Inner Urge
Although guitarist Larry Coryell was one of the premier jazz-fusion artists of the 1970s, he's played strong, straight-ahead guitar ever since he entered the jazz world in 1965. Backed here by drummer Yoron Israel, bassist Santi Debriano, and pianistJohn Hicks, Coryell delivers some of the best no-nonsense guitar licks this side ofJim HallandPat Martino. Coryell bops and weaves several jazz standards, includingHarold Land's "Compulsion" and "Terrain" and the tricky melodic maze of the title track byJoe Henderson.Herbie Hancock's midtempo "Dolphin Dance" is sweetly swung by Coryell and company, as isDuke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood."Ray Bryant's "Tonk" showcases Coryell's silky acoustic sound and "Turkish Coffee" spotlights hisJoe Pass-like solo style. In short, this is a well-rounded CD by a well-rounded musician.--Eugene Holley Jr.