One of drummer
Tony Williams' final studio projects, this adventurous effort alternates selections by an all-star quintet (which includes tenor saxophonist
Michael Brecker, guitarist
Pat Metheny, pianist
Herbie Hancock, and bassist
Stanley Clarke) with string orchestra tracks (usually using the rhythm section).
Williams wrote most of the music (there is one song apiece from
Metheny and
Clarke), and despite the general unpredictability of the music (which ranges from melancholy to fiery), there is a surprising unity throughout
Wilderness. Highlights include the pretty opener for strings "Wilderness Rising," a lyrical quintet number, "The Night You Were Born," the rock-ish freak-out "China Moon," and the heated "Gambia"; only guitarist
Lyle Workman's guest spot on his droning "Machu Picchu" is a minus. Otherwise, this is intriguing music that rewards repeated listenings, making one further appreciate the great loss suffered as a result of
Tony Williams' premature death. [In 2003,
Wilderness was reissued with an alternate track listing.]~ Scott Yanow