SPACES - Larry Coryell
by DiamondDog on Tuesday 08 November 2005





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SPACES was recorded in 1969 but released in 1974. This album contains the great jazzfusion artists of the 20th century. Larry Coryell on guitar, John McLaughlin on guitar, Miroslav Vitous on bass, Billy Cobham on drums and Chick Corea on electric piano. Chick plays only on the track 'Chris'.

1969 was a good year for jazzfusion. Miles Davis released his milestone albums IN A SILENT WAY and of course his great BITCHES BREW. Larry Coryell recorded SPACES. It contains a lot of good songs. 'Spaces (infinite)' is fast solo battle between Larry and John. They both play very well without standing in eachothers way. It has a beautiful dramatic opening by Miroslav and it fires away by the band. 'Rene's Theme' is a beautiful ode to Django Reinhardt. Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin both play very fast acoustic guitar here. It's very extra-ordinary to hear how fast they play here. 'Gloria's Step' is a showcase for Miroslav. Chick Corea plays a little part in 'Chris', but he fills the right gaps. 'New Year's Day In Los Angeles-1968' is a little encore of Larry Coryell.


SPACES is not a rockbomb like The Eleventh House or Planet End. It's a classis jazzcombo with the right sound. There is a good vibe in it and you can hear that all these guys are professionals. Larry Coryell really plays very well with John McLaughlin on his side. They play like a team and you can hear it. The real gem on this album is 'Rene's Theme' to my opinion. SPACES shows the real craftmanship of Larry Coryell in jazz without rock. SPACES is one Larry Coryell's best 'easy' listening jazzalbum.


Rating:

80%