Few pianists have been as influential to modern jazz practice as McCoy Tyner. His harmonic and rhythmic conceptions, notably displayed as a member of John Coltrane's "classic" quartet, are instantly recognizable. And at age 74, you can still hear his driving left hand and dense chordal suggestions in fine form. For the opening of the SFJAZZ Center, Tyner called his strolling "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit," with a multi-generational quartet. Then he played a happy blues to welcome some Bay Area jazz royalty: alto saxophonist John Handy and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Hutcherson has emphysema, and requires an oxygen supply; his entire being lit up when it came time to play with the pianist he's collaborated with for nearly 50 years. -- PATRICK JARENWATTANANON
PERSONNEL "Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit"
McCoy Tyner, piano Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone Esperanza Spalding, bass Eric Harland, drums
"Blues On The Corner"
McCoy Tyner, piano Bobby Hutcherson, vibraphone John Handy, alto saxophone Joshua Redman, tenor saxophone Bill Frisell, guitar Matt Penman, bass Eric Harland, drums
CREDITS Producers: Anya Grundmann, Mito Habe-Evans, Suraya Mohamed Audio Engineers: Damond Jacob, Tony Guillor Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Clare Major Emcee: Bill Cosby Special thanks to WBGO, WWOZ and SFJAZZ. Recorded Jan. 23, 2013 at the SFJAZZ Center.
