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Pianist McCoy Tyner is best known for being a member of the John Coltrane Quartet beginning in 1960. During those years, Tyner re-invented the piano as a highly percussive, stirring instrument that churned the waters for Coltrane's abstraction and spiritual solos. For some strange reason, in late 1962 and the first half of 1963, Tyner was commissioned by producer Bob Thiele to record more straightforward jazz albums as a leader. These albums included Reaching Fourth, Today and Tomorrow and McCoy Tyner Plays Duke Ellington. But the finest of these after-midnight piano recordings was Nights of Ballads and Blues.
Perhaps Thiele overheard Tyner playing standards one night in the studio and decided to record him. Or perhaps he felt that Impulse would be best served if Tyner could play two roles for the label—agent provocateur for Coltrane and elegant leader for the older, more relaxed set. Recorded in March 1963, Nights of Ballads and Blues featured Tyner with bassist Steve Davis and drummer Lex Humphries. They were perfectly matched.
Tyner's playing is exceptional on all of the tracks: Satin Doll, We'll Be Together Again, 'Round Midnight, For Heaven's Sake, Star Eyes, Blue Monk, Groove Waltz and Days of Wine and Roses. On the album, he exhibits a reserved elegance and tenderness that reveals the other side of his personality—a lover of melody and standards. In this regard, there are traces of
Perhaps Thiele overheard Tyner playing standards one night in the studio and decided to record him. Or perhaps he felt that Impulse would be best served if Tyner could play two roles for the label—agent provocateur for Coltrane and elegant leader for the older, more relaxed set. Recorded in March 1963, Nights of Ballads and Blues featured Tyner with bassist Steve Davis and drummer Lex Humphries. They were perfectly matched.
Tyner's playing is exceptional on all of the tracks: Satin Doll, We'll Be Together Again, 'Round Midnight, For Heaven's Sake, Star Eyes, Blue Monk, Groove Waltz and Days of Wine and Roses. On the album, he exhibits a reserved elegance and tenderness that reveals the other side of his personality—a lover of melody and standards. In this regard, there are traces of
Oscar Peterson
piano1925 - 2007
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