New High (2000)

About this title: A better-than-average standards date, Larry Coryell's New High finds the guitarist in a supportive small-combo setting, playing a solid mix of some well-chosen standards and a fine pair of originals. The album starts off strong with new versions of Milt Jackson's "Bags' Groove" (starring Mark Sherman on vibes) and John Coltrane's "Like Sonny" that refrain from merely aping the originals, but use the well-known tunes as the springboard for a variety of restrained but never overly tasteful solos. Coryell's young sidemen could stand to be a bit more assertive, particularly drummer Yoron Israel, ... read more

Tracks:

1. Bags' Groove [Jackson]
2. Like Sonny [Coltrane]
3. Funereal [Coryell]
4. Ursula [Land]
5. John Charles [Mathews]
6. Spiral Staircase [Sherman]
7. Old Folks [Robison/Hill]
8. New High [Coryell]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.