Wonderful live set by McCoy Tyner at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1963. The first track is “Newport Romp”, and what a romp it is. Up-tempo stuff here with a Clark Terry on fire. He is a guy I haven’t explored much at all. I will try and remedy that, cause he’s great. Plays with a lot of energy, soul, passion and fire, on this outing at least. Another guy I haven’t listen to much at all is Charlie Mariano on the alto sax. Very good player. He’s a cat I definitely will look into more. He’s on a couple of Mingus albums I have and I will listen to them again and concentrate a bit on him. I really like his playing. Very lyrical. His playing on the wonderful rendition of “My Funny Valentine” is absolutely beautiful. The two guys completing the rhythm section together with McCoy are also guys I haven’t heard much from. Namely, Bob Cranshaw on the bass and Mickey Roker on the drums. They both contribute with some really solid playing here.
I must say McCoy Tyner plays brilliantly on this album. He’s a hot favorite when it comes to pianists in jazz. He plays with so much lyricism, power, soul and passion. Technically brilliant, but it’s all feeling. I have a couple of titles of his work as a leader now, but there is so much more to discover when it comes to him. Looking forward to exploring even more in depth.
I think this LP captures the live feeling in a great way. You imagine being there seeing this live, and what a thrill it would have been. Having these cats improvising right in front of your eyes. That’s a sadness I have, not to be able to see many of my favorite jazz artists live. Those days are gone and chances to see them live never existed, being born in the mid 70’s. Imagine to have seen Coltrane, Dolphy, Mingus, Morgan, Bird, Evans etc. live, back in the day… what’s left for me is to watch old videos and listen to a live album like this Tyner session, to try and capture the feeling of what it would have been like, watching this first hand. Sure, you can see a really good band live nowadays as well, but it’s just not the same, is it?
Which brings me to my question for you guys: If you could choose one artist, alive or passed away that you haven’t seen live, who would it be? Got some other questions as well; do you have any tips on great LP’s with Charlie Mariano? Favorite McCoy Tyner LP?
All the snow and the cold is gone here in Stockholm, for now at least. Feels a little like spring is in the air when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and snowdrops are now visible on the ground. There’s hope…
Stay tuned for more vintage jazz vinyl from my shelves. Stay safe everyone… cheers!