Larry Coryell - 1976 [2019] "Basics"

This album of leftovers from Vanguard sessions is better than it appears but far from essential. The personnel listing is confusing (and inexcusably leaves off the name of tenor-saxophonist Jim Pepper). The music, which ranges from basic blues to early fusion and only clocks in at around 31 minutes, also features organist Mike Mandel and several rhythm sections. Fans of guitarist Larry Coryell (a fusion pioneer) may find some moments of interest here.

This album was released in 1975 but is some leftover tracks from Coryell's 1968-1969 Vanguard recording sessions. It is only 32 minutes and the sound quality is pretty good.

The music here is typical of Coryell during this time period, mixing blues, jazz and rock with even a little Southern Rock flavor thrown in. I think it is Coryell at his best.

I think his best period is his early period until 1974 when he moved on to more jazz fusion typical of the mid 1970s (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, etc.). At the end of the 1970s he started experimenting in all kinds of music. 

I guess that the title imposed to this album means its keeping within the most basic alternation between opening main riff and subsequent improvisation. At least, that seems to be the dynamics underpinning this record, and to be honest, it's fine for me, from the moment that it's all good: the group sounds as tight as you have the right to expect from the tremendous musical talents involved, and the improvisation itself, even going through many ups and downs in melodic richness and instrumental dexterity, never indulges in a dull passage.

As for the customary account of influences, I must say that in "Half A Heart", besides the obvious latin flavour, there's some undeniable hints of Peter Green in the electric guitar phrasing and the vocals coming in with a timing very resemblant of "Black Magic Woman".

Originally the tracks on this album were recorded in 68 & 69, and intended for release, but didn't see the light of day until 71 or even 76 (depending on the country of release), but several tracks were released in different versions in LC's late-60's/early 70's albums. They were repackaged in a wild psychedelic package at the aforementioned dates, but by that time LC's music was vastly different so some of these songs might seem quite dated, even then.

There are some straight (Slow) blues tracks, some late 60's Yarbirds-style rockers (Consciousness, Friday Night), other more Cream-like psych-rock (Half A Heart, Sex, Jam With Albert) and slightly jazzy rock (Tyrone & Organ Blues)

Difficult to call this "album" essential for progheads, but while vastly influenced by his then-heroes, Basics might just give you a clue how a jazz giant navigated from his rock roots to jazz rock, then pure jazz., but it won't give the full blown impact of LC's best rocking albums. 

Not a prog monument, but, even so, a very enjoyable record.

Track listing:

1 Call to the Higher Consciousness 5:17

2 Slow Blues 4:22

3 Friday Night 2:22

4 Half a Heart 3:30

5 Sex 4:32

6 Tyrone 3:00

7 The Jam With Albert 2:55

8 Organ Blues 5:19

Personnel:

Larry Coryell — vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer

Mike Mandel — organ, keyboards

Chuck Rainey — electric bass

Ron Carter — electric bass

Steve Haas — drums

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie — drums

Ray Mantilla — percussion