albums, since it condenses the cream of the crop down to one illuminating anthology.