Duke Ellington once said that there were only two types of music: good and bad. A very good
friend of mine once altered this sentiment by saying that the only types of music were good and
better. I vote for the latter summation. In the past several years of music writing, the vast majority of
jazz recordings I've encountered have been very good. And these are the majority of releases.
When a truly exceptional recording crosses my laser, it is usually apparent from the first notes.
Interestingly enough, these things usually come from older musicians. (My bias or their talent?
Both, most likely.) Outstanding recent recordings have included Herbie Hancock’s Directions in
Music Live
at Massey Hall and Wayne Shorter’s Footprints Live!
Add to this McCoy Tyner’s new release, Land of Giants. Joined by Bobby Hutcherson on
vibes, Charnett Moffett on bass, and Eric Harland on drums, Tyner expands the jazz vernacular by
adding seven new original compositions--plus the Tyneresque "If I Were A Bell" and
"In A Mellowtone." What makes this recording special is the perfect empathy between
Tyner and Hutcherson, who continually pick up where the other has left off, their respective ringing
tones and sustains blending into one another. Tyner’s compositional style, particularly on the
opener, "Serra Do Mar," resembles early Brubeck, weaving a swinging 4/4 feel
throughout a more complex time.
Charnett Moffett nails this trend down throughout the recording.
Land of Giants is indeed what its title suggests. It finds all the principals at the top of their
game. McCoy Tyner has consistently been a provocative musician, before--and, fortunately, after--
John Coltrane. This straight-ahead recording shines bright with the holy trinity of jazz—Swing,
Swing, Swing.
~ C. Michael Bailey
