Spectrum Road

Spectrum Road is a rare thing: a tribute band with an all-star lineup. The quartet features legendary bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, Living Colour guitar-slinger Vernon Reid, keyboardist John Medeski of Medeski Martin & Wood, and veteran drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, who also sings. The group plays the music of the Tony Williams Lifetime, a groundbreaking jazz-rock outfit led by extraordinary drummer Tony Williams, who as a teenager played drums in Miles Davis’ famous '60s quintet. Bruce was a member of an early version of Lifetime, and his bass playing and singing on Spectrum Road’s self-titled debut is as exciting as ever. Reid shreds madly throughout the album and should bring a smile to any fan of guitar pyrotechnics. Medeski sticks to organ and Mellotron, evoking the vibe of the late '60s and '70s, while Blackman Santana drives this powerhouse band with complete command. Standout cuts include “One Word,” which features Bruce’s stunning vocals, and a version of the traditional “An T-Eilan Muileach” that finds the band operating in a loose-limbed psych mode.