McCoy Tyner Trio Live in Lugano

In 1985 McCoy Tyner was still committed to acoustic jazz, particularly in his favoured trio format. One of the most influential pianists of the 20th Century, he had earned his stripes alongside the great John Coltrane in his famed quartet, recording albums such as My Favorite Things and A Love Supreme. Once embarking on a solo career, he was on a mission to reconcile the music with his emotions, something he had lost in the mid-60s. Despite the advent of jazz fusion and electric jazz, Tyner felt most adventurous with the fundamental instruments and he formed the trio we see here, alongside Louis Hayes (drums) and Avery Sharpe (bass). 

Deploying his signature left hand for a bass attack, McCoy demonstrates the style that gave him renown. It is a playing approach characterised by rich melodic content and the bold chord voicing that influenced luminaries such as Chick Corea. His piano is omnipresent but it leaves enough space for his two cohorts to shine – notable moments include Sharpe's use of a bow on his double bass and a remarkable drum solo by Hayes.