Really, all I have to say is the word McCoy and you can already imagine what is coming next. Talk about the place to be. I was so excited because this was my first time at the world famous Yoshi’s. Generally, most players who shoot through Yoshi’s on a west coast tour usually make their stop in Los Angeles as well. This is also true with McCoy. He will be in Los Angeles this week with Bobby Hutcherson.

I saw Bobby at the gig. He was leaving the first set and on his way to dinner. That brotha is one of the greatest guys in the business. A master talent and full of love. One of the nicest guys you ever want to meet!

I took a peek at the room and it was beautiful. The room and the stage filled with vibrant colors and the walls graced with classic photos of today’s and yesterday’s masters.

I was one of the first in the room and it filled quickly to a sold out crowd. It was nice to look around the room and check out all of the real supporters of straight ahead jazz. After ordering my sushi, it was time for the magic to begin,

The band was introduced one by one and first on stage was my man Eric Harland, drummer extraordinaire. Followed by Charnett Moffett on Bass, Ravi Coltrane on Soprano and Tenor, Pharoah Sanders on Tenor and last the legend, McCoy Tyner. Three direct descendants of Trane with backup from a super strong rhythm section, the fans at Yoshi’s were in for straight ahead jazz it its finest.

The first tune was one written by Trane call “The Promise”. As soon as McCoy touched the keys you knew that you were in for a nice ride. The clarity of the sound really came alive when Charnett started playing with such ease and precision. Pharoah joined in on Tenor playing with passionate raw sounds running the gamut from honk and squeals of screams of creative wonder. Ravi, waiting patiently, steps in switching the sound from one tight pocket to another with Soprano.

“Search for Peace” was the second tune. If you haven’t heard this tune with Flora Purim, you are missing out on a beautiful rendition. Ravi sang it very nicely on Tenor with a marvelous phat sound. McCoy owns the ivory with classic strides, precious chords, runs and comping as only a master can do.

“Trane Like” was awesome but, “African Village was my favorite piece! This is a tune that I started out my radio show with on many a night. I was listening to this piece on the way up to Oakland so I was already honed in to the sound.

I love to watch Charnett slap, pick, pluck and play with perfection. He plays his bass and it sounds like a guitar traveling from Africa to India to Hendricks! He and Eric had a language all of their own in a conversation of percussive sound.  Eric was all over those symbols. He is the one who must have brought the rain to the Bay because his sound was a direct connection to the motherland. E was playing and sounding like two drummers. He was a one man tribe marching and calling on the gods blessing us with musical food for the soul. He is the African Village!

This was a great night of music. The rhythm section was a tsunami and Pharoah and Ravi were riding, soaring, and diving in creative beauty. McCoy was like the sun glistening on the water.

Don’t miss McCoy and Bobby in Los Angeles at Catalina Jazz Club. I will see you there!

Peace

LD 

P.S. Sorry, no photography in Yoshi's