Prelude and Sonata

by Ken Dryden McCoy Tyner's Prelude and Sonata adds a different twist from what one typically expects of the pianist; the seasoned veteran invited a trio of young lions (Joshua Redman, Antonio Hart, and Christian McBride) along with drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith to the date. The two showpieces are classical yet arranged in jazz settings. Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4" is set as a brisk bossa nova, with a wailing tenor sax solo by Redman which follows alto saxophonist Antonio Hart's laid-back effort. Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor" captures Hart in a more adventurous mood as Tyner interjects some lively changes behind him. Hart's mournful sax is a key ingredient within Henry Mancini's melancholy ballad "Loss of Love," as well as in Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." Tyner also has some fun with some old chestnuts like Charlie Chaplin's "Smile"; the pianist's lively re-harmonization and unusually brisk arrangement give it a new lease on life. He also brings out the rich textures within "Good Morning Heartache" in a superb trio chart. "Contemplation" is Tyner's only original of the date, but it has an infectious melancholy theme that inspires some of the best improvisations during the session. This release is definitely off the beaten path for McCoy Tyner, but it is well worth acquiring.