Saxophonist Mars Williams passes away at 68

American saxophone player Mars Williams has passed away at the age 68. He was known for his work as a member of the Waitresses and later the Psychedelic Furs.

Williams' saxophone was a vital component of the Waitresses during their brief but influential two-album run in 1980–1983, as heard on deep cuts with a lot of saxophone, such as the title track of their "Bruiseology" LP, as well as the standout tracks "Christmas Wrapping," "Square Pegs," and "I Know What Boys Like."

Williams was approached by the Psychedelic Furs to fill in for their missing regular sax musician during an international tour in 1983, and this request led to a lengthy stint that lasted until 1989. The Waitresses broke up about the same time. After that, he continued working with the Furs from 2005 until the band's last tour dates, which concluded in October of last year.


But Williams's career was mostly in jazz, especially with experimental bands.

Legendary Downtown jazz musician John Zorn referred to Williams as "one of the true saxophone players -- someone who takes pleasure in the mere act of blowing the horn" in the liner notes on an album he recorded with Hal Russell in 1984. He said his sound is really derived from this enormous excitement, which permeates every note he plays.

“Mars has amazing music for any occasion. He has been successful in changing the definition of variety for the contemporary saxophonist in numerous ways."

On his website, Williams lists his live and recorded performances with the following artists: Power Station, Wayne Kramer, Ministry, Bill Laswell, Charlie Hunter, Dirty Projectors, Billy Squier, DJ Logic, Kurt Elling, Jerry Garcia, and the Untouchables. Williams also performed with Billy Idol (during the "Rebel Yell" tour).

The musician was raised playing the classical clarinet for ten years, influenced by his father's trumpet playing, before transitioning to the saxophone. He was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, in 1955. He listed Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Eric Dolphy as his early inspirations before eventually succumbing to Ornette Coleman's influence.

Reports stated that Williams had been clean for 20 years and actively participated in the MusiCares program, which assists struggling musicians.

FAQs:

Q: What instrument did Mars Williams play?
Ans: Saxophone clarinet.

Q: What kind of music is Psychedelic Furs?
Ans: Psychedelic Furs is post-punk and alternative rock genres.