Million Dollar Legs (album)

From Allan Holdsworth Information Center

"Million Dollar Legs" is a 1976 album by The New Tony Williams Lifetime, that features Allan on guitar. This album is quite a stark contrast to its predecessor, especially considering how close in time they were. Where "Believe It" was a combination of raw energy and virtuosic improvisation, "Million Dollar Legs" is polished and with less focus on improv. In other words, it's much less jazz. Williams and Newton are in charge of most of the material, with Allan writing nothing. Tony Newton is even singing on his own R'n'B/funk tune "You Did It To Me". This sudden change in direction led to some calling this album "I Don't Believe It". There are a few notable guitar moments, but for Holdsworth fans this is a letdown. As of 2023, this album is only available as part of the compilation "The Collection".

Track listing

The New Tony Williams Lifetime: Million Dollar Legs (1976) (D) (YT)
Track title Composer Length Comments.
Sweet Revenge Tony Williams 6:03 Guitar solo 4.15-4.55
You Did It to Me Baby Williams, Al Cleveland 3:45
Million Dollar Legs Williams 6:38 Three short guitar solos
Joy Filled Summer Tony Newton 5:50 Guitar solo 3.50-4.22
Lady Jane Alan Pasqua 3:56
What You Do to Me Williams 6:38 Guitar solo 0-30-1.20
Inspirations of Love Newton 9:48 Guitar solo 3.49-5.45

Once Upon a Lifetime (Jazz Times 2010)

Williams and Holdsworth went together to check out Newton on a big-band gig at Carnegie Hall. The pianist in the group happened to be Alan Pasqua, who made a favorable impression on both of them. Williams called a rehearsal at S.I.R. Studios in Manhattan, and a band was born. “We started rehearsing new tunes and then a few weeks later we were playing at the Bottom Line,” says Holdsworth. “Shortly after, we did Believe It, then did a couple of tours and followed up with Million Dollar Legs.”

Links

AH Archives: https://www.facebook.com/AllanHoldsworthArchives/posts/195613763945858

Ed's blog: http://threadoflunacy.blogspot.no/2017/06/6-velvet-darkness-and-million-dollar.html

Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/The-New-Tony-Williams-Lifetime-Million-Dollar-Legs/release/2168866

YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mkUKJ9PhWJoBDY9eMf6tEhCqgANsFwesU

YouTube full album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UudE1exsekQ

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Million_Dollar_Legs_(album)