McCoy Tyner › Enlightenment (Live)

Personnel: McCoy Tyner (piano, percussion), Azar Lawrence (soprano & tenor saxophone), Joony Booth (bass) and Alphonse Mouzon (drums).

Recorded at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, on July 7, 1973. Includes original liner notes by McCoy Tyner and Orrin Keepnews.

Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1990, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

Personnel: McCoy Tyner (piano, synthesizer, percussion); Azar Lawrence (saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Alphonse Mouzon (drums).

Audio Remixers: Jim Stern; McCoy Tyner; Carlos Olms.

Recording information: Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (07/07/1973).

Photographer: Tony Lane.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Alphonse Mouzon; Azar Lawrence.

Recorded in 1973 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, ENLIGHTENMENT is one of McCoy Tyner's finest recordings (which, considering the quality of his catalogue, is quite a feat). Backed by drummer Alphonse Mouzon, bassist Juney Booth, and saxophonist Azar Lawrence, Tyner puts on a performance that incorporates elements of post-bop, modal, free jazz, and other styles (the influence of John Coltrane, Tyner's former bandleader, is evident too).

The concert is presented in its entirety, a full 70 minutes, including the "Enlightenment Suite," which is divided into three parts, "Presence," and the 24-minute "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit." A kinetic, telepathic vibe can be heard evolving between these players, but this is very much Tyner's show: his trademark chordings and dazzling runs are in full flower. Adventurous, stunning, and quite beautiful, ENLIGHTENMENT is a must-have for fans of Tyner and late-'60s/early-'70s jazz.

Genre:

• Jazz

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Piano