Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Larry Coryell: Shining Hour

Larry Coryell: Shining Hour

By C. Andrew Hovan
May 1, 1999
View read count

The fact that guitarist Larry Coryell is such a well-known luminary when it comes to the fusion movement of the '70s obscures the fact that he is one hell of a "straight ahead" player as well. During the '80s, Coryell was able to document his more traditional chops on a series of four dates he led for the Muse label. Shining Hour, from 1989, couldn't be a better showcase for the guitarist and it's a fine choice for reissue. Obviously, Coryell was inspired by the top-notch rhythm section assembled, including master pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

The focus here is largely on standards, although we do get two Coryell originals including the gorgeous "Apathy Rains", a duet for Barron and Coryell on acoustic guitar. A pair of tunes associated with Miles Davis, "Nefertiti" and "The Sorcerer", suggest how pervasive Davis' influence had become and continues to be. And while Coryell is surely in rare form, let us not forget to mention the solid contributions of Barron and Smith. Both men have distinctive personalities and that innate ability to inspire others with their textural shadings and nuances. The bonus track, "All the Things You Are", succinctly wraps up a delightful set and one can only hope that 32 Jazz will see fit to reissue Coryell's other Muse dates in the near future.

Track Listing

Nefertiti, Apathy Rains, Yesterdays, Floyd Gets a Gig, The Duke, My Shining Hour, The Sorcerer, All the Things You Are

Personnel

Larry Coryell

guitar

Larry Coryell, guitar; Kenny Barron, piano; Buster Williams, bass; Marvin "Smitty" Smith, drums

Album information

Title: Shining Hour | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: 32 Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Kind of Blue
< Previous

Dave Douglas: Convergence
Next >

Support All About 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 make 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.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves 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.