One of the three most influential pianists of his
generation (along with Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea),
McCoy Tyner is a true jazz giant. And more than 40
years after gaining widespread acclaim as the pianist
in the classic John Coltrane Quartet, the 65-year-old
Tyner shows no signs of slowing down. Like fellow
Coltrane alum Elvin Jones, Tyner remains a vital force
in modern jazz, leading a series of consistently
excellent small groups and big bands, including the
fiery new quartet featured on his latest release.
Land of Giants, recorded after the quartet won raves
at a 2002 London engagement, reunites Tyner with a
fellow giant of forward-thinking '60s jazz,
vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, on a set of seven
fresh Tyner originals – an impressive mix of Latin
numbers, modal burners and a Coltrane-esque blues –
plus three standards. And while the two veterans
(along with the fine bass/drum combo of Charnett
Moffett and Eric Harland) may not reach the epic
heights of some of their earlier collaborations (like
Hutcherson's 1965 Stick-Up! or the 1993 duet album,
Manhattan Moods ), they prove themselves still kindred
spirits and still among the most exciting, advanced
improvisers on the scene.
Tyner's huge, heavily
percussive piano remains one of the most identifiable
– and inimitable – sounds in jazz; but he also has an
underrated lyrical side, revealed to great effect here on
"For All We Know" and Ellington's "In a Mellow
Tone." Hutcherson is Tyner's perfect foil, matching the
leader's whirlwind keyboard forays with his own
imposing, harmonically rich runs on the vibes.
McCoy Tyner’s been so good and so prolific for so long that
his excellence seems a given. But give credit where it
is due – he has earned a place in the land of giants.
This review originally appeared in
All About Jazz-New York.
~ Joel Roberts
