The Essential Larry Coryell - Larry Coryell

Sep

17

The Essential Larry Coryell - Larry Coryell

≡ Category: 1960s, 1970s, Essential, Fusion, Jazz Rock, Reviews |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

JAZZBO NOTES ESSENTIAL RECORDING

Rating:

I’m not generally a big fan of jazz compilations. Nine times out of ten, the people who are compiling the set have their taste in their ass. The problem is compounded when you try to whittle down a major jazz artist’s oevre to one CD. It’s practically impossible.

The Essential Larry Coryell (on the Vanguard label) is the exception that proves the rule. It’s true that a lot of wonderful tunes were left off this compilation, but if you listen to this CD, you will have a pretty good idea what Larry Coryell was all about during his most important years as an artist.

Look at what’s here: Coryell’s fantastic collaboration with John McLaughlin, Spaces, which rounded out the band with Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, and Billy Cobham, is represented by Spaces (Infinite). The folks who put together this compilation had the taste to include Lady Coryell, from the album of the same name, not the most obvious choice. Yin is a sample of Coryell’s electric fusion with Eleventh House. You could argue that there are no tunes from the classic Barefoot Boy, but that’s taken care of by Scotland, Pt. 1 and Foreplay, off of the Offering LP, which was similar in style. The rawer side of Coryell’s playing is given it’s due with The Jam With Albert, from Coryell’s first record, and Stiff Neck, his duet with the great Elvin Jones on drums. Even Are You Too Clever?, which some might dismiss because of Larry Coryell’s admittedly weak vocal instrument, is necessary to understand Coryell as an artist. It’s true that Coryell wasn’t gifted with the best pipes, but he sings with a complete understanding of what he’s capable of, and demonstrates a surprising gift for vocal phrasing, especially in the pop/R&B mileau that he chooses.

Not one essential record of Larry Coryell’s is left untouched — all are represented. For those people with minimal interest in Larry Coryell, this one CD will be all they will ever need. Those people who are intrigued by certains cuts on The Essential Larry Coryell will know which CDs to pick up.

Actually, that’s not quite true. The folks who compiled The Essential Larry Coryell have so much taste that they picked the best tunes to include from otherwise forgettable releases such as Lady Coryell and The Great Escape. On the other hand, savvy listeners will be clued into such classics as Offering, Spaces, and Introducing the Eleventh House with Larry Coryell.