Search - Larry Coryell :: Power Trio: Live in Chicago

Powerful, but also subtle

N. Dorward | Toronto, ON Canada | 09/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wish Coryell hadn't picked such a lumbering title for this disc & this group--it suggests brawn & heavy distortion rather than fleetness & subtlety of invention. But it's the only flaw on an otherwise sterling disc. The program is mostly garden variety standards, but dispatched with unusual freshness; the idiom is straightforward guitar-trio jazz--in the liners Coryell cites with respect & modesty his love for the work of players like Barney Kessel & Tal Farlow--but Coryell's thick chording & blues colorations also push farther afield. For me the standout tracks are a playful "Autumn Leaves", which includes some marvellous interaction between Coryell & bassist Larry Gray; the deep-set groove of "Bumpin' on Sunset", which starts in Wes territory & then inches up in intensity as Coryell dips into his blues & rock bags; & the superb original "Good Citizen Swallow", a blues-rock number which is pushed along by Paul Wertico's windmilling drums. Perhaps the only dead spot in the album is the final "Bags' Groove", which finds the guitarist playing to the crowd, & slightly overindulging his habit, during trading-fours, of stringing together quotations. But this is a forgiveable lapse--by the end of an hour he's earned those cheers. Recommended."

Power JAZZ Trio

Delvis | Plymouth, MI United States | 01/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nate Dorwards review listed on this site, is right on the mark. The title may mislead some - this is not Gov't Mule. While Coryell can rock as hard as any, this is not one of his fusion efforts. This is a straight up warm clean guitar, bass and drums jazz trio. It is an excellent offering from a great player. If you are looking for something new-ish (1998?) from the fusion Larry and haven't heard the Coryell, Coster & Smith stuff - try some of that too!"

Very Good

ideofunk | 11/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bought this album on the night I saw him live (and got it signed). Since I saw all the songs live I guess I'm biased but I really like this album. Bags Groove takes the cake. Live it was outstanding. Only thing is the lack of original titles. Other than that a good buy."