Jazz-Rock Legend Larry Coryell Pioneered the Form Whose Time Has Come

IN the mid-1960s, jazz-rock was a “scary term," not only for audiences but also for the musicians who played it. “At that time, even the people who were creating that genre like myself, just felt like -- because it had never been done before -- felt it might have a pejorative connotation," says jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell, speaking from his Orlando home. “But it turns out now that jazz-rock has morphed into the definition called 'fusion.' It's everywhere."

During the past 40 years, Mr. Coryell has recorded more than 75 albums as a bandleader, soloist and featured accompanist. One of the most in-demand guitarists in rock, jazz and all musical genres during the late '60s and early '70s, Mr. Coryell earned recognition as a “guitar god" and a pioneer of rock-jazz fusion.

“The great thing about music that I've come to understand over the course of a very long career, is that you can express things that are not possible to describe in words," he says. “It's communicating emotions beyond the verbal parameter."

The renaissance musician will share his gift with audiences Sept. 9 when the Arts Council of Princeton presents the Larry Coryell Trio at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. Bassist Mark Egen and drummer Thierry Arpino will join Mr. Coryell for the concert. Guests can expect straight-ahead jazz music, creative improvisation and perhaps even vocals by Mr. Coryell's wife, Tracey.

The name of the arts center initially magnetized Mr. Coryell, who says he became a big fan of Paul Robeson during his brief friendship with Miles Davis. The famous jazz trumpeter's respect for and knowledge of Robeson moved Mr. Coryell. “I immediately said I'd like to play, simply so I can contribute to the memory of Paul Robeson," Mr. Coryell says. In a sense, he'd like to help others focus on Robeson the actor, athlete, singer and civil rights activist, “find out what he did, what he stood for, so he's not just a name on a building."