Half Note Records
2009
Solo: Live From San Francisco
About This Album
McCoy Tyner has rarely been reliant on others, although his legendary co-dependency with John Coltrane yielded obvious spectacular and unforgettable results. The great pianist has been very favorably heard in a variety of settings, but it's been quite some time since he's released a solo album -- the Blue Note label releases Reevaluations from 1988, Soliloquy done in 1991, or the 1991 Who's Who in Jazz set Live in Warsaw were all quite memorable. From the SF Jazz Festival's Spring Series in May of 2007, Tyner tackles the solo spotlight once again, as his talent rises, soars, and takes off while the program continues for some 50 minutes. All of the hallmarks of his sound, from up and down dynamics to the legendary crashing of chords, especially with his left hand, and the stunning virtuosity of his improvisational runs and streaks, assure you that he is in good spirits and has energy to burn off even at his advanced age. Tyner entered this performance with no preconceived set list, but it's clear a focused vision and sense of purpose serve him well as he mixes up these 11 standards and originals. Of his own works, "Just Feelin'" is Tyner's most revered in its bouncy construct, still fresh and alive even though the larger instrumentation of the original versions is stripped down here.
Track List (try tracks 1 and 2)

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