Search - McCoy Tyner :: Enlightenment

Intense

hbaker | Denver, CO United States | 04/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An amazing display of musicianship- McCoy plays some of the most intense music I have ever heard him play on this album, his set from the 1973 Montreux Jazz festival. He is supported by bassist Joony Booth (from Tony Williams' group), Alphonse Mouzon (slick player), and Azar Lawrence, who played on Miles' Live recording, "Dark Magus", about a year after this one. The shortest track is 8 minutes long, with two tracks (the Enlightenment Suite and Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit) being roughly 25 minutes apeice! Epic Tyner is all over this album; his trademark fourth stacks and blistering right hand runs are in every tune. The group interacts really well, and another nice aspect to this disc is that you get your money's worth- the concert is presented in it's entirety (about 70 minutes). This is a great album. You should also note that most of this concert is not relaxed- the players play hard for the whole album!"

Perhaps the peak of Tyner's post-Coltrane career

Jess Row | NYC | 03/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's very easy to compare this recording to "A Love Supreme," but careful listening makes clear this is Tyner's music through and through. It attempts to recreate the spiritual intensity of the Coltrane quartet using the musical vocabulary Tyner developed in his earlier solo work (particularly his Blue Note albums "The Real McCoy" and "Extensions"). But the most remarkable thing about it is Tyner's absolute freedom at the keyboard. In his solos here we hear him stepping out of Coltrane's shadow and taking the spotlight. Much as I love his more intimate 60's dates (including his sideman work with Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson) I haven't heard any Tyner recording that measures up to "Enlightenment." It's an absolute must for any Tyner fan or anyone interested in the legacies of the classic Coltrane era."

Outstanding and inspirational

n_dogg | Delaware, United States | 01/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up this album by chance. I didnt have any previous experience with McCoy Tyner and decided this looked interesting. To be honest, it was the cover photo that caught my attention, but I think it is appropriate. Sometimes the process of being enlightened is difficult and painful.Anyway, I was blown away by the entire cd, especially the last track. I am primarily a jazz fan, but I enjoy a little of everything. This album contains some strong fusion influences which I really love.I would recommend this album highly. However, I will tell you its not what you might call easy listening--listening to these tunes requires your full attention!"