McCoy Tyner - Nights Of Ballads & Blues (1963/1997) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

On this fantastic audiophile recording, Tyner is accompanied by the formidable pair of drummer Lex Humphries and bassist Steve Davis as the trio performs an eclectic mix of standards and bebop classics. Infused with his unique touch and styling, Tyner reinvents classics such as Parker’s “Star Eyes”, and Ellington and Strayhorn’s “Satin Doll”. Also included is a chilling take on the classic “‘Round Midnight”. This intimate listen is essential for any jazz lover's library.

The jazz critic Harvey Pekar said in his August 29, 1963, review for Down Beat magazine, "Tyner's playing has many virtues, but one in particular is his tastefulness. There is nothing trivial about his music; he is, to quote an often used phrase, a 'musician's musician".

As the title implies, this McCoy Tyner release is a low-key, after-hours affair. Far removed from the intensity of work with then-boss John Coltrane, Tyner stretches out on a fine mix of standards and bebop classics. The pianist, of course, always had his own fleet and rich way with ballads, in spite of the galvanizing marathon solos he became known for on live dates and his later experimental recordings with Coltrane. His ballad style is even touched with a bit of sentimentality, which thankfully is kept in check by a bevy of tasteful lines. Backed by the topnotch rhythm tandem of bassist Steve Davis and drummer Lex Humphries, Tyner finds the room to develop classic statements on highlights like Monk's "'Round Midnight," Ellington and Strayhorn's "Satin Doll," and Parker's "Star Eyes." On more easeful tracks like "For Heaven's Sake," Tyner utilizes his block chord approach to meditative and romantic effect. Rounded out by solid blues sides like "Blue Monk" and Tyner's own "Groove Waltz," Nights of Ballads and Blues qualifies as one of the pianist's most enjoyable early discs.

Tracklist:

01 - Satin Doll
02 - We'll Be Together Again
03 - 'Round Midnight
04 - For Heaven's Sake
05 - Star Eyes
06 - Blue Monk
07 - Groove Waltz
08 - Days Of Wine And Roses

Produced by Bob Thiele. Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder.
Recorded on March 4, 1963 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Musicians:
McCoy Tyner - piano
Steve Davis - upright bass
Lex Humphries - drums


Thanks to the Original customer!