Land of Giants

McCoy Tyner, Bobby Hutcherson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 24, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00009NH8R
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,361 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Serra Do Mar

2. December

3. Steppin'

4. If I Were A Bell

5. Manalyuca

6. Back Bay Blues

7. For All We Know

8. The Search

9. Contemplation

10. In A Mellow Tone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure genius, July 10, 2003

By 

Jan P. Dennis "Longboard jazzer" (Monument, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Land of Giants (Audio CD)

McCoy Tyner has always been a huge presence on the jazz piano scene, ever since he performed with the last working band of John Coltrane. Specializing in Latin-tinged jazz, he has released two very fine records--La Leyenda de la Hora, and McCoy Tyner and the Latin All-Stars--exclusively in that sub-genre.

The Latin numbers shine here as well. My favorite is "Manalyuca," seven-plus minutes of shear musical mastery. Especially fine is Charnette Moffet's arco bass solo, artfully conjuring Andalusia. Indeed, the entire number has that mystical Iberian/Arab sensibility--some of which, certainly, comes from Bobby Hutcherson, who has often delved deeply here ("Medina," "La Alhambra," "Messina"). "Serra Do Mar," a fast samba or bossa nova that changes mid-tune to bebop, then back and forth several times, cooks along at a spritely pace and features a wonderful solo from Hutcherson. "Contemplation," a waltz with Latin flavoring, also stands out.

There are several other styles as well (blues, ballads, and pure bop), each deftly handled by the band. But what this disc's really all about is communication. At times this band seems nearly telepathic. They're listening with all their might, and their dia- tria- and quadralogues are simply stunning. Eric Harland on drums especially seems to be completely zeroed in. Tyner and Hutcherson, of course, have known each other for years and have even released a duo disc together. Charnett Moffett on bass also fits in perfectly, making every note count and never overplaying. His walking bass intro on "Steppin'" brilliantly illustrates this.

McCoy Tyner seldom fails to deliver. Here it's truly a special delivery, one not to be missed. Land of Giants indeed.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic, February 15, 2004

By 

R. J. Marsella (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Land of Giants (Audio CD)

There is something about the combination of Bobby Hutchinson's vibes and McCoy Tyner's piano that gives this music a sound that is unique in jaz. These two musicians have a way of blending their lines so perfectly that it is as if the music is playing them instead of the other way around. The bass playing of Charnett Moffet is equal to the task of keeping up with these two musical geniuses. The first cut Serro De Mar is stunningly beautiful and the latin tinged Manalyuca is driven by a haunting bassline supplied by Moffet. Although these two tunes are highlights the rest of the cd is all good. McCoy Tymer's piano playing is fuller harmonically than many others I've listened to and his chord voicing is complex yet accessable. Land Of the Giants provides an opportunity to hear these fine musicians in their prime creative years and it is not to be missed. A really fine CD.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great moment's jazz ! A must have ., July 18, 2004

By 

Lucie75 "L" (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Giants (Audio CD)

That's one of the best McCoy. Echoing Bobby Hutcherson's ideas on vibes, the pianist is doing a great job. He is also greatly surrounded (bouncy rhythm section including great Moffett on bass and Eric Harland on drums). You have here the best swing, fun&joy given by this kind of music, a real moment's jazz, a real moment's happiness. This cd is a must have.
PS : Other cds of the same kind (same high level) are
1) Kenny Barron and Bobby Hutcherson on great "Other places" (1993)
2) Kenny Barron and Stefan Harris (on vibes as well) on "Images"(2004)
Of course, needless to say that these two are also must-have.