McCoy Tyner Big Band - Journey (1993)

Tracklisting

00:00 - 1. Samba Dei Ber (Angel Rangelov)
04:20 - 2. Juanita (Steve Turré)
15:21 - 3. Choices (Dennis Mackrel)
26:39 - 4. You Taught My Heart To Sing (Sammy Cahn & McCoy Tyner)
32:57 - 5. Peresina (McCoy Tyner)
44:14 - 6. Blues on the Corner (McCoy Tyner)
53:44 - 7. January In Brasil (Avery Sharpe)

Album Info

Recorded on the 24th, 25th & the 26th of May at the Clinton Studios and on the 27th of May at Skyline Studios in New York.

Following the successful release of "The Turning Point" in 1992, the McCoy Tyner Big Band would continue on to release its next album under the title of "Journey" Whilst it doesn't do anything exponentially new or innovative, it still provides a great listening experience switching between hard bop and Latin jazz through the albums run time. During his performances with his big band, Tyner would be presented with two Grammy Awards, one in 1992 and the other in 1994.

Within this album, Tyner left personal notes on each of the songs performed by the band. Each song will be listed along with what he said

Samba Dei Ber:
I chose this song to set up the opening mood, because of the festive feeling it gives you. It's like being in Brazil at Carnival time. Angel Rangelov is a native of Bulgaria, and also a gifted arranger and composer. All the best Angel.

Juanita:
Steve Turré wrote this beautiful song for his at Juanita. There's one thing that's evident in this piece, a gorgeous melody, interesting colors and textures. Steve has evolved into an outstanding trombonist, composer and arranger. Thanks, Steve, for your genius

Choices:
Dennis Mackrel has consistently demonstrated how talented an arranger he is once again. In this case Dennis has not only composed but arranged this interesting music which shows how imaginative he is. He approaches music with a sense of depth and integrity. Thank you, Dennis, continued success.

You Taught My Heart to Sing:
I think something was guiding my hand when I wrote this love song some time years ago. Sammy Cahn, the great lyricist, wrote the lyrics for this song. What a great honor! Sammy is without a doubt one of our greatest lyricists. What a thrill to be graced by the beautiful voice and charisma of Dianne Reeves. She is one of the foremost vocalists of our time. Thanks, Dianne, you're fabulous.

Peresina:
Many people who like my compositions would often mention Peresina as a favourite. This song was written and recorded in the sixties originally. I arranged this piece then for three horns and rhythm section. This arrangement is virtually the same as the original with the exception of the additional horns present on this version. Bob Belden is the man of impeccable taste and talent. Bob is without a doubt one of the best arrangers on the scene today. Thanks Bob, for your contribution to this project.

Blues on the Corner:
This is another original of mine from The Real McCoy album. Dennis Mackrel wanted to do a big band version of this song, keeping in mind the original arrangement of mine on the sixties recording. The presence of the extra horns and ensemble sections make this piece new in many respects.

January in Brasil:
This was a fun song to record. Happy and free all the way. Avery Sharpe is unquestionably one of the best bass players performing today, having a wonderful feel for music in special. Arranged and composed by Avery, Janurary in Brasil is very unique and interesting, As a member of my trio our association has been great over the years. The best to you, Avery

It brings me great pleasure once again to be presenting music of quality to my friends and fans around the world. Thank you very much.

McCoy Tyner

Personnel

Earl Gardner – Trumpet
Virgil Jones – Trumpet
Eddie Henderson – Trumpet
Steve Turré –Trombone
Frank Lacy –Trombone
John Clark – French Horn & French Hornette
Tony Underwood – Tuba
Doug Harris –Alto Saxophone & Flute
Joe Ford – Alto Saxophone
Billy Harper – Tenor Saxophone
John Stubblefield – Tenor Saxophone
McCoy Tyner – Piano
Avery Sharpe – Acoustic Bass & Electric Bass (Track 7)
Aaron Scott – Drums
Jerry Gonzalez – Percussion & Trumpet (Track 4)
Ronnie Cuber – Baritone Saxophone (Track 1)
Waltinho Anastacio – Percussion (Track 1)

Special Guests
Dianne Reeves – Vocals (Track 4)
Slide Hampton – Trombone (Track 1)