Search - Larry Coryell, Steve Smith, Steve Marcus :: Count's Jam Band Reunion

Don't Miss This Reunion

Gregory Edwards | Fremont, CA USA | 08/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After a 30 year hiatus, guitarist Larry Coryell and saxophonist Steve Marcus have reunited to create in a powerful new statement in jazz-rock. Backed by forceful drummer Steve Smith and bass phenom Kai Eckhardt, "Reunion" captures all of the exuberance of thirty years ago with the wisdom of seasoned jazz veterans. The album opens with Scotland, offering a droning guitar intro which quickly opens up into a high-speed roller coaster of 16th note unison runs. Smith's tom tom playing has never been better, as Marcus plays some of the cleanest and fastest soprano lines since Steve Lacy. When Coryell enters the fray, armed with a solid-body Cort guitar, effects pedals and an encyclopedia of jazz chords, the stage is set for a fast and furious no-holds-bared jam session. The title track was composed by Eckhardt, whose credits include John McLaughlin and Vital Information. Beginning as a sinewy jazz piece, it quickly emerges into a modern jam-band session, as Coryell and Marcus trade licks, creating a dynamic interchange.The highlight of the record is Rhapsody and Blues, owing a four-bar section to its famous Gershwin counterpart. Enter local Bay Area pianist Jeff Chimenti on piano, whose addition bring this classic jazz piece to the fore. Both Marcus and Coryell play traditional jazz licks, as Smith and Eckhardt provide a contemporary undercurrent.Revitalizing the 1972 Coryell piece Foreplay with a fresh chordal intro and an electric rhythm section, this piece harks to the musical abandon of early fusion. Marcus plays the difficult soprano with incredible technique and flair. And Coryell's acid guitar lead sounds like it's about to fall off the cliff with ever turn. As they performed in the 1960s, Marcus and Coryell perform a new rendition of Lennon and McCartney's Tomorrow Never Knows. With Chimenti's post-bop piano, Marcus' lilting soprano and Coryell's rock guitar this track is an excellent example of how to move classic material into modern jazz. Between the high-speed electric pieces are two acoustic gems, Pedals and Suspensions, and Ballad for Guitar and Soprano. Here the forty years of experience pay off as Marcus and Coryell deliver in these difficult pieces a rich and melodic musical tapestry. CJBR successfully brings yesterday's music into the new Millennium. An exciting no-take-no-prisoners session, this album is highly recommended."

Jazz rock from the pioneers

Vincent | Maine | 07/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD got a mix reviews in magazines. I was sceptical at first, knowing Larry Coryell nowadays plays more straigh ahead jazz. I even saw him playing duet with his son. I know he was the pioneer of jazz rock, but I don't see him playing that genre of music anymore. Anyway, I decided to give a try, expecting good music even if it's not really jazz rock. I am glad that I'm wrong. The music is a real jazz rock, with all the distortion for Larry's guitar and the intensity of a "young" guitarist, but also with the passion and melodic notes of a seasoned musician. This CD is not for those purist jazz fan, but fans of the 70's fusion will rejoice and enjoy."

Pleasing "Reunion"

Jeremy Baldwin | Ypsilanti, MI United States | 07/29/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Apparently, fusion guitarist, Larry Coryell and tenor saxophonist, Steve Marcus had a short-lived Jazz-Rock band called the Count's Rock Band back in the sixties. Journey drummer Steve Smith got the two back together to record a "reunion" album and against all odds, the result is really good. They manage to pull of the layers of encrusted cheese that have plagued the fusion genre since the sixties and produce something that is somewhat retro, but also modern. Coryell is legend with fusion and progressive guitar fans and he manages to be spacey and jazzy without losing his edge. Marcus is obviously influenced by Coltrane, but if you think Coltrane playing with an acid-rock band would be cool then you might dig this album. Smith is a very talented drummer and I can forgive him for Journey because he is really inventive and does not overplay on this release. Kai Eckhardt is a young bass player who also plays with Garaj Mahal. Jeff Chimenti plays keyboards on about half the album. Chimenti is one of my favorite keyboardists who also plays with Ratdog and Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade (Both of those bands also released excellent live albums this year)."