A Truly Rewarding Set
Justin White | Cleveland, Ohio | 03/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This live set of music associated with Mr. Tyner's former boss/collaborator rewards with repeated listening because this trio's music is greater than the sum of the parts. This is special praise considering that the players' individual contributions are unique and outstanding. The range of Tyner's creativity includes the gentle romanticism of "After The Rain", the controlled yet rhythmic passion of "Afro Blue", and the bright, soulful blues expression of "Mr. Day". Please note that it is often overlooked that McCoy Tyner is an outstanding blues player! Throughout this set (in which each tune is a winner), George Mraz(bass) and Al Foster(drums) lay a firm magical carpet while providing their own brands of sonic and rhythmic electricity. Foster listens intently and at times seems to have a particular ESP with Tyner. In paying tribute to John Coltrane, Tyner's two-handed virtousity literally welds musical ideas into the listener's consciousness and thus inspires and rewards."
McCoy Tyner's Best?!
Todd Ebert | Long Beach California | 07/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have two McCoy Tyner recordings: "Live at the Village" and "Trident", and, although both seem exceptional, "Live at the Village" just amazes me! Tyner and Co. have captured the essence of Coltrane's music in such a fresh and imaginative way. Moreover, Al Foster (one of my favorite drummers after hearing him here and on Bobby Hutcherson's "Skyline") and George Mraz offer support and empathy in what McCoy is trying to achieve in terms of mood and capturing the essence of Coltrane (which to me represents a spiritul quest through music). I bought this together with Pat Metheny Group's "Quartet" and Nicolas Payton's "Finger Painting: A Tribute to Herbie Hancock", and truely struck a mother lode of outstanding music. For me it doesn't get much better than this."
Deserves 10 stars
R. J. Marsella | California | 02/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is such a rewarding CD ! McCoy Tyner's recordings are among my favorites in jazz and in a trio setting he is really allowed to display his incredible virtuosity. Here he is beautifully accompanied by George Mraz and Al Foster. Mraz provides fine bass playing throughout and several of his solos are just outstanding as well. The drumming is perfectly suited to these arrangements of tunes recorded by Coltrane and Foster's drum solo on Afro Blue is wonderful.
I just caught Tyner's more recent trio with Eric Harland and Charnett Moffett performing in LA and they were playing as if they were of one mind. Harland's drumming is terrific as well. After seeing them and then listening to this I for one will never miss an opportunity to hear McCoy Tyner in a trio setting.
Buy this CD if you don't have it. You will be glad you did."