This mid-'80s concert is unusual in that it mixes five guitarists from diverse backgrounds onto the same stage. Tal Farlow, a bop master is the senior player, with post-bopper John Abercrombie, Larry Carlton (fusion), plus Larry Coryell and John Scofield (who straddle both post-bop and fusion), bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Billy Hart. Although such a collection of musicians has the potential to cause a train wreck, the musicians share the spotlight generously, complementing one another's solos brilliantly throughout a set mixing standards and classic jazz compositions plus a bossa nova. Best are the extended workouts of "Autumn Leaves" and "All Blues." The major bones to pick with this release include its unimaginative packaging and the lack of liner notes, as only seasoned jazz listeners will be able to identify each guitarist in turn. Simultaneously released on LP, CD, cassette, VHS, and 12" laser disc, this release was only available for a relatively short time before being dropped from the Verve catalog. (by Ken Dryden)
Recorded live at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles
Personnel:John Abercrombie (guitar)
Larry Carlton (guitar)
Larry Coryell (guitar)
Tal Farlow (guitar)
Billy Hart (drums)
John Patitucci (bass)
John Scofield (guitar)
Tracklist:
01. Intro - Misty (Burke/Garner) 6.46
02. Meditation (Jobim) 8.30
03. Autumn Leaves (Kosma/Mercer/Prévert) 14.31
04. My Romance (Hart Rodgers) 6.30
05. All Blues (Davis) 19.20
ARMU 2286 (zippyshare)