Search - McCoy Tyner :: Land of Giants

Pure genius

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 07/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"McCoy Tyner has always been a huge presence on the jazz piano scene, ever since he performed with the last working band of John Coltrane. Specializing in Latin-tinged jazz, he has released two very fine records--La Leyenda de la Hora, and McCoy Tyner and the Latin All-Stars--exclusively in that sub-genre.The Latin numbers shine here as well. My favorite is "Manalyuca," seven-plus minutes of shear musical mastery. Especially fine is Charnette Moffet's arco bass solo, artfully conjuring Andalusia. Indeed, the entire number has that mystical Iberian/Arab sensibility--some of which, certainly, comes from Bobby Hutcherson, who has often delved deeply here ("Medina," "La Alhambra," "Messina"). "Serra Do Mar," a fast samba or bossa nova that changes mid-tune to bebop, then back and forth several times, cooks along at a spritely pace and features a wonderful solo from Hutcherson. "Contemplation," a waltz with Latin flavoring, also stands out.There are several other styles as well (blues, ballads, and pure bop), each deftly handled by the band. But what this disc's really all about is communication. At times this band seems nearly telepathic. They're listening with all their might, and their dia- tria- and quadralogues are simply stunning. Eric Harland on drums especially seems to be completely zeroed in. Tyner and Hutcherson, of course, have known each other for years and have even released a duo disc together. Charnett Moffett on bass also fits in perfectly, making every note count and never overplaying. His walking bass intro on "Steppin'" brilliantly illustrates this.McCoy Tyner seldom fails to deliver. Here it's truly a special delivery, one not to be missed. Land of Giants indeed."

Fantastic

R. J. Marsella | California | 02/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is something about the combination of Bobby Hutchinson's vibes and McCoy Tyner's piano that gives this music a sound that is unique in jaz. These two musicians have a way of blending their lines so perfectly that it is as if the music is playing them instead of the other way around. The bass playing of Charnett Moffet is equal to the task of keeping up with these two musical geniuses. The first cut Serro De Mar is stunningly beautiful and the latin tinged Manalyuca is driven by a haunting bassline supplied by Moffet. Although these two tunes are highlights the rest of the cd is all good. McCoy Tymer's piano playing is fuller harmonically than many others I've listened to and his chord voicing is complex yet accessable. Land Of the Giants provides an opportunity to hear these fine musicians in their prime creative years and it is not to be missed. A really fine CD."

Land of Giants Reaches Lofty Heights!

Robert G. Bouey | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 06/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge Bobby Hutcherson fan and have many of McCoy's CDs as well, so when this was first released I had to have it. I was not to be disappointed.McCoy and Bobby's relationship is such that their playing seems effortless and so tasteful as they compliment and contrast each other. The music has a 'live' feel to it and the long standing rapport is evident between the principal players.I had the good fortune to catch the band together with Michael Brecker at the Iridium in NYC last January. Hutcherson certainly had a presence out front and fed off the playing of the others. Tyner is to be held in such deference - he truely is a master. I was pleasantly surprised by both Charnett Moffett and Eric Harland, the former played an extended solo which included a segement using a bow that was very creative (so much so that I just bought his "For the Love of Peace" CD). To paraphrase the Oxford Dictionary, these giants are of human form, but superhuman stature!"