"In more than a few jazz encyclopedia's "Spaces" is listed as on of the greatest fusion albums ever made, which is simply wrong. Some reviewers simply haven't listened to the album in question. What you'll hear on this album is a straight ahead set of sessions of jazz improvisations where the two creaters of jazz-rock style, Coryell and John McLaughlin, leave volume and feedback behind. A beautifully realized album all around, from Coltranesque postbop on "Renee's Theme" to Coryell's impressionistic "Wrong is Right"; Coryell is the hard charger here, fleet, angular, filling in spaces with flurries of intricate note clusters, while McLaughlin is into spaces, silences, short fines, wonderful bits of filigree. Bassist Miroslov Vitous is terriic, and drummer Cobham works miracles throughout this wonderful wash of music."
Super
Ted Burke | 05/08/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If there's such a thing as "mellow hysteria," Larry Coryell has managed to tap into it on this album. His guitarwork here ripples with phrases that threaten to go off te deep end but somehow stay grounded and engaging. John McLaughlin holds his own here as well and the two of them trading solos on the title cut is wonderful to hear. Add ace support from Billy Cobham, Chick Corea and Miroslav Vitous (playing a bowed bass that sounds, well, other-worldly) and you have an album that wins you over without pummeling you to the ground. Real good."
A Bitches Brew-era masterwork
Robert Cossaboon | The happy land of Walworth, NY | 12/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Spaces album is of course remarkable, because of the presence Chick Corea, and of John McLauglhlin and Billy Cobham, core members of the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra. This kind of fusion jazz would not be uncommon on a Bitches Brew session or a Birds of Fire album. Like many sophisticated pieces of music, it is difficult to listen to, as songs very rarely reach a crescendo, but instead go on like extended poetry readings. It is both fiery (the title track) and contemplative (Rene's Theme, Gloria's Step). Make no mistake, however, for this is not a guitar showcase album-you will not hear extended feedback soloing, fancy, enhanced studio trickery or particularly loud guitar workouts. This is a guitar virtuoso's album. Oftentimes it is very difficult to separate Coryell and McLauglhlin's playing. Both are furious pickers (they should've guested on Hee-Haw!) who work mostly in the acoustic mode. I get the sense that Coryell prefers the acoustic guitar and leaves much of electicising to McLauglhlin. Bassist Miroslav Vitous adds depth to many of the tracks (Gloria) on bowed bass. One of my favorite tracks is the "Wrong is Right" track where Coryell's playing approaches the near ferocity of a hail storm, albeit a somewhat quiet one. The one track Corea plays on is "Chris"; his keyboard give the song a somewhat starrier, more atmospheric feel. The two bonus tracks feature a more disjointed approach. On hurricane-like funk of "Tyrone" Cobham's drumming is more prominent as is Corea's electric piano, and the guitar playing is more frenzied than the original album tracks. "Planet End" seems to be the most improvisational piece, and the song that most evokes the cover of this album."
Spaces
Alex | 04/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening to this album (when they were vinyl albums) by Larry Coryell for over 20 years. It's is amazing. You're into guitar Coryell and John Mclaughlin (two of the most well trained and technically skilled guitarist playing in that jazz/rock mode)will blow your mind. These recordings are intricate, jazzy, playful...Bill Cobham is jazz-funk creative as it gets and Mirslov on the bass proves why we miss out by his lack of activity"
Pioneering Fusion Album
Robert Cossaboon | 07/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album introduced the world to a new kind of music, Jazz-Rock Fusion. Pioneers all, the musicians that made up this album all went on to form the bands that would change the face of jazz: Larry Coryell with the Eleventh House, John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chic Corea with Return to Forever, and Miroslov Vitous with Weather Report.The music is fresh and original. The players displayed abilities never before realized with traditional jazz and rock. Both Coryell and McLaughlin show great passion and chops as they rip through a number of originals. The high points are the tracks "Spaces (Infinite)" and "Rene's Theme". This album is a must for fusion fans."