FALLEN ANGEL

Larry Coryell is one of the most important musicians in the jazz-rock field. He realized early on the importance of Jimi Hendrix and managed to combine rock and jazz guitar playing in an interesting way. He realized some of the most influential jazz rock records. Creed Taylor created in the 60 his own CTI label. His speciality is and was the fusion of orchestral arrangements, made by his house arranger Don Sebesky, and Jazz. He produced some interesting records by George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Deodato, but a lot of the CTI records are pure Easy Listening Jazz. This 1993 record presents a mix of standards like Stardust, Misty, Stella By Starlight plus two originals compositions by Coryell, all arranged and programmed by CTI house arranger Don Sebesky with a couple of guest musicians among them two singers on four of the tracks. If you look thorough the line up you will remark the absence of a rhythm section and in fact bass, drums and chords are all programmed. I have nothing against synth programming but in this particular case the result is awful. George Benson released a great soulful record of standards which features just his guitar and voice. The result here is just the opposite, a cold annoying soulless assemblage which Coryell's guitar on top can't rescue. The only track that stands out (mainly because the rest is so bad) is one of the two Corryell compositions Westerly Wind, the only track without programming where Coryell overdubbed himself on guitar. Do yourself a favour and avoid this record.