Customer Reviews

Quartet

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just bought "Quartet" and I can't stop listening to it. I was hesitant at first when I saw this line-up, since these guys are used to leading their own bands and have a tendency to overpower the groups they play in. Maybe it's the fact that these all-stars are being led by Tyner, who is one of the greats, but as a cohesive unit, this quartet works like magic. It reminds me of hearing Miles' bands in the 50s and 60s, where every guy could have taken the spotlight but instead backed off in favor of being an equal part of the group. This is the case on "Quartet" - Joe Lovano, Jeff "Tain" Watts, and Christian McBride play like they're proud to be in McCoy's band and sound like they've been playing together forever.

The tracks on this live date from New Year's '06 are mainly taken from the Tyner Songbook. Lovano is a real driving force alongside Tyner, and together, they re-invent classics like "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit" and "Passion Dance." The band takes these tunes in unexpected places that surely McCoy couldn't have imagined when he first penned them decades ago. McCoy's rendition of the standard "For All We Know" is a touching end to an otherwise energetic set of tunes. Somehow, he manages to be powerful and sensitive all at the same time.

It's great to see that McCoy is finally getting the respect he deserves with his own new label, McCoy Tyner Music. Thank god someone out here is documenting his projects. Too many of the McCoy Tyner's of the world are already gone.

Bottom line: Get this record - you won't be disappointed.

Maybe McCoy's playing has been stronger on other occasions, but I'm with Linda, this is the best McCoy Tyner album I've heard in years. The rhythm section makes my whole body want to move and makes my head and shoulders rock with appreciation. Joe Lovano adds an excellent twist, and the music is bursting with passionate intensity.

Four truly creative jazz musicians playing awesome jazz. It doesn't get any better than this! I've listened to this CD a dozen times and still can't get enough. McCoy Tyner is playing at a career high level and Joe Lovano is as well. It's all there, I wonder if there is any other material from this gig? I'd love to hear the rest...

I agree that this is the finest CD he's put out recently. From start to finish, it's a moving journey. I have all his recordings(now that Horizon and Looking Out have finally been released on CD), and this stands up to the best. I'd also recommend the recordings of DD Jackson to those who love Tyner(or Pullen, or Hicks, or other great composer/pianists).

Mccoy tyners does it oncemore .THIS LIVE RECORDING is among mccoy s strongest efforts.The other ones IMO are his collaboration with the LATIN ALL STARS the marvelous LA LEYENDA DE LA HORA and NEW YORK REUNION.Perhaps a sharper and more speedy saxophone tune would help better the flow of excitement but this minor point would not be able to spoil the general result so as not to give it five stars .

This is great music with a mix of a living legend and some up and coming young talents. I love how the crowd was encouraging each of the musicians through the recording.

McCoy has aged well in his playing and approach, I go back a really long way with his music, never disappointed. Thanks. Eli

Very good jazz. This man has been around a long time. We have really enjoyed this CD.

Jazz lovers will find this new release from McCoy masterful. Glad I purchased this milestone for my collection.

This is one of the worst albums I've purchased lately. I don't know where to start, except to say, this is an awful album.

Lovano needs to learn how to play the saxophone. He plays fine with Paul Motian, but here he misses every mark. His tone is horrible and his note choices are just wrong. He plays the wrong notes and choices to play the wrong notes on purpose. He is a much better player than this.

Making matters worse, if Lovano's horrific approach to playing saxophone wasn't enough, Tyner chose to let Lovano do all of the playing. This is McCoy Tyner's band, not Joe Lovano's. McCoy's leadership skills aren't that of a seasoned professional, but someone who is comatose. Wake up Tyner! This is your band! When McCoy does play, he's behind the beat and his timing and rhythm are obviously off.

Finally, this brings me to the rhythm section, where are they? I guess they're at lunch, because you can't hear them over Lovano's saxophone squawks and honks.

Tyner, in all honesty, should focus his talent on writing big band arrangements as long as he picks a saxophone player that can play lyrically.

Don't waste your money on this album. What I thought was funny though, were the people in the audience actually cheering for the band. One guy screamed, "Yeah!" All I have to say to him is "NOOOOO!!!" Stay away from this one!