The CD just arrived today with Larry's Herbert J. Hancock. It's dedicated "In Loving Memory Of James W. Ray." The CD sleeve is nicely done, and Larry's looking well with his moustache and goatee.

As for the music, my fiance and I agree that this is his best work in years. The ensemble is first rate, the sonic quality of the recording is excellent, and I look forward to hearing good things about it. Further, the energy is way up there, the music sounds fresh and innovative. I get no feeling from the performances that the band may be indulging themselves in great performances of the past. Rather, this could be a step forward in the idiom of acoustic jazz.

Larry is sounding extremely healthy and invigorated, playing at a fast, brisk pace, reaching for that eternal moment where art and life fuse as one. As for the fun love ballad of "Gimme One Reason/Rock Me Baby," it's not jazz, per say, but I think it establishes the energy for the performances. Some may criticize this bit with good reason, but that's a personal matter. Tracey's voice sounds equisite here, and Larry's as well.

I gotta give the CD an enthusiastic thumbs up. Thanks to Larry Coryell, Mark Seales (piano), Dean Hodges (drums), Chuck Deardorf (bass) and Tracey Piergross (guest vocal). Get this CD. It's money well spent.

Daniel Raznick