The Power Trio: Live In Chicago

Larry Coryell has ventured down many musical paths, but his soul belongs to jazz. These freewheeling excerpts from three live sets at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago find the guitarist at the top of his game, accompanied by an intuitive rhythm section, bassist Larry Gray and drummer Paul Wertico. The opener is a startling "Autumn Leaves," an adventurous wide-ranging performance that begins in a post-bop setting and almost (but not quite) transforms into avant-garde. Coryell's sensuous treatment of "Black Orpheus" and his masterful acoustic solo of "Love Is Here to Stay" also prove to be captivating. "Star Eyes" alternates between a soothing samba and a cooking bop vehicle. He especially brings out the lyrical qualities within George Harrison's "Something" with a soft, spacious solo interpretation. His one original is the funky "Good Citizen Swallow," followed by a brilliant lengthy excursion into Milt Jackson's "Bag's Groove." Live jazz just doesn't get any better than this. ~ Ken Dryden