Quartets 4 X 4: An Eclectic Fusion of Jazz Mastery
McCoy Tyner’s album Quartets 4 X 4, released in 1980, is a brilliant showcase of contemporary jazz, bringing together some of the most talented musicians in the genre. The album, recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, features a collection of tracks that explore diverse musical landscapes.
- “Inner Glimpse” – 6:18
- “Manhã de Carnaval” (Luiz Bonfá, Antônio Maria) – 5:19
- “Paradox” (Cecil McBee) – 6:51
- “Backward Glance” (John Abercrombie) – 9:11
- “Forbidden Land” – 10:39
- “Pannonica” (Thelonious Monk) – 5:57
- “I Wanna Stand over There” (Bobby Hutcherson) – 5:19
- “The Seeker” – 7:38
- “Blues in the Minor” – 8:05
- “Stay as Sweet as You Are” (Harry Revel, Mack Gordon) – 4:36
- “It’s You or No One” (Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn) – 6:27
Tracklist:
Personnel:
- McCoy Tyner – piano
- Cecil McBee – bass
- Al Foster – drums
- Freddie Hubbard – trumpet on “Inner Glimpse” and “Paradox” and flugelhorn on “Manhã de Carnaval”
- John Abercrombie – electric mandolin (tracks 4–5)
- Bobby Hutcherson – vibraphone (tracks 6–8)
- Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone (tracks 9–11)
Recording Location: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Release Date: 1980
Tyner’s composition and arrangement skills shine as he deftly maneuvers between different styles and moods. From the intricate interplay of “Inner Glimpse” to the haunting reinterpretation of “Pannonica,” each track offers a unique listening experience. The album’s diverse lineup allows for a dynamic range of textures and interactions, making Quartets 4 X 4 a must-listen for any jazz aficionado.
The album’s standout tracks include “Manhã de Carnaval,” which captures a poignant, reflective mood, and “Forbidden Land,” a sprawling, ten-minute piece that highlights the musicians’ improvisational prowess. Overall, Quartets 4 X 4 is a testament to Tyner’s visionary approach to jazz composition and his ability to bring together exceptional talent to create a cohesive and compelling work.
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