McCOY TYNER
McCoy Tyner with Stanley Clarke and Al Foster (Telarc)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The title of this album really says it all. There are only a few players on the scene who can claim to have had an impact on jazz comparable to McCoy Tyner's, and two of them, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Al Foster, are among them. This is a true meeting of masters, and it's masterfully realized.

The play, and interplay, is, of course, impeccable throughout. What's as impressive is the quality of the compositions presented here. Of the ten songs, six are new Tyner originals, and each of them carries all the earmarks of an instant classic. Forty some years into the game, McCoy Tyner is still cranking out tomorrow's standards today. There's an equally fine track, "In The Tradition Of," composed by Clarke, along with a trio of standards. The disc is rounded out by an alternate take of Tyner's "I Want To Tell You 'Bout That" with Clarke using an acoustic bass instead of the electric featured on the song's first appearance. The contrast in approach and instrumentation is both interesting and musically valuable.

Tyner departs from the trio for a solo turn on "Memories," and if you've somehow missed the fact that he's one of the most creative and expressive players in jazz history, this is a cut that will leave no room for further doubt.

More than a new album, this is a genuine jazz event. I don't know how you could like jazz and not love this CD. It's just that good.

Track List:

Trane-like * Once Upon A Time * Never Let Me Go * I Want To Tell You 'Bout That * Will You Still Be Mine * Goin' Away Blues * In The Tradition * The Night Has A Thousand Eyes * Carriba * Memories * I Want To Tell You 'Bout That (Acoustic Bass Version - Alternate Take)

© 2000 - Shaun Dale