Larry Coryell
LARRY CORYELL is one of the world's acknowledged guitar masters. He has recorded more than 75 albums over the past 40 years as a bandleader, soloist and 'featured accompanist'. Hailed by his legion of fans as one of "the guitar gods" in the late 1970s and as a "truly Renaissance musician who excels at all styles of playing", he has also been christened as "a true pioneer of rock-jazz fusion" by the New York Times, and dubbed "the Godfather of Fusion" by Dan Ouellette of Down Beat Magazine.
The late 60s thru early 70s saw Larry as one of the most in-demand guitarists in Rock, Jazz and all musical genres. During that time Larry was part of Rock's experimentation, and toured with Jack Bruce, and was featured in sessions with Jimmy Webb, the 5th Dimension, Charles Mingus, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin. Through the albums produced during this period, Larry Coryell emerged as a profound music prophet who merged Rock, Jazz, Eastern modes and scales with free-form improvisation and flashing Classical riffs.
In 1974 Larry formed The 11th House, the most popular and successful Fusion band of its time, which included his friend and colleague Randy Brecker. After The 11th House disbanded, Larry was signed by Clive Davis for Arista Records, where he made a series of solo albums, followed by a direct-to-disc recording with the Brecker Brothers.
Today- Larry Coryell is primarily focusing on his Power Trio with Mark Egan (bass), and Paul Wertico (drums) which he is touring throughout the world in 2007. He also continues to tour and lead a collection of special groups that focus on Indian Jazz, Acoustic Guitar Music, and Jazz Fusion.
In addition to concerts, LARRY CORYELL is available for clinics and master classes.
The Critics Speak:
"Coryell's mix of rock enthusiasm, jazz technique and self-deprecating reminiscence is surprisingly appealing..."
- Financial Times of London
"Whatever the reasons, the guitarist - who played for a huge crowd at the Showcase - turned in one of the most upbeat, uplifting sets he has given Chicago audiences in many years."
- Chicago Tribune
The Musicians Speak:
"Larry was among the inventors of jazz rock, from the very first wave, even before John McLaughlin. He was the guy who was cutting edge, playing really great bebop but also rock and country and blues. It wasn't even called fusion yet."
- John Scofield