Larry Coryell honed his guitar chops as a teenager and college student on the Seattle music scene, so somehow it seems appropriate that his latest recording captures him in concert in his hometown at Sky Church, the concert venue at the Experience Music Project.
Backed by some of the top musicians on the Seattle jazz scene-pianist Marc Seales, bassist Chuck Deardorf and drummer Dean Hodges-Coryell shines on this live set, vibrantly captured in Sky Church’s pristine acoustics. For the most part, Coryell focuses on originals throughout. The opener, “No More Booze Minor Blues,” proves he can still burn up the frets with lightning speed and immaculate technique. Coryell’s lyrical, laid-back side comes out on the lovely ballad “Tracey,” and he showcases his acoustic chops on a solo version of “Denver in April.”
Fans of early fusion-era Coryell should check out “The Dragon’s Gate” for some fiery licks that recall his ’70s band Eleventh House. Add sparkling covers of “Straight, No Chaser” and “Body and Soul,” a guest vocal by Tracey Piergross on “Gimme One Reason” and even a Coryell vocal on “Rock Me Baby” and you’ve got a session that captures the leader’s multiple talents.
Larry Coryell: Laid Back and Blues: Live at the Sky Church in Seattle
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