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The Real McCoy

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Real McCoy came about at a difficult time for pianist McCoy Tyner. Two years earlier he had left John Coltrane's quartet, and he even considered saying goodbye to jazz and becoming a taxi driver. On 21 April 1967 he recorded this album, his seventh and his first for the Blue Note label. With him played tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Elvin Jones, who had also played with Coltrane. Producer Alfred Lion spoke of a pure jazz session.

The pianist chose the modal, rhythmically complex direction that the Coltrane quartet had taken before 1965. Passion Dance recalls a trance-like dance, and Contemplation sounds like a man alone, reflecting on religion and on life. Blues on the Corner is a cheerful portrait of his youth in Philadelphia. One reviewer sees the album as proof that he was more than Coltrane's man.

Listening

Listening tip. In Passion Dance, listen to the trance-like rhythm with which the record opens and notice how the band sustains that feeling from beginning to end.

Track list

  1. 1Passion Dance8:45Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Contemplation9:16Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Four By Five6:40Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Search for Peace6:36Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Blues On the Corner6:03Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs