Monk, 'Trane, Miles & Me

Larry Coryell, Willie Williams

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 26, 1999)
• Original Release Date: January 26, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: HighNote Records
• ASIN: B00000HXNZ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #236,820 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

The emphasis is on the "me" in guitarist Larry Coryell's tribute to three musicians who inspired him. As he explores such tunes as Thelonious Monk's "Trinkle Tinkle," John Coltrane's "Naima," and Miles Davis' "All Blues," Coryell isn't throwing a costume party in which he impersonates his influences, but is simply trying on some of the musical suits they wore. He sounds good in them. As Coryell acknowledges in his liner notes, "When [Miles] did play familiar material, he did the tunes in an original way." Similarly, in a career punctuated with hits and misses - and, as with Davis, various fans and critics would likely disagree on which Coryell projects were successes and which were failures - Coryell has followed his own path, sometimes leaning toward traditional-jazz guitar, sometimes acting like a rock "guitar hero," but always sounding like himself. These tunes bring forth musicality more than chops from Coryell, whose thoughtful solos on "Star Eyes" and "Alone Together" show his traditional side. Coryell's quirky "Fairfield County Blues" recalls his work with Gary Burton in the late '60s while also nodding toward Monk, and, on "All Blues," Coryell, bassist Santi Debriano, and drummer Yoron Israel create a soulful "boogaloo jazz" feel. Pianist John Hicks contributes his usual tasteful playing to four of the nine tracks, and saxophonist Willie Williams nourishes two others. Throughout the album, Israel blends imagination, energy, and discretion, contributing greatly to Coryell's tribute to originality.

--- Rick Mattingly, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coryell goes mainstream in straightahead improv masterpiece, February 20, 1999

By A Customer

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine traditional jazz, July 1, 1999

By A Customer

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Jazz Guitar, February 3, 2000

By	George V Fleming (Thunder Bay, Canada eh) - See all my reviews

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.