Jazz Roots
The powerful pianist McCoy Tyner forged his sound as a member ofJohn Coltrane's classic 1960s quartet, then expanded his musical horizons for the next four decades with his own ensembles, from trios to string orchestras. He's only recorded solo-piano projects sparingly, making this session all the more valuable. Tyner pays tribute to several keyboard legends and contemporaries, fromEarl HinestoBud Powell. Tyner stays true toDuke EllingtonandThelonious Monkon "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Pannonica," and evokes the down-home magic ofGeorge Gershwin's "Summertime." Tyner's own compositions, the Latinesque "Rio" and the gospel-born "Happy Days," are dedicated toChick CoreaandKeith Jarrett, respectively. Tyner's unique keyboard concept makes this recording a tribute to his own talents as well.--Eugene Holley Jr.