McCoy Tyner – Horizon – Milestone Keepnews Collection

by | Nov 19, 2007 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

McCoy Tyner – Horizon –  Milestone Keepnews Collection MCD 30206 – 1979,  51:03 *****:

(McCoy Tyner, piano; John Blake, violin; Joe Ford, flute, saxophones; George Adams, flute, tenor sax; Charles Fambrough, bass; Al Foster, drums; Guilherme Franco, congas, percussion)

Concord Records has come up with a super choice for the latest addition to their Collection named for famed producer Orrin Keepnews, McCoy Tyner’s unique 1979 session, Horizon. Reissued in 24-bit remastered sound, and originally recorded at master engineer Rudy Van Gelder’s New Jersey studio, Horizon has now been issued for the first time on CD. Tyner has recorded in solo, trio, small group and big band settings. This CD features an adventurous septet. What makes it a rarity in the long career of Tyner is that it features prominently a violinist, in this case, John Blake. Blake brings a world music feeling into the mix as well as a spirituality and drive.

Joe Ford on flute, alto, and especially soprano sax add to the heady mix as does the post bop playing of George Adams. Percussion is provided by the always tasty Al Foster on drums and Guilherme Franco on congas and percussion.

The title track and the dual flutes on Woman of Tomorrow are highlights of the CD. The piano and drum mix on Horizon are spot on. Tyner was the principal pianist for much of John Coltrane’s post Miles Davis period. For those fans of the spiritual side of Coltrane, Tyner’s Horizon will be a welcome addition. Keepnews includes an alternate take of the title track, which is a nice bonus. For the superb sound mix and a unique side of Tyner, this CD can’t be beat.

TrackList: Horizon, Woman of Tomorrow, Motherland, One for Honor, Just Feelin’

-Jeff Krow
 

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