Today and Tomorrow

by Scott YanowThe great pianist McCoy Tyner teams up with trumpeter Thad Jones, altoist Frank Strozier, tenor-saxophonist John Gilmore (on vacation from Sun Ra), bassist Butch Warren and drummer Elvin Jones on the first three selections of this reissue CD; it is a pity that the potentially exciting group did not have more of an opportunity to play together for these three numbers are excellent. For the remainder of the set (three numbers from the original Lp plus three others taken from samplers), Tyner is showcased in a trio primarily on standards with bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. Virtually all of McCoy Tyner's recordings are easily recommended and this CD has more variety than most of his Impulses.