Elly Roberts reviews
Larry Coryell, Badi Assad & John Abercrombie:
Three Guitars – The Paris Concert at New Morning
Distributed by
inakustik
- Cert:
- Pressing: 2006
- Running time: 75 minutes
- Region(s): 0, PAL
- Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Stereo
- Languages: English
- Fullscreen: 4:3
- Disc Format: DVD 9
- Price: £15.99
- Rating: 8/10
- Extras:
None
In the serious music fraternity
Larry Coryell and John Abercrombie, are
considered to be two of the best guitarists in the world. Joining them at
this intimate gig at New Morning Paris is ‘Renaissance Woman’ Mariangela
‘Badi’ Assad, the Brazilian singer-songwriter.
Under the touring concept of The Three Guitars, which they released as a CD
in August 2003, we get to see and hear the formidable threesome at close
range nearly 12 months later on June 14 2004.
Targeted at serious Jazz fans, this trio showcase their combined and
individual talent in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Low on visual thrills, but high on music content, the trio pull out the
‘dexterity’ stops to impress the Parisienne audience. Mostly self-taught,
with 35 years of experience and 70 albums under his belt, Coryell is
recognised as a true innovator of Jazz-fusion, dubbed the ‘Godfather of
Fusion’, (here he more than justifies the tag) he’s brought Abercrombie on
board to add further depth to the repertoire.
Multi-instrumentalist Abercrombie, in his youth a big fan of Rock’n’Roll like Coryell, he brings a
more sedate and eloquent angle to the set, and is able to synthesise his
skills for all contexts. Sandwiched between both, Assad brings her
refreshing contemporary new world –jazz outlook onboard. Collectively, they
make the most beautiful music, with a high emphasis on improvisation which
meanders through the never ending colours of the melodic spectrum. Assad
also provides sophisticated audio add-ons through her incredible vocal
gymnastics as she effortlessly concocts the sounds of several instruments,
eventually breaking into song on the sensual closing song – Corcovado (the
hill upon which the statue of Christ The Redeemer stands) in Rio de
Janeiro.
Using multi angled shots and an abundance of close-ups, we get to see the
three masters doing their thing almost at first hand- their skill factor is
quite breathtaking, with, in my opinion, Coryell proving the most gifted of
the three- his delicate touch is masterfully exquisite to say the least.
A defining moment in modern jazz, and well worth viewing, if you can slog
out the 75 minutes.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
