McCoy Tyner – Fly With The Wind

Orrin’s commentary (from his new liner notes): “Although I had been very much impressed by his work with [John Coltrane], listening to [McCoy Tyner] in New York clubs in the years that followed made me aware of how remarkably he was developing. He was, and still remains, one of the most powerful pianists I have ever heard; many years ago having learned to merge that strength with a very personal form of lyricism-an unusual, unique combination. To me, it is this linking of power and beauty-in both the writing and the playing here-that distinguishes Fly With the Wind and makes it possibly my personal favorite among the 17 albums that I worked on with this extraordinary artist during our eight years together at Milestone.”

Personnel: McCoy Tyner on piano and various others, including flutist Hubert Laws, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Billy Cobham

Key songs: “Fly With the Wind, “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” plus 2 bonus tracks

Orrin on The Keepnews Collection:

This is a series of reissues that can be described as largely centered on my incredibly long (even to me) career as a jazz producer, contributing to the careers of some of the most significant jazz performers of our day. The series follows a specific set of ground rules. In each case the original product is preserved-cover art, the notes, and the entire initial recorded content, in the exact original sequence-and it is now presented with the sonic benefits of 24-bit remastering from the original master tapes. Alternate takes or originally unissued numbers, when available, appear as bonus tracks. In some instances I’ve added to the total lineup a never-used version that may have been recorded forty or more years ago. When that occasionally allows you to hear for the first time a “new” performance by a long-departed artist, be aware that I join you in considering this a truly wonderful addition. Finally, I have written a complete set of new commentaries, digging back into my memories of those often very good old days to tell a few more stories about this remarkable music and its people. On the whole, I am unreasonably and unshakably proud of the results.