What started as a project to reunite
Coryell with
Billy Cobham on drums in order to take a second look at the sound and style of the
Coryell's Spaces ended up creating a whole new chapter instead. With
Richard Bona on bass and
Bireli Lagrene on guitar, these nine songs capture the spirit of that 30-year-old session with new, adventuresome playing and vigor.
Coryell takes great pride in the spontaneity of this project -- one day rehearsal, two days recording -- and well he should, since it contains musicians interacting with each other in a loose yet totally on-top-of-their-game manner.
Bireli shines on the 9/8 section
"Variations on Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," while
Bona solos beautifully on "Blues for Django and Stephane." Yet it's ultimately
Coryell's and
Cobham's show, and their playing throughout is sublime with the on-the-spot recording of "Hong Kong Breeze" -- an off the cuff head arrangement done in one take -- showcasing their two players/one mind interplay. Maybe you can't go home again, but this album clearly proves you can always take your luggage with you and build a whole new house. ~ Cub Koda
