Larry Coryell, Badi Assad, John Abercrombie – Three Guitars (2003/2005) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Larry Coryell, Badi Assad, John Abercrombie – Three Guitars (2003/2005)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 57:37 minutes | 1,18 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Chesky Records

What happens when you combine three guitar masters – each with a lifetime of impressive musical experiences, and have them play together for the first time in the wonderful acoustic setting of New York’s St. Peter’s Church? You have the ideal set of ingredients for an eclectic and original masterpiece. With our signature high-resolution recording process, Chesky Records captured with amazing sonic clarity this historic combination of three original styles and creative personalities to bring you one unforgettable experience.

It’s rare for three guitarists of this caliber to be assembled for a recording date. John Abercrombie claimed that he hadn’t touched his acoustic guitar for three years prior to receiving an invitation to make this recording, though he was obviously ready when the tape rolled. Larry Coryell has made a number of acoustic recordings prior to this disc. Badi Assad’s three previous CDs for Chesky have all merited high praise.

Assad contributed five compositions to the session, though the stunning opener, “Seu Jorge e Dona Ica,” is hard to beat. She initially accompanies her fellow guitarists on a percussive instrument called a kalimba, which sounds like it originates from Africa. This six-minute work has several distinctive sections, including a bit of her mouth percussion. Her “After the Rain” showcases the intricate interplay between the three guitarists. The moody, march-like “Metamorphosis” also proves compelling, while her switch to copper flute with an interspersing vocal transforms the piece into borderline avant-garde.

Assad’s body percussion introduces Abercrombie’s challenging “Descending Grace,” a piece full of surprising twists. His “Ralph’s Piano Waltz” is every bit as difficult, but the players seem to tackle it effortlessly.

Coryell also brought several of his pieces to the sessions. “New Lute Prelude” was inspired by the late Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida, it serves as a brief introduction to the much more laid-back “New Lute Interlude.” He also composed two duets to play with Assad. The wild “No Flight Tonight” features her vocals and incredible mouth and body percussion as the sole accompaniment for Coryell. They also walk a musical tightrope together in his “Exercise in Fourths” without any slips. Highly recommended.

Tracklist:
1. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Seu Jorge E Dona Ica (05:59)
2. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – New Lute Prelude (01:34)
3. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – New Lute Interlude (03:13)
4. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Soundtrack (04:16)
5. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – After the Rain (04:55)
6. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Descending Grace (05:28)
7. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Metamorphosis (04:03)
8. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – No Flight Tonight (04:23)
9. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Ralph’s Piano Waltz (05:09)
10. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Suspended Circles (05:24)
11. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Exercise in Fourths (02:33)
12. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Autumn Breeze (03:29)
13. Larry Coryell, Badi Assad NNN John Abercrombie – Timeless (07:04)

Personnel:
John Abercrombie – Guitar
Badi Assad – Gutiar, vocals, flute, kalimba, mouth percussion, percussion
Larry Coryell – Guitar

Production:
Produced by Larry Coryell and David Chesky
Recorded by Rick Eckerle and Barry Wolifson
Edited and mastered by Nicholas Prout

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