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McCoy Tyner: 13th House
13th House has an intriguing ensemble sound, made all the more so by the fact that the recording was done in 1980. The liner notes do not explain how a recording by a musician of Mr. Tyner's stature stayed out of circulation for 23 years, and deadline pressures precluded further inquiry. In any event, the band sounds like a ‘80s vintage big band. Although a few choices might be made differently today, it is hardly a criticism that the recording sounds like it was done when it was.
The accomplished supporting players bring off both demanding ensemble passages and solos in an organic, integrated way that gives 13th House a consistent, atmospheric quality. The liner notes single out the underappreciated trumpeter Kamau Muata Adilifu (Charles Sullivan) and saxophonist Joe Ford for special mention, and deservedly so. That said, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Jack DeJohnette and percussionists Airto and Dom Um Romão are particularly responsible for the terrific energy that runs through 13th House. The percussion work on "Love Samba" is astonishing.
Confirmed McCoy Tyner fans and big band devotees will gravitate toward 13th House on general principle, but others will certainly find this recording interesting and worthy on its own terms.
Track Listing
Short Suite/ 13th House/ Search for Peace/ Love Samba/ Leo Rising.
Personnel
McCoy Tyner
pianoMcCoy Tyner- piano; Oscar Brashear- trumpet; Kamau Muata Adilifu (aka Charles Sullivan)- flugelhorn; Slide Hampton-trombone; Hubert Laws- piccolo, flute; Frank Foster- clarinet, tenor & soprano saxophones; Joe Ford- alto & soprano saxophones, flute; Ricky Ford-tenor & soprano saxophones; Greg Williams- French horn; Bob Stewart- tuba; Ron Carter- bass; Jack DeJohnette- drums; Airto-percussion, conga; Dom Um Romao-percussion, conga. Recorded: October 1980, NYC.
Album information
Title: 13th House | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Fantasy Jazz
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