THE ELEVENTH HOUSE: INTRODUCING THE ELEVENTH HOUSE WITH LARRY CORYELL

Another solid Jazz/Fusion album from Larry Coryell. Not as good as the previously released "Barefoot Boy" but comparible to the next one with THE ELEVENTH HOUSE called "Level One". A five piece here with Alphonse Mouzon on drums, Randy Brecker on trumpet and of course Coryell on guitar plus a bass player and keyboardist playing electric piano and synths. This was released in 1974 and the compositions were written by Coryell, Mandell and Mouzon plus the song "Yin" by Wolfgang Dauner.

"Birdfingers" is a tune where each member gets to share the spotlight and strut their stuff I guess you could say. After a brief drum solo the keys and guitar trade off then the trumpet starts to come and go trading off with the guitar. Soon electric piano, guitar and trumpet are trading off.

"The Funky Waltz" is a top three for me. Just a trippy sound here with the drums and bass as trumpet and electric piano help out in this relaxed song. Guitar to the fore around 1 1/2 minutes and it sounds really good after 2 minutes. Electric piano leads at 3 1/2 minutes as the guitar steps aside then drums lead a minute later. I like this one a lot.

"Low-Lee-Tah" is my favourite. Just love the opening with that guitar and bass, so laid back and atmospheric. Drums and trumpet join in just before a minute. So good. Trumpet comes to the fore before 2 minutes then it's the guitar's turn around 2 1/2 minutes. Nice. More trumpet follows but it's more laid back this time.

"Adam Smasher" has trumpet blasts over the drums, bass and e-piano then the piano leads as the drums and bass support. The trumpet is back again around 1 1/2 minutes then the guitar a minute later. "Joyride" is laid back with keys, bass and a beat often leading the way. It's brighter when the electric piano comes in before 2 minutes, the guitar follows. it calms down again before a big finish.

"Yin" opens with drums and bass that impress with the trumpet over top, electric piano too. The guitar arrives just before 2 minutes. Synths start to lead before 3 1/2 minutes. These guys are ripping it up here. "Theme For A Dream" does have a dreamy sound with trumpet leading in a reserved way with outbursts of drums. Raining piano comes and goes as well.

"Gratitiude "A So Low"" is acoustic guitar melodies throughout. "Ism-Ejereicio" is my other top three. It opens fairly powerfully before settling in with drums and guitar. Great sound here. It settles into more of a slow groove after that around 1 1/2 minutes in with some adventerous trumpet over top trading off with the guitar. Nice. The tempo picks up before 3 1/2 minutes as it gets really impressive. "Right On Y'All" ends it opening with drums then the trumpet leads as the piano pulses before an extended synth led section. An energetic track with the guitar leading late.

Another excellent release from Coryell and company and a must listen for Jazz/Fusion fans.