Mars Williams (May 29, 1955 – November 20, 2023) was an accomplished American saxophonist who traversed through various musical genres, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of jazz, rock, and post-punk.
Born on May 29, 1955, Williams’ musical journey was heavily influenced by his father, a trumpeter who introduced him to swing and Dixieland jazz. His transition from classical clarinet to the saxophone during his high school years was fueled by the inspirations drawn from iconic figures like Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker.
Mars Williams’ educational pursuit included a stint at DePaul University, followed by courses at the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, studying under the tutelage of Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for his versatile musical career.
One of his notable affiliations was with The Waitresses, an American new wave band, where he was a member from 1980 to 1983.
Simultaneously, Mars Williams ventured into the British post-punk scene by joining The Psychedelic Furs from 1983 to 1989, later rejoining the band in 2005 until his passing in 2023. His contributions as a saxophonist and arranger during these periods left a significant impact on the musical landscape.
Mars Williams’ musical versatility extended beyond these bands. He was a founding member of the acid jazz group Liquid Soul, a project that earned a Grammy Award nomination and played a pioneering role in shaping the acid jazz movement. Additionally, he was part of the free jazz-oriented NRG Ensemble, showcasing his affinity for experimental and improvisational music.
Throughout his career, Mars Williams collaborated with a myriad of artists and bands, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency in different musical styles. His collaborations spanned across genres, including performances and recordings with Billy Idol, Ministry, and Billy Squier, among others.
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Mars Williams’ dedication to music went beyond mainstream acts; he actively participated in various jazz ensembles, including the Peter Brötzmann Tentet, Vandermark 5, and Mark Freeland’s Electroman. His involvement in these projects highlighted his commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and experimental music.
Mars Williams was diagnosed with to periampullary cancer in 2022 but this did not deter him from performing, as he continued to share his musical talents with audiences until his final concerts with The Psychedelic Furs in October 2023.
Mars Williams’ legacy resides not only in his remarkable musical contributions but also in his ability to transcend genres and collaborate with a diverse array of artists. His influence on jazz, rock, and experimental music remains an enduring testament to his artistry and passion for pushing musical boundaries.
Mars Williams died of periampullary cancer on November 20, 2023, at the age of 68.
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Mars Williams and The Psychedelic Furs
The Psychedelic Furs are an influential English rock band formed in 1977 by brothers Richard and Tim Butler in London. Known for their unique blend of post-punk and new wave sounds, the Furs emerged as one of the defining acts of the 1980s, helping to shape the era’s musical landscape with their blend of introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentals. Their music is characterized by a haunting, moody quality that combines the intensity of punk with the melodic and sometimes ethereal qualities of new wave, while also incorporating elements of glam rock, art rock, and even a touch of jazz.
In the early years, The Psychedelic Furs were part of the British post-punk scene, which was itself a reaction to the raw energy of punk. Early recordings, like their self-titled debut album in 1980, featured abrasive guitars, saxophone accents, and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocal style—a raspy, emotive voice that conveyed both melancholy and defiance. This album, along with its 1981 follow-up Talk Talk Talk, established The Psychedelic Furs as a band with a distinctly artsy edge.
Songs like “Sister Europe” and “Dumb Waiters” showcased their talent for combining introspective lyrics with complex, layered sounds. Their breakthrough came with “Pretty in Pink,” a track off Talk Talk Talk, which would become emblematic of their legacy and later provide inspiration for John Hughes’ classic 1986 film of the same name.
The success of “Pretty in Pink” brought The Psychedelic Furs international attention, and they began to evolve musically to appeal to a broader audience. This shift was evident in their third album, Forever Now (1982), produced by Todd Rundgren, which moved towards a more polished and radio-friendly sound without losing the dark, brooding quality that set them apart.
Singles like “Love My Way” and “President Gas” from this album showed the band’s ability to capture the conflicting emotions of love, disillusionment, and social commentary. “Love My Way” especially became one of their signature songs, with its catchy marimba riff and haunting lyrics about unrequited love and resilience.
Mars Williams was a member from 1983 to 1989, later rejoining the band in 2005 until his passing in 2023.
The Furs continued to evolve with each subsequent album, blending their darker, atmospheric tones with more pop-oriented hooks. In 1984, they released Mirror Moves, which contained hits like “The Ghost in You” and “Heaven.” These songs achieved commercial success, particularly in the United States, and cemented their status as new wave icons. By the mid-80s, The Psychedelic Furs were balancing mainstream success with their unique artistic vision, a challenging feat during a time when the music industry was heavily commercialized.
However, as the 1990s approached, the band faced creative and internal tensions that led to a temporary breakup in 1991. Richard and Tim Butler later reunited and formed a new band, Love Spit Love, which retained some of the Furs’ sensibilities but marked a distinct departure from the sound that had defined the original group.
Eventually, The Psychedelic Furs reunited in 2000, performing live and reconnecting with fans old and new. In 2020, the band released Made of Rain, their first new album in nearly three decades, to critical acclaim. This album reaffirmed their place in the modern musical landscape while maintaining the poetic lyricism and dark allure that had defined their early work.
The Psychedelic Furs’ influence endures in the work of contemporary bands who draw on their ability to blend introspection with bold, melodic instrumentation. Their music captures the timeless tension between vulnerability and resilience, making them an enduring icon of alternative music.
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