Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Count's Jam Band: Larry Coryell-Steve Marcus-Steve Smith...

Count's Jam Band: Larry Coryell-Steve Marcus-Steve Smith-Kai Eckhardt: Reunion

By Glenn Astarita
May 1, 2001
Sign in to view read count

Count's Jam Band: Larry Coryell-Steve Marcus-Steve Smith-Kai Eckhardt: Reunion

Back in the mid-60’s when folks were grooving to soon-to-be rock masterpieces such as “The Beatles” “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Bland” and “The Beach Boys” “Pet Sounds”, guitarist Larry Coryell and saxophonist Steve Marcus were investigating the unification of jazz and rock grooves. And while much of this started taking place a few years prior to Miles Davis’ ground breaking “Bitches Brew” LP and Tony Williams’ “Lifetime” unit, Coryell and Marcus were melding elements of the jazz vernacular with electronic amplification and rock-based time signatures. Hence, Reunion signifies Coryell and Marcus’ first collaboration in over thirty-years as they revive, “Count’s Jam Band”, also featuring all-world drummer Steve Smith and the equally impressive, and ex-“John McLauglin Trio” bassist, Kai Eckhardt.

The proceedings commence with all of the vitality and impact one might surmise on the piece titled, “Scotland”, where Marcus and Coryell state the primary theme via punishing, yet profusely melodic union lines atop Smith and Eckhardt’s thrusting rock beats. Throughout, Coryell demonstrates his Texas blues-rock roots and seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of jazz chords and voicings. The musicians also effectively utilize space in between choruses which is evident on works such as “Reunion”, “Blues for Yoshiro Hattori” and elsewhere while guest artist, pianist Jeff Chimenti lends his considerable wares to the swinging, high octane, “Rhapsody & Blues.

The quartet surges onward via Coryell’s Hendrix-ian, psycho wah-wah soloing, the bustling rhythms and Marcus’ razor sharp, - aiming for the stars – style of soloing, whereas Marcus and Coryell counterbalance the flow with the poignant yet lissome, “Ballad For Guitar & Soprano”. Essentially, Reunion is a potent, top-flight production, brimming with memorable arrangements and heated interplay amid the grace and splendor of a condor in free flight! Strongly Recommended.

Track Listing

Scotland, Reunion, Rhapsody & Blues, Pedals and Suspensions, Foreplay, Blues for Yoshiro Hattori, Tomorrow Never Knows, Ballad for Guitar and Soprano, Jammin

Personnel

Count's Jam Band

Larry Coryell; guitars: Steve Marcus; saxophone: Kai Eckhardt; bass: Steve Smith; drums

Album information

Title: Reunion | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Tone Center

< Previous
Cynthia Sayer

Next >
Larry Fuller: It's a Dream to Play wi...

Comments

About Count's Jam Band

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.