Coryell / Mouzon - Back Together Again (1977)
This is a super example of guitar heavy fusion. Coryell never does get the credit he deserves, and just to add to the humiliation, he brings along Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine - another great guitarist who is long forgotten for no reason. The busy and complex rhythm section is made up of Alphonse Mouzon and John Lee on bass. The compositions are strong here, not just showboat material. A bit of period funky business only adds points for me. Excellent as far as I'm concerned.
Ownership: 1977 Atlantic (LP)
10/10/24 (LP acquired / review)
Planet End (1975)
Planet End (1975)
The album represents two different sessions, but unreleased at the time: 1970's Spaces and 1974's The Eleventh House. Also included is one Coryell solo guitar piece which serves as an interlude. I prefer the heavy fusion of the Eleventh House, and both of these tracks would have fit great on the debut. No surprises if you're familiar with that album. Even though they represent half the tracks, it's only about 30% of the time (10 minutes). I'm less familiar with Spaces, a much more "out" setting reminding me some of Wolfgang Dauner's work from this period. Fairly raw and a mite untogether that is, of course, the point. Not an easy listen, but not uncomfortable either. This version of the band represents about 60% of the material here (about 20 minutes). In essence, Planet End is more geared towards the Spaces audience with some extra mid 70s fusion punch.
Ownership: 1975 Vanguard (LP)
12/19/22 (review)
At the Village Gate is a very interesting album from jazz guitarist Coryell. I've heard quite a few of his albums prior including the Eleventh House works, and they follow similar fusion / jazz rock paths as laid out by John McLaughlin / Mahavishnu Orchestra, Wolfgang Dauner's Et Cetera, Return to Forever, and Weather Report. In effect, musicians born out of jazz but with a strong interest in rock music. So even though I had read this album to be different, I wasn't expecting it to really be that way. And I was to be proven wrong.
At the Village Gate truly is an instrumental psychedelic rock album. This is very much in the realm of Jimi Hendrix and Cream. Perhaps not as intense as the burgeoning Krautrock movement of early Ash Ra Tempel and Guru Guru, but take away some of their more excessive moments, and you arrive At the Village Gate. The guitar tone is decidedly psychedelic with plenty of effects applied, while the rhythm section is constantly on the move. "Busy" as the liner notes suggest. For the style, it's a bit subdued, but for an experienced jazzer like Coryell, it's definitely risky and on the edge. For my tastes at least, it's the best album I've heard by him.
At the Village Gate is a relatively obscure album for a marquee name such as Larry Coryell, who sadly passed away recently. Real Gone has provided the first legitimate reissue on CD in 2017. Don't miss it this go round if what I say above resonates.
Ownership: 2017 Real Gone (CD). Liner notes.
No doubt that guitarist Larry Coryell, seeing the success of peers such as John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, and Joe Zawinul, stated something along the lines of "Hey, I can do that!". And so he compiled his own all-star lineup including legendary players such as Randy Brecker (trumpet) and Alphonse Mouzon (drums). And off to the studio they went, to demonstrate the immense amount of chops they possess. The songwriting on the debut is a bit of an afterthought - rather its sole purpose seems to be a springboard for complex instrumental sections and showboating solos. Still it's always great to hear musicians, as talented as these guys obviously are, to plug in and rock their brains out. All the mid 70s musical trappings are baked in here - so you'll get your fill of rock, jazz, funk, and tropical. You can't miss on this one if fusion is your bag.
Ownership: 1974 Vanguard (LP)
Level One (1975)
I personally feel that Level One is a half step up from the debut. All the edgy instrumental work has stayed in, but with stronger songwriting this go round. Coryell's fiery guitar work remains intact, and there's quite a few melodies to latch onto. A very good fusion album. As for the cover, I think we can lay claim that Coryell is the original Leisure Suit Larry.
Ownership: 1975 Arista (LP)
7/3/12 (acquired); 2/14/13 (review); 9/21/20
At the Village Gate (1971)
At the Village Gate truly is an instrumental psychedelic rock album. This is very much in the realm of Jimi Hendrix and Cream. Perhaps not as intense as the burgeoning Krautrock movement of early Ash Ra Tempel and Guru Guru, but take away some of their more excessive moments, and you arrive At the Village Gate. The guitar tone is decidedly psychedelic with plenty of effects applied, while the rhythm section is constantly on the move. "Busy" as the liner notes suggest. For the style, it's a bit subdued, but for an experienced jazzer like Coryell, it's definitely risky and on the edge. For my tastes at least, it's the best album I've heard by him.
At the Village Gate is a relatively obscure album for a marquee name such as Larry Coryell, who sadly passed away recently. Real Gone has provided the first legitimate reissue on CD in 2017. Don't miss it this go round if what I say above resonates.
Ownership: 2017 Real Gone (CD). Liner notes.
3/7/18 (review)
Introducing The Eleventh House With Larry Coryell (1974)
Ownership: 1974 Vanguard (LP)
2005 (acquired); 2/13/13 (review); 6/7/22 (update)
Other albums I own and need to review: Barefoot Boy; Offering; Aspects
2/13/13 (new entry)
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