Search - Larry Coryell :: Monk Trane Miles & Me

Coryell goes mainstream in straightahead improv masterpiece

02/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a Larry Coryell fan in the late 60's when he was with Gary Burton but lost interest in his playing during his hardcore fusion years. I tried this CD on impulse. Wow! What spectacular guitar playing and arrangements. Coryell playing now with beautiful classical jazz guitar tone, and awesome chops doesn't lose some his rock influenced sensibilities but sounds more like Tal Farlow with some Joe Pass or Jim Hall harmonic sense thrown in than Jimi Hendrix. Wonderful presentations of originals and some well known Monk, Miles and Coltrane tunes, but Fairfield County Blues, a Coryell original minor blues destined to become a classic in its own right. His sidemen are also top notch though not housefold names. Very good sound quality on this recording as well."

Fine traditional jazz

07/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album brings Larry Coryell back to a more traditional setting. Unlike some of his adult contemporary albums of late, Coryell chooses the style of the early 1960s. The material is strong and Coryell's playing is excellent throughout. His use of fingerpicking on many of the tracks adds a warm touch reminiscent of Wes Montgomery. The band provides a strong vehicle for Coryell's guitar. John Hicks on piano is very tasteful, playing strong leads and setting just the right foundation. Willie William's sax shows less restraint, and at times sounds like Coltrain. Santi Debriano on bass is remarkable, lending a unique sound to the proceedings. Yoron Israel plays drums with the finesse of the older, traditional players. Coryell does a good job with most of the material here. The strongest cuts are "Star Eyes", where we find the guitar blazing with rapid-fire single-note lines, "Up Against the Wall", and an excellent rendition of Miles Davis' "All Blues".This album is highly recommended for jazz guitar fans."

Fantastic Jazz Guitar

George V Fleming | Thunder Bay, Canada eh | 02/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have have listened to Mr. Coryell for years and prefer his recordings of Jazz Standards to his Fusion(although those are great too.)His tone is a very distintive one and his interpretations of these Monk, Trane and Miles tunes would impress the authors.Mr. Coryell mentions that All Blues is one the most played standards of all time, I have witnessed many versions of this and his has a great reharmonization of the basic progression and a great feel.Naima is my favorite, Isreal's mallet playing keeps the feel close to the original. One of Mr Coryell's strengths is certainly playing Modal tunes like this one.Monk's tune 'Trinkle' allows Mr. Coryell to open up and pull out his firey, explosive soloing style that is his tradmark. Willie Williams is certainly influenced by the great John Coltrane and adds some great intensity on this track.Mr. Coryell's Fairfield County Blues is a fine minor blues tune with an impeccable jazz/blues feel. As always with Mr. Coryell's jazz recordings there is a bit Wes Montgomery in his playing.Clearly Larry Coryell has mastered the Jazz idiom. Toko Du and Minor Blues Major Jazz are also must have CDs that display Mr. Coryell's fine Jazz Guitar playing."