McCoy Tyner & the Latin All-Stars

McCoy Tyner & the Latin All-Stars

ASIN: B00000IFTM

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Fresh from a world tour, McCoy Tyner's Latin All Stars headed straight to the studio to preserve the memory. The nine-member powerhouse includes Steve Turre on trombone and shells, Gary Bartz on alto and soprano, Avery Sharpe on bass, Ignacio Berroa on drums, Giovanni Hidalgo on percussion, Johnny Alemendra on timbales, Claudio Rodito on trumpet and flügelhorn, Dave Valentin on flute, and the maestro on piano. The opener, "Festival in Bahia," is a great showcase, complete with a vamp tailor-made for solo stretches of improvisatory machismo. Tyner's rendition of "Poinciana" (a tune so immortalized by Ahmad Jamal that almost no one else courts it) is done sans horns and sounds fresh. Unfortunately, the direct-to-two-track mode of recording does not do justice to such a capacious ensemble: the percussion loses much of its depth, the trombone sounds by turns strident and muddy, the clarity of the sax is inconsistent, and the shells fare even worse. Even this lamentable circumstance does not rob the album of its momentum: Kenny Dorham's classic "Blue Bossa" is taken at a tempo that would burn a dancer to dust, and Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" is mined for all it's worth. The pianist is, of course, the crowning glory: singularly thrilling in approach and execution, he remains inimitable. --Karen Bennett

From Jazziz
Pianist McCoy Tyner & The Latin All-Stars come on like a band of Latino musical marauders. Running the gamut of grooves in a state-of-the-art fashion, Tyner's nonet proves exemplary at distilling the deep connections betwen Latin music and jazz. For example, Kenny Dorham's jam-session favorite, "Blue Bossa" is presented as an uptempo samba with alternate changes - far removed from its relaxed original form. "La Habana Sol" - one of three Tyner originals - is a blistering line woven through a slightly veiled merengue beat. Excellent arrangements of "Poinciana" and "Afro Blue" round out the more recognizable fare.

The soloing is heavy-duty. tyner is heard sounding much more aggressive than of late. Trombonist Steve Turre breaks out his conch shells for several inspired solos. While Gary Bartz's gutsy alto and soprano are firmly grounded in latter-day Coltrane, Claudio Roditi's trumpet conjures the fluidity of a Clifford Brown.

The Latin All-Stars' horn section spews tight passages like an open fire hydrant on a stifling summer day in the Bronx. The crisp rhythm section, based around drummer Ignacio Berroa, clearly understands how to work the fundamental clave. All the while, Tyner stokes a fire beneath his hot band, spurring impulsive soloists to reach beyond their technical facilities toward the realm of free association.

Tracks:

Passion Dance
Contemplation
Four By Five
Search For Peace
Blues On The Corner

Amazon.com

This 1967 quartet was McCoy Tyner's first for Blue Note as a leader, although he had frequently recorded as a sideman for the label--with Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, and Grant Green, among others. One of the last recordings produced by Blue Note founder Alfred Lion, and Tyner's first as a leader since leaving the legendary John Coltrane Quartet two years before, the session has a special quality. There's something of the Blue Note sound to the group's concentrated intensity, perhaps Lion's contribution as well as engineer Rudy Van Gelder's, while Tyner, a more conservative musician than Coltrane, was integrating the modal and expressionist forms of the Coltrane quartet into more tightly defined compositional patterns. In tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, Tyner found a true peer, another musician with a strong identity whose style represented a similar amalgam of conventional and innovative elements. Together with drummer Elvin Jones, and bassist Ron Carter, they both reassert the hard-bop mainstream with "Four by Five" and the deep blues of "Blues on the Corner" and extend it with the heightened solemnity of "Search for Peace" and the brilliant rhythmic interplay of "Passion Dance." --Stuart Broomer

Album Description

McCoy Tyner forged his sound as a leader on the amazing session with Joe Henderson, Ron Carter and Coltrane bandmate Elvin Jones. All five distinctive compositions have become jazz standards. A perfect record and an essential one too.

Customer Reviews:

A must-have 60's blue note!.......2007-01-07

Like Coltrane's rhythm section with Joe Henderson! But Ron Carter on bass gives it some different directions. Great playing, great tunes, great Van Gelder sound - it doesn't get better than this.

Bones!!.......2006-12-10

A rambling ride! Endlessly interesting. Whether fully churned or lazily meandering these players are top notch explorers. A charming work. Get it!

a very serious pianist.......2006-11-07

except for ron carter replacing bob cranshaw on bass, the personnel here is the same as on david henderson's inner urge. what seemed like a quiet conspiracy between tyner and jones on inner urge becomes a ruling empire by the two on the real mccoy.
all the selections were written by tyner. his playing is no less than brilliant. he plays with focus and such virtuosity that on passion dance it sounds like two pianos are playing at the same time.
jones' drumming dominates behind the piano. joe henderson seems to have been invited just for the ride. he gets a chance to stretch on four by five where he explores different registers. this isn't henderson's best recording. but not his fault, tyner doesn't write well for sax players.

McCoy Breaks Loose.......2004-11-22

This cd is a showcase for the younger McCoy Tyner's compositional and improvisational styles. It captures this master musician at a crossroads between the harder core modal music that he had been recording with John Coltrane a few years earlier and points the way to his own signature style that would emerge in later recordings. The quartet assembled here is perfectly matched and these 4 fine musicians created something of lasting value. Elvin Jones' drumming is dynamic and innovative, Ron Carter's bass playing is awesome and Joe Henderson's tenor provides the perfect counterweight to Tyner's piano. Henderson uses a combination of the lyrical with subtle and artful touches of dissonance that makes his sound unique and distinguished among jazz players. I think he may be the most underrated of the great sax players of his generation.
McCoy Tyner's compositional talents are stunning and the man has put out an amazing amount of great music over the years. He continues to this day to be one of the top innovators out there. The Real McCoy is an essential recording for anyone who wants to understand an important part of his evolution as an artist.

McCoy Tyner At His Best.......2004-08-28

McCoy Tyner is one of the most influential pianists after 1960 because of his highly innovative style. However, like most geniuses, he did not always play in this way. He has lots of recordings to his credit where he plays in a traditional way. During his time with John Coltrane, he intentionally developed his own personal style. Bill Evans did the same thing around the time he worked with Miles Davis. This album is the best showcase of Tyner's unique style improvisational style and Tyner's unique compositional style. It also features some of the best musicians in modern jazz. Joe Henderson is on the tenor saxophone, Jimmy Garrison is on the bass, and Elvin Jones is on the drums.
"Passion Dance" kicks off the album, and it shows McCoy's talent for writing a modal song. It has one theme that is repeated many times, and then it goes to a second theme. The musicians improvise over an F7 for as long as they wish. However, one of the characteristics of McCoy's style is that he reharmonizes a lot, taking the same pattern through many different keys. His style is about as fierce as piano players get, pounding the lower keys on the piano and hammering out chords with his left hand, and his right hand runs through pentatonic scales. Joe Henderson's playing on this track is equally as fierce and loud. You hear more ferocity on the driving "Four By Five" later in the album.
This record is not just aggressive, though. "Contemplation" (the second tune) is one of my favorite McCoy songs. The melody is yearning and haunting, but delicate and beautiful at the same time. McCoy's use of repetition is prevalent here, too. The other ballad on this song is "Search for Peace", but it is not as good as "Contemplation".
The final track is "Blues on the Corner". Although it is a blues, it reeks of McCoy's style. It does not sound like a traditional blues, but its new sound shows how versatile the blues form is. This is a blues that both sounds like McCoy and retains the feel a blues must have to come off right. It is a great way to finish this album because it shows while McCoy's music is new and innovative, he hasn't forgotten the blues, which has always been a big part of every era in jazz.
This album is appropriately titled the Real McCoy because it is a wonderful showcase of McCoy's style (both as a composer and as a piano player). This is McCoy at his freshest and most innovative. If you want to know why McCoy Tyner is one of the biggest geniuses of modern jazz, you should pick up this album.

Average customer rating:

A 70s Jazz Classic
Mahavishnu meets McCoy
Strings Attached
A Classic jazz recording of the 1970's.
Classic Jazz/Fusion album

Fly with the Wind
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000YWP
Release Date: 1992-02-17

Tracks:

Fly With The Wind
Salvadore De Samba
Beyond The Sun
You Stepped Out Of A Dream
Rolem

Customer Reviews:

A 70s Jazz Classic.......2006-11-22

I first fell in love with this album while in college, and to this day it is still a favorite jazz album of mine. Powerful yet beautiful, it's a wonderful transition between fusion and traditional jazz. The title track alone, with McCoy's piano work within the orchestration, is worth the price of the album in my book. From Tyner's piano work to Cobham's drumming to Laws' flute, I consider this 70s jazz classic essential to every jazz lover's collection. I can safely say that everyone I've ever shared this album with has always wanted to obtain it for themselves.

Mahavishnu meets McCoy.......2004-10-15

This is a great album for any jazz-rock fan who is transitioning from Billy's Mahavishnu albums to his solo work. It has a more traditional jazz flavor with elements of jazz fusion. McCoy Tyner's piano work is outstanding and the additions of Laws and Carter make this album a classic. Cobham's drum work is absolutely incredible. This is a nice way to get some of the jazz fusion people into listening to some more traditional fare. The combination of the two styles of jazz really does mesh well. The listener will not be sorry for this purchase!!!!

Strings Attached.......2004-06-11

McCoy Tyner combines incredible passion and technical virtuosity to achieve a distinctive sound from the piano. Many tremendous albums were put out on the Milestone label during the 70s, both with a small group live (Enlightenment, Atlantis, The Greeting; all 4-5 stars easily) or in a studio (Sahara, Focal Point, etc.), and with a big band (Song of the New World).

This album adds a string section, which does much to dilute the drive of McCoy's music. It does however, make it sound like a 70s concept album. As much as McCoy Tyner could ever be suited for background listening, this is it. If you think light music is a good thing, then this is a great Tyner album for you. I, however, would rather listen to one of his many thrilling, truly 5-star albums.

A Classic jazz recording of the 1970's........1999-11-22

Jazz piano mastery and timeles music make a connection of the highest order. If you are truly into the very fertile period of the 1970's fusion jazz scene this album is a must have!

Classic Jazz/Fusion album.......1999-10-12

This was really the first McCoy Tyner album that I ever listened to and the power this man puts into his music is frightening. Quartal comping and massive altered pentatonics abound on this album which I would recommend to anyone wanting to make the transition from jazz funk to real jazz.

Tracks:

The Long and Winding Road - George Benson
She's Leaving Home - McCoy Tyner
I Want You (She's So Heavy) - Groove Collective
And I Love Her - Diane Krall
Fool On The Hill - Tom Scott
Michelle - Ramsey Lewis
A Day In The Life - Lee Ritenour
Let It Be - Nelson Rangell
Elanor Rigby - Chick Corea
While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Russ Freeman
In My Life - Spyro Gyra
Here There And Everywhere - David Benoit
Blackbird - Arthuro Sandoval
Yesterday - Dave Grusin

Customer Reviews:

Jazzed Up Beatle Tunes.......2006-02-11

This is an incredible album especially if you are just getting your toes wet with light jazz. For the Jazz purist, this would probably be too contemporary. Highlights are Nelson Rangell's sax on "let It Be', Arthuro Sandoval's version of 'Blackbird' and George Benson's version of 'Long And Winding Road'. But don't sell the rest of the disc short - Diana Krall's version of 'And I Love Her' shines. Not a bad cut on this album.

Secretly the best jazz CD of the last decade.......2003-09-14

I bought this for George Benson's "The Long and Winding Road", being a big fan of orchestration. All the other songs are worthy of airplay but get none. Each one has an original sound and a different artist. My favorites are "Michelle" and "The Fool on the Hill". Apparently, many are missing out because people I play this CD for really like it once they hear it. It has been my favorite jazz CD since its release but I'm the only one I know who owns it.

Beatles + Jazz = 5 Stars.......2001-03-15

If you're like me, and love the Beatles as well as jazz, then this album is for you. Here you have everything from piano solos, jazz trios, jazz vocals, and larger ensembles. The arrangements and improvisations are brilliant, and I am quite sure that even those who aren't that familiar with jazz will enjoy this album. Especially if they enjoy Beatles songs. I really cannot pick a favourite from this album, they are all so good. Really has to be heard to be appreciated.

A Different Twist to Beatles Covers.......2000-08-22

I like this one better than Come Together: America Salutes the Beatles (although there were some great performances on it). That one I recommend to country fans. However, this review is about a collection of jazz renditions of Beatles songs and came out just months before The Beatles Anthology television special. If you like jazz or just like all things Beatles, you'll love this!

This CD opens with George Benson doing "The Long and Winding Road" more romantically than the original. Tom Scott plays a nice sax on "The Fool on the Hill". Chick Corea plays a simple piano solo on "Eleanor Rigby". Lee Rittenour plays a nice guitar improvization on "A Day In the Life". Nelson Rangell's sax on "Let It Be" is melancholy. The highlights for me are Spyro Gyra's "In My Life", David Benoit's lovely rendition of "Here, There, and Everywhere", and Arturo Sandoval's lively take on "Blackbird" (on this one, the horns supply a majestic introduction). The compilation closes with Dave Grusin doing a bluesy piano solo on "Yesterday" (which is supposedly the most covered Beatles tune ever). Also, Peter Max, popular artist back in the 1960's, offers some surrealistic artwork.

Not Too Darn Fast For Me!.......2000-08-15

...If you're into collecting all things Beatles or just like good jazz, you're sure to like this compilation.

George Benson opens with the romantic twist on "The Long & Winding Road". My favorite selections include Chick Corea's simple acoustic piano solo on "Eleanor Rigby", Tom Scott's alto sax on "The Fool On The Hill", David Benoit's lovely "Here, There, and Everywhere", Spyro Gyro's reading of "In My Life", Lee Ritenour's jazzy guitar licks on the surrealistic "A Day In The Life", and the lively rendition of "Blackbird" (I love those trumpets!). Dave Grusin closes with a bluesy piano solo for his reading of "Yesterday".

McCoy Tyner & the Latin All-Stars
Average customer rating:

great record

Satisfying To The Soul

None Better

Tyner couldn't be finer

Superior Latin jazz

McCoy Tyner & the Latin All-Stars
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IFTM
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Festival In Bahia
Poinciana
Afro Blue
A Song For Love
La Habana Sol
We Are Our Fathers' Sons
Blue Bossa

Amazon.com

Fresh from a world tour, McCoy Tyner's Latin All Stars headed straight to the studio to preserve the memory. The nine-member powerhouse includes Steve Turre on trombone and shells, Gary Bartz on alto and soprano, Avery Sharpe on bass, Ignacio Berroa on drums, Giovanni Hidalgo on percussion, Johnny Alemendra on timbales, Claudio Rodito on trumpet and flügelhorn, Dave Valentin on flute, and the maestro on piano. The opener, "Festival in Bahia," is a great showcase, complete with a vamp tailor-made for solo stretches of improvisatory machismo. Tyner's rendition of "Poinciana" (a tune so immortalized by Ahmad Jamal that almost no one else courts it) is done sans horns and sounds fresh. Unfortunately, the direct-to-two-track mode of recording does not do justice to such a capacious ensemble: the percussion loses much of its depth, the trombone sounds by turns strident and muddy, the clarity of the sax is inconsistent, and the shells fare even worse. Even this lamentable circumstance does not rob the album of its momentum: Kenny Dorham's classic "Blue Bossa" is taken at a tempo that would burn a dancer to dust, and Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" is mined for all it's worth. The pianist is, of course, the crowning glory: singularly thrilling in approach and execution, he remains inimitable. --Karen Bennett

Customer Reviews:

great record.......2007-04-01

if you like latin jazz and the tyner's style you won't be dissapointed

Satisfying To The Soul.......2006-12-01

This fine gathering of creative musicians were very obviously inspired when they joined their talents into one of the most complex Afro-Latin jazz works ever recorded! Each song is woven into a tapestry of varied musical delights. These masterpieces range from the shortest at over 5 minutes to the longest at over 12 minutes.

Give a listen to a new sophisticated feel to "Poinciana". "Afro Blue" is infused with fresh imagination! It is a musical journey that reaches into the depths of the soul. And, of course, there are the original songs of distinction that McCoy himself wrote. His songs allow each musician a glorious opportunity in the spotlight. His "La Habana Sol" is very heady! For those who love great jazz piano and/or grand Latin rhythms, "We Are Our Fathers' Sons" is a must!

This is a collaboration of spirit coupled with an earthy finesse. Sadly overlooked by Billboard and Grammy, they have no idea what they missed! This collection flows like rich honey.

None Better.......2005-12-11

A buddy of mine and I heard this CD, it was a demo and not in stock, by noon the next day we both had bought a copy. I'm sure that Ahmad and Mongo would love this album, it rocks, it swings,it transports.
It is genius just cutting loose and having fun.
I have 400-500 CDs and this is one of my most played.

Tyner couldn't be finer.......2003-07-22

McCoy Tyner has an innate feel for Latin-jazz, especially of the Afro-Cuban variety. Indeed, he has played in such settings since at least the sixties, and has toured extensively with Latin-jazz musicians. Though his playing is not technically Cuban-derived, it nonetheless meshes seamlessly with Afro-Cuban styles.

This disc, a companion to his great record of 1981, La Leyenda de la Hora, is among Tyner's finest. The band, made up of equal parts jazz and Latin musicians, features some of the very best of each, including Ignacio Berroa (a carryover from La Leyenda) on drums, Dave Valentin on flute, Gary Bartz on alto sax, Avery Sharpe on bass, Claudio Roditi on trumpet, Johnny Almendra on timbales, Giovanni Hildago on congas, and Steve Turre on trombone and shells. The latter especially shines throughout.
One of my favorite moments is his great conch solo on "Afro Blue," the Mongo Santamaria classic, here given a very spirited reading by the whole band. He also uncorks a great trombone solo on "Festival in Bahia." But he saves his best for "La Habana Sol" (the only number from La Leyenda included here) where he lets loose with a burning solo entirely in keeping with the fiery treatment this magical piece receives. Indeed, it's hard to imagine this record without his huge presence.

A word must also be put in for the tremendous contributions of the three Latin percussionists, Berroa, Almendra, and Hildago. The latter blasts off with a stunning short solo, perfectly placed and timed, on "La Habana Sol," while Berroa shows he's grown with both a deeper groove and greater coloration than ever.

Tyner's playing, however, shines brightest. He's absolutely on with his trademark single-note runs, often taken at breakneck speed. But it's not just that he "plays a lot of notes." He knows exactly where to place each one for optimal tonal and rhythmic value. And his ensemble playing always brilliantly punctuates even as it pushes the other musicians forward. Indeed, this disc contains some of the very finest Latin-jazz ensemble playing anywhere on record.

I'd have to disagree with those who say this record fades after the--admittedly remarkable--opener, "Festival in Bahia." To these ears the ensemble and solo brilliance keeps up throughout the entire disc, with high spots being "Poinciana," "Afro Blue," "La Habana Sol," and "Blue Bossa," the latter featuring a burning flute solo by Valentin where he pulls out all the stops and proves himself to be, not counting Robert Dick, the reigning master of his instrument. Bartz, Sharpe, Roditi, and Turre also contribute some amazing moments when they trade fours with the percussionists.

If you have any affinity at all for this kind of music, you will want to add this disc to your collection.

Superior Latin jazz.......2001-11-15

McCoy gets into this Latin jazz thing with guns blazing. He's a marvel here; his modal playing is perfectly suited to the material. Many of the other musicians are Latin American, with the exception of the brilliant Gary Bartz on sax and Avery Sharpe on bass. Mongo Santamaria's Afro Blue gets a smokin' treatment--listen to Giovanni Hidalgo and Johnny Almendra on percussion. And Kenny Dorham's Blue Bossa swings and sways--its lyricism blossoms with these guys.

The original tunes here are also great; McCoy stretches out on A Song for Love and on the first track, Festival in Bahia. The mix of Cuban and Brazilian influenced material is inspired as well.

Tracks:

Naima
Promise
My Favorite Things
The Discovery
Folks

Customer Reviews:

Spellbinding.......2007-04-08

I can't remember the last time I sat slack-jawed and awe-struck while listening to a cd. Another review said something about an orchestral sound coming from Tyner's fingers, and that's exactly right. What he does with Naima and My Favorite Things is amazing. The sound is rich and warm and you can feel the vibrations from each string, and from Tyner's soul. This is a whirlwind album of respect and love and forward motion. 5 stars.

Power, beauty, and spirit - one of McCoy's best!.......2007-03-11

An absolute gem of an album, Echoes Of A Friend is a collection of solo improvisations inspired by Tyner's friendship and partership with the great John Coltrane. McCoy is at the peak of his expressive abilities here - alternating passages of quiet grace with others of overwhelming power and passion. A moving tribute, indeed.

McCoy's Masterpiece.......2004-10-10

McCoy Tyner is one of the most important pianists in jazz history. His 40+ year career is remarkable for its diversity and consistent high quality. I consider this recording his crowning achievement. Not only is "Echoes of a Friend" my favorite Tyner recording, I consider it to be one of the finest solo piano recordings I have ever heard. This is not easy listening music. If you like Kenny G., this is not for you. This is intense, passionate music played by a virtuoso musician. Think "Art Tatum meets Igor Stravinsky" and you'll have some idea what this CD is like. Along with Coltrane's "First Meditations (for Quartet)," this is some of the most astonishing spiritual/religious music ever recorded. (And this is coming from an atheist!) Buy this CD, turn out the lights, lie down with your head between the speakers, and prepare to have your consciousness altered.

Don't waste your time.......2002-08-09

I can't believe I blew seventeen bucks on this CD. Tyner's work on Coltrane's albums was lovely, but this is a self-indulgent, mindless hammer job on some beautiful songs which deserved better. I can't help but think that Tyner was unstrung by his grief when he recorded this. A bummer.

Beautiful, quietly intense.......2001-03-31

This is one of the most beautiful, inspired solo piano discs of all time by anyone. It is quietly played but burns with intensity, and is nearly addictive--unlike many solo piano albums it cries out to be played repeatedly for years.

Average customer rating:

Too much of a good thing?...no, not in this case
McCoy's finest - and what a player...
Killer stuff
Typically beautiful Tyner performances! 4 1/2 stars!

Supertrios
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Milestone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000XWL
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Blues On The Corner
I Mean You
The Greeting
Prelude To A Kiss
Moment's Notice
Hymn-Song
Consensus
Four By Five
Stella By Starlight
Lush Life
Blues For Ball

Customer Reviews:

Too much of a good thing?...no, not in this case.......2006-07-04

By the time I bought this album about a year and a half ago, I already owned about 10 McCoy Tyner CDs. "Supertrios" quickly became one of my 2 or 3 favorite out of those. I played the first track, "Wave," for a friend who was impressed enough to buy his own copy shortly afterward. This friend later told me that he's not always in the mood for this album, because as he put it, "There's so much going on...so many notes, so much piano! It's a little too much at times."

So much piano indeed. For me, the power of Tyner's piano on this recording is one of its great strengths. Tyner was on fire during these sessions--his playing is especially robust, especially focused, and he moves from hard groove-oriented playing to excursions of freer playing (with his trademark right-hand flurries of notes). Another pleasure of this album is the way Tyner's piano is presented sonically in the recording. The production gives Tyner's piano a huge, rich sound--you might say the piano sounds "larger than life." This kind of engineering may not appeal to all listeners, but for me it certainly adds to the visceral excitement of the music. (And of course McCoy's playing stands up to such exposure).

For this recording, Tyner is presented as a member of 2 trios: he plays with Ron Carter and Tony Williams on the first half, and Eddie Gomez and Jack DeJohnette on the second half. McCoy was certainly spurred on by the focus and enthusiasm of his bandmates during these recordings. It is beside the point to argue which trio setting works more effectively--the point is the contrasts (some obvious, some subtle) between the two trios, and the fact that both sound great.

Listeners familiar with Tyner's more Coltrane-influenced recordings will find this album a satisfying change. But all fans of Tyner's music should have this outstanding album. Too much piano?.....no, not for me.

McCoy's finest - and what a player..........2001-10-26

This is an astounding record. It is the best McCoy Tyner stuff I've heard, and it is actually quite hard to get hold of, so it's impressive that it's stocked here and it is well worth the price. The two different trio line-ups both allow Tyner's incredible energy and power to come through, and they all stimulate remarkable invention. The real revelation to me though was the bass playing of Eddie Gomez, who I now consider to be highly under-rated. So there's plenty of surprises on this record, all of them good ones.

Killer stuff.......1999-10-05

This is McCoy at his best. He was playing with total inspiration and high energy. The selections with Ron Carter and Tony Williams are among his best ever. For example, "Moment's Notice" is quite listenable and enjoyable but also very heavy in terms of musical content. Exciting, rewarding music which reveals more on repeated listenings.

Typically beautiful Tyner performances! 4 1/2 stars!.......1999-08-06

Buy the album. The price is worth it. If you love McCoy's style of playing, then you will absolutely love this album. However, this is a terrific joy to listen to period. Both of the trio settings featured on this album form cohesive, tight units.

Average customer rating:

i finally got this cd...

Looking Out
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

Love Surrounds Us Everyshere
Hannibal
I'll Be Around
Senior Carlos
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Island Birdie

Album Description

Mccoy Tyner has been one of the premier Jazz pianists for over 40 years! One great album that has slipped through the cracks is "Looking Out". It features guitar superstar Carlos Santana, along with Stanley Clarke & Gary Bartz.

Customer Reviews:

i finally got this cd..........2007-01-10

For years and years i have been looking for this cd for two songs, LOVE SURROUNDS US EVERYWHERE, and I'LL BE AROUND. I LOVE MISS PHYLLIS HYMAN! i finally heard who the artist was and looked on here and found it. This cd is very nice with its 6 songs, but they are all very nice and they are kinda long so it doesnt even seem like its only 6 songs. hannibal is good to groove to, senor carlos is good too. i dont know much about mcoy tyner but this is a great find. listen to the samples, u will see... and you phyllis hyman fans add this to your collection, its a keeper. thanks [...]!

Average customer rating:

Good, but not good enough for McCoy
Intense, spectacular
Shining gem in a great discography

Sahara
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1991-07-01

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Valley Of Life
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Customer Reviews:

Good, but not good enough for McCoy.......2007-07-07

Ebony Queen is brilliant, but after that the the alubm loses interset. Sahara meanders on for 20+ minutes. There are some great moments on that song, but there are also lots of moments of waiting for something to happen. Tyner plays the Koto on this album and the results are not all that exciting. Tyner has many other brilliant albumns around the same time as this albumn. I recommend purchasing these instead. In paritcular Sama Layuca, Extensions, and Expansions are brilliant.

Intense, spectacular.......2002-01-22

Sahara is the first of Tyner's great Milestone albums. People who are familiar only with his 60s work with Coltrane and others may be surprised -- though rooted in modality, his playing here is dense, chromatic and HUGE. "Rebirth" approaches some 60s energy music in terms of intensity. Sonny Fortune's saxophone playing is quite heated on "Rebirth" and "Ebony Queen", while Tyner's piano has the presence of an orchestra. But there is also time for reflective playing, as on the piano solo feature "A Prayer for My Family" and the dreamy "Valley of Life" (McCoy plays a koto here). The closing title suite really holds together and covers a lot of ground, just like its namesake. If you like this, get the live Enlightenment (also on Milestone); both are exceptional, innovative (!), and acoustic post-bop. (Sadly, Ken Burns hasn't heard them.)

Shining gem in a great discography.......2000-03-23

Tyner recorded prolifically for Milestone throughout the 1970s, and produced a number of fine recordings. "Sahara" might be the best. It represents the state of the art for the time of its release, 1972.

The greatest strength of this recording lies in its varied aural landscape. If you want Tyner's signature thunderous chords and lightning right-hand runs, cue up "Ebony Queen" and "Rebirth." Need some spiritually rich solo piano? Move to "A Prayer for My Family." Then try the 23-minute title track, which has his reedman, Sonny Fortune, playing flute, his bassist, Calvin Hill, playing reeds, and the group joining drummer Alphonse Mouzon with various percussion effects. As far from a blowing session as you can get, this extended performance is a well-planned trip across a variety of endlessly fascinating terrains.

As if all this isn't enough, on "Valley of Life," Tyner picks up a kyoto, a Japanese stringed instrument and produces a delicate impressionistic sketch, aided by Fortune, again on flute.

"Sahara" represents the best that jazz had to offer in the early '70s. The musicians aren't afraid to display their chops (Fortune adds blazing soprano and alto sax to his delicate work on flute), but Tyner clearly is intent on finding new territory and expanding the definition of jazz, and he succeeds brilliantly.

Infinity
Average customer rating:

... Brilliance.

Buying this cd isn't as important as finding a bone marrow donor for Michael Brecker,but....

McCoy + Brecker = WOW

Terrific

Wonderful!

Infinity
McCoy Tyner Trio
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000003N7Z
Release Date: 1995-08-29

Tracks:

Flying High
I Mean You
Where Is Love
Changes
Blues Stride
Happy Days
Impressions
Mellow Minor
Good Morning, Heartache

Customer Reviews:

... Brilliance........2007-01-19

I don't quite know what to say about this CD... Especially now that Michael Brecker so tragically passed away less than a week ago.

He was my favorite saxophonist, and still is ofcourse. I find his playing on this CD to be unmatched anywhere by any saxophone player, especially his solo on Flying High. It moves me to tears every time I hear it.

Tyner is great as usual, but the one really shining on this CD is Brecker...

May he rest in peace. A legend.

Buying this cd isn't as important as finding a bone marrow donor for Michael Brecker,but...........2006-08-28

As has already been stated,the solo Michael Brecker blows on John Coltrane's 'Impressions' is a killer.Unfortunately-as impressive as it is-there is probably more on the current search for a bone marrow transplant than there is on this incredible tenor sax player.This is pianist Mccoy Tyner's cd;Tyner was the pianist with Coltrane on the original 'Impressions' cd.He remains one of the handful of all-time great jazz pianists-and he is as good as he ever was on this cd.

McCoy + Brecker = WOW.......2006-05-03

The highlight track on this album is tenorist Michael Brecker blowing over Coltrane's uptempo modal standard, "Impressions". Incredible engery, awesome feel. Highly recommended just for that!

Terrific.......2006-02-20

I had seen McCoy Tyner in concert the night I ordered the CD and I am glad that i did. Jazz fans will love it.

Wonderful!.......2003-03-27

I HAD to add my review because this is truly a 5 star CD. No need to repeat what's already been said. We have owned this CD for years and have listened to it hundreds of times. It's as exciting now as on the first listening. Of our thousand or so jazz albums this one rates in the top ten.

Average customer rating:

The platonic ideal of a Tyner record
Test The Limits Of Your Stereo With This
Wow!
Excellent

Focal Point
McCoy Tyner
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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Sama Layuca

ASIN: B00000HZP2
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Mes Trios Fils
Parody
Indo-Serenade
Mode For Dulcimer
Departure
Theme For Nana

Customer Reviews:

The platonic ideal of a Tyner record.......2005-09-04

I definitely agree with William Donoghue. Both technically & artistically, FOCAL POINT is the toppermost of the tynermost. Tyner's low-end is in the left channel and his upper register is in the right channel. On Tyner's own records as a leader, Tyner has been every bit as erratic as Coltrane. But Tyner really redeemed himself with FOCAL POINT. This is fierce hard-hitting stuff that hits you where it counts. There's a 3-beat track called PARODY. Which raises the question: is PARODY so-named because it's a parody of Chick Corea's 3-beat tracks and Bill Evans's 3-beat tracks?

Here's a quote from Tyner himself: "Composition is taking a larger role, which is a good sign for the music. It means that we're hearing other forms. When changes take place in the music, it often happens compositionally. Guys start to write differently, and pretty soon you'll hear a concept change. Of course, it depends on the artist. John [Coltrane] created a change thru his playing. His writing complemented his style. In a way I think that's true in my own case. I write my own music best, as a complement to my style as a player."

Test The Limits Of Your Stereo With This.......2003-01-30

Focal Point has always been my favorite McCoy Tyner album. I will remember when it first came out, I was fascinated by the music and, on my first flush of success, I too it with me when I bought my first stereo components. The detailed interplay between the piano, bass, drums and bongos(!) was amazing to listen to. I tested several speakers before I found the AR-2s which would allow me to hear each intstrument separately and hear how each instrumentalist responded to the other. What more can you ask of a jazz recording? It's all about communicating and when you can hear each instrument separately and see how well they communicate, it's a thrill. I don't think any other recording has sounded the same to me since. This CD is the standard against which I measure all others. I have had the opportunity to see McCoy Tyner's trio twice in the past six months and he still thrills me from the first chord. Don't miss him when he and Aaron Scott (drums) and Avery Sharpe (bass and electric bass) come your way. You will never hear piano the same way again. Buy this recording; you will never regret it.

Wow!.......2000-08-21

When I first heard this album way back in 1976 my first reaction was Wow! Now that this music has been transfered to CD my reaction is still wow! For me, Focal Point is McCoy at his best and I thought this music was cutting edge back in the 70's and I still believe it is cutting edge today. This is my favorite McCoy Tyner recording and would definitely be on my desert island list.

Excellent.......1999-10-05

This is great small group McCoy, with two reed players, bass, drums and percussionist. McCoy was intense and melodic in these days, brimming with energy. The horns and percussionist provide variety and color which is lacking in his current trio group. The music has an exotic, Middle Eastern color or flavoring at times which is very appealing.

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