Artist: McCoy Tyner & Bobby Hutcherson
Title Of Album: Land of Giants
Year Of Release: June 24, 2003
Label: Telarc
Genre: Jazz, Jazz Instrument, Piano
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 320 Kbps
Total Time: 35 Min
Total Size: 142 Mb

Review:
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McCoy Tyner has always been a huge presence on the jazz piano scene, ever since he performed with the last working band of John Coltrane. Specializing in Latin-tinged jazz, he has released two very fine records--La Leyenda de la Hora, and McCoy Tyner and the Latin All-Stars--exclusively in that sub-genre.

The Latin numbers shine here as well. My favorite is "Manalyuca," seven-plus minutes of shear musical mastery. Especially fine is Charnette Moffet's arco bass solo, artfully conjuring Andalusia. Indeed, the entire number has that mystical Iberian/Arab sensibility--some of which, certainly, comes from Bobby Hutcherson, who has often delved deeply here ("Medina," "La Alhambra," "Messina"). "Serra Do Mar," a fast samba or bossa nova that changes mid-tune to bebop, then back and forth several times, cooks along at a spritely pace and features a wonderful solo from Hutcherson. "Contemplation," a waltz with Latin flavoring, also stands out.

There are several other styles as well (blues, ballads, and pure bop), each deftly handled by the band. But what this disc's really all about is communication. At times this band seems nearly telepathic. They're listening with all their might, and their dia- tria- and quadralogues are simply stunning. Eric Harland on drums especially seems to be completely zeroed in. Tyner and Hutcherson, of course, have known each other for years and have even released a duo disc together. Charnett Moffett on bass also fits in perfectly, making every note count and never overplaying. His walking bass intro on "Steppin'" brilliantly illustrates this.

McCoy Tyner seldom fails to deliver. Here it's truly a special delivery, one not to be missed. Land of Giants indeed.

Track:
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1. Serra Do Mar
2. December
3. Steppin'
4. If I Were A Bell
5. Manalyuca
6. Back Bay Blues
7. For All We Know
8. The Search
9. Contemplation
10. In A Mellow Tone