Record Reviews

LARRY CORYELL ~ BAREFOOT MAN: SANPAKU PURPLE PYRAMID 0460 (Barcode: 889466046025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is an album by the iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Dan JordanFind albums by this artist, pianist Lynne ArrialeFind albums by this artist, bassist John LeeFind albums by this artist and drummer Lee PiersonFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all composed by the leader. Although the album’s packaging gives no information about the place and date of recording, the music was most probably recorded in late 2015, which makes this one before last studio album by Coryell, who died in early 2017. It is a bit puzzling why Coryell returned to the Fusion oriented music shortly before his death, after he spent over a decade playing almost straightforward Jazz, but whatever the reason might be, he was not only one of the American Fusion Godfathers but also definitely one of the genre’s best ever guitarists. Since the early days with Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, when his playing basically marked the origin of American Fusion, followed by his sensational work as leader of the Eleventh HouseFind albums by this artist, and countless other recordings with musicians from all over the world, his guitar playing was always a beacon of originality and talent. His last studio album “Seven SecretsFind albums with this title”, recorded with a reformed Eleventh House, was obviously a beautiful closure to his career, which lasted for six decades. This album is also a beautiful example of Coryell’s music making, both as a composer of delicious tunes, a virtuosic guitar player and a leader, who always knew how to assemble a great team. Veteran bassist Lee, who goes back to the early days of Eleventh House, is in great form, but the decisive tone of this album is set by the superb acoustic piano playing by Arriale, whose lyricism is a great balance to the Funky atmosphere set by the rhythm section. Overall, this is a wonderful tribute to Coryell’s career, which proves he was a sublime guitar player till the very end of his days. The music flows happily and the Funky / Fusion feel prevails, providing the perfect background for first class soloing by all the participants. This is what one can call “going in style”. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 11/05/2023Posted: 11/05/2023

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