A better-than-average
standards
date,
Larry Coryell
's
New High
finds the guitarist in a supportive small-combo setting, playing a solid mix of some well-chosen
and a fine pair of originals. The album starts off strong with new versions of
Milt Jackson
"Bags' Groove"
(starring
Mark Sherman
on vibes) and
John Coltrane
"Like Sonny"
that refrain from merely aping the originals, but use the well-known tunes as the springboard for a variety of restrained but never overly tasteful solos.
Coryell
's young sidemen could stand to be a bit more assertive, particularly drummer
Yoron Israel
, but pianist
Ronnie Mathews
does step into the spotlight on his own
"John Charles,"
where he and
trade some excellent solos over a light, swinging groove akin to
Wes Montgomery
's pre-
Creed Taylor
work.
has taken some heat from
jazz
purists for his too-regular forays into
easy listening
jazz-pop
, but
is a more-than-respectable piece of solid
post-bop
. ~ Stewart Mason