Spaces by Lary Coryell (Vanguard)

Reviewed by Phillip Hay

'Spaces' is an album featuring some of the more celebrated jazz-rock musicians at the present time: Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin on guitar, Chich Corea on electric piano, Miroslav Vitous, bass, and 'Dreams' founder, Billy Cobham, drums.

These people are richly steeped in the jazz-rock culture, and with a deep understanding among themselves have produced an instrumental music that defies categorization; it is textured, flowing, perhaps classical in approach, these are mere labels. The record is superbly improvised with long, fluid contributions from all concerned.

McLaughlin's playing is deliberate and at times technical; he shares an acoustic solo with Coryell on 'Rene's Theme', a fast, interweaving track, and on 'Wrong is Right", a fine electric duel between the two. I had expected to see McLaughlin more to the fore but he appears content to partner Coryell in forming directions rather than making any personal efforts to do so.

Coryell is a spirited guitarist, rushing into pieces with zest, though showing that he and McLaughlin share an understanding that allows them to play amazing tracks such as 'Rene's Theme' and 'New Year's Day in Los Angeles' with superb interplay.

Chich Corea stars on 'Chris' giving a fine solo on electric piano, putting his usual nature on display.

Miroslav Vitous and Billy Cobham, both 'Dreams' members, play together in a detente that inspires listening. Both improvise and deviate, with rich deep tones accelerating to a frenzied intensity, then falling like snowflakes, it assumes a cohesive and regular feel.

The record was suitably lauded by 'Rolling Stone' but in rather unrealistic terms. It is beautiful improvisations, marked with exceptional skill and feel.