THE ELEVENTH HOUSE: INTRODUCING THE ELEVENTH HOUSE WITH LARRY CORYELL

Larry Coryell & The Eleventh House Introducing The Eleventh House With Larry Coryell represents something quite different when compared to Larry's earlier guitar work. The core of the band (Mouzon, Mandel & Coryell) is set in place for this very experimental record, quite ahead of its time when released. As an LP it is every bit as groundbreakingly important as say Inner Mounting Flame. These guys are a cooperatively creating quintet, and not just a collection of sidemen backing Coryell.

This, the first Eleventh House offering, leans more to the Ian Carr-esque side of the band than the Mahavishnu one. This is partly due to Randy Brecker's more relatively straight ahead approach to his horn playing, but it is also due to the record's sketchy production quality. There is an unfortunate thinness to the sound, and this album may sound a bit weak to some ears.

Nonetheless, this was one heck of a group to see live, though sadly it is difficult to tell when listening to this studio release. All the same, fusion affectionados should endevour to find this one because you need to hear it and know it. Birdfingers alone is worth the price of admission.