McCoy Tyner - 1979 [2005] "Passion Dance"

Recorded live in Tokyo, the great pianist McCoy Tyner performs three of his best originals ("Passion Dance," "Search For Peace" and "Song Of The New World") plus two John Coltrane songs ("Moment's Notice" and "The Promise"). He takes three selections unaccompanied while "Moment's Notice" and "Song Of The New World" are with a trio including bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams. This Lp (long overdue to be reissued on CD) has plenty of fiery and passionate music. All of Tyner's Milestone records of the 1970's are recommended and this is one of the better ones.

I bought my first CD player in 1985 ... and waited 20 years for this spectacular live album to be released on disc. It was worth the wait.

This is one of McCoy Tyner's best recordings. A big part of its appeal is that it's almost entirely solo piano, no horns or strings, so the focus is entirely on Tyner's considerable keyboard skills. (There is a rhythm section that plays on a couple of tracks.) These tracks were recorded live in Japan, and he had a good night. The melodies are powerful and complex, and Tyner's playing has never been more dramatic or effective, particularly in this signature version of "Song of the New World", which concludes the album.

If you're a fan of Tyner's piano playing, this is one you'll want to have in your collection.


Tony lays down some SERIOUS grooves on this record!

Track listing:

1     Moment's Notice     9:21
2     Passion Dance     11:45
3     Search For Peace     6:34
4     The Promise     6:27
5     Song Of The New World     7:14

Personnel:

    Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: A1, B3)
    Composed By – McCoy Tyner (tracks: A2, B1, B3)
    Drums – Tony Williams* (tracks: A1, B3)
    Piano – McCoy Tyner