The Lift (Wide Hive Records, 2013)
Electric guitar virtuoso Larry Coryell has been crossing musical boundaries for years. His 2013 release, the Lift takes him to his musical roots, with the basic format of a power rock trio. The Lift is essentially a series of knockout blues and rock jams with a jazz foundation, with outstanding guitar solos and improvisations.
Larry Coryell (guitars) is joined by three skilled musicians: Matt Montgomery on bass, Lumpy on drums and Chester Thompson on organ. The guitar solos and improvisations are outstanding.
Highlights include the blues-oriented ‘Arena blues’, the jazzier title track ‘The Lift’ that presents fabulous solo and rhythm guitar and engaging interactions with the organ, the dazzling acoustic guitar piece ‘Clear Skies’, the absorbing jazz-rock cut ‘Alternative Recollection,’ the bluesy slow tempo ‘Counterweight’ and the final track, a delightful acoustic piece titled ‘First Day of Autumn.’
The Lift is a splendid jazz-rock guitar album by one of the finest players in the United States, Larry Coryell.
Buy The Lift