Tyner's recent work

[BlueMiles]

I'm curious to hear some comments on McCoy Tyner's recent work. I was into something of a Tyner frenzy for awhile. He put out a lot of excellent work between "The Real McCoy" and some superb albums at the top of the 90's. I've always liked how he continually shifts between solo, trio, small group, and large groups sessions.

But he seemed to lose something 10 or 12 years ago. I was hoping he would rejuvenate on Telarc, as Jim Hall did. The first three dates had good moments, but nothing earth-shaking. But I've just been listening to "Land of Giants" (with the wonderful Bobby Hutcherson), and I find that this is much more like it. I've also heard a few tracks of the new one. These tracks also sizzle, with Terence Blanchard sounding in absolute top form.

Even the best musicians have their up and down periods. Happily, I think McCoy is swinging back into "up" mode.

[Darryl G. Thomas]

Christ, in the '70s I was soooo into Tyner. One of my favorites was a live set he did with George Adams and Joe Ford on saxes. I've sort of lost track of him in the '80s. I do remember reading a lot of negative criticism of his playing during the '80s and '90s so that may have been why I shied away from him.

[BlueMiles]

I think Tyner produced four great albums in the span of a year or so--the year was 1991.

The are:

Soliloquy--IMO his best solo album

Remembering John--one of his greatest trio dates, and I think it's certainly the best with the long-running regular trio of Avery Sharpe and Aaron Scott; and a fine tribute to his old boss

44th Street Suite--a volcano eruption with Arthur Blythe, David Murray, and McCoy blowing like mad

The Turning Point--Tyner's finest big band album

[Peterdubya]

McCoy is still playing great, as far as I'm concerned.
He'll be at Yoshi's in January for his annual 2 week residency.

The last 2 years he has really been digging in and playing hard.

i expect the same thing in 05 when he returns.

[Mike Schwartz]

There's a new one out that I haven't listened to in full, but from what I've heard is good. The last one with Hutch and Charnett Moffett is terrific!


I love that group with Ford & Adams and Nana Vancosuelos on percusssion!! That was my into to McCoy live in the very early '70s...

[Darryl G. Thomas]

Mike,

That was my intro to George Adams (I hadn't heard his recordings with Mingus yet). And of course his group with Pullen, Richmond, and Brown was just classic.