Two of the first CDs I ever owned were given to me by my dad when I was a teenager: John Coltrane’s Crescent and Tony Williams Lifetime’s The Collection. I devoured the records in a way that can only be done by a curious kid with only a handful of CDs on his shelf. When I saw that the Tony Williams Tribute band (lead by Cream’s Jack Bruce) is coming to Jazz Alley, I reacquainted myself with the pioneering fusion bandleader and drummer. He still inspires. Before forming Lifetime, Williams made his mark when he was recruited to play with Miles Davis at age 17. He also played drums for John Lydon’s post-Sex Pistols band Public Image Limited. Yeah, he could swing with Miles Davis and hang with the Sex Pistols. No wonder there’s a tribute band. CHRIS KORNELIS

Mon., Feb. 7, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Tue., Feb. 8, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., 2011