"Larry Coryell, fusion pioneer and seasoned musical traveller between the worlds of rock, jazz, classical and Brazilian rhythms provided the innovative driving lines that reach rierce but lyrical climaxes . . . . Coryell offered up fat clear tones mindful of Wes Montgomery and Barney Kessel, as well as dazzling technique, crafty use of space and complex chord structures. The effect is almost orchestral in weight . . . Coryell generates a great deal of heat in his playing, an intensity matched by his obvious physical involvement with his music. . . . He's really at the top of the league in this crowded musical arena." – Toronto Star
Larry Coryell was born in Galveston, Texas, to parents who both played the piano. Consequently and fortunately, this began his interest as a musician, playing piano at the age of four and switching to ukelele at twelve. The inspiration of Barney Kessel and Wes Montgomery naturally led him to the electric guitar. By fifteen, he was playing rock and roll. In his twenties, Larry moved to New York and entered the jazz-rock fusion movement. He formed his first group called Foreplay with Steve Marcus and Mike Mandel, and then The Eleventh House.
Over the years, Larry has collaborated with Chico Hamilton, Gary Burton, John McLaughlin, Miroslav Vitous, Chick Corea, Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins and Charles Mingus -- to name a few. Larry's musical expression ranges from avant-garde jazz to the adaptation of Stravinsky compositions for ballet. His concerts and workshops have taken him around the world. He is the consummate performer, teacher and musician. Larry Coryell exemplifies the declaration and odyssey of music at its best.
This three-part DVD series presents an intense and challenging study of jazz guitar ideas.
Volume Three:
• Sweep-picking, back-picking, playing triplets with pick and fingers, and how you can apply these techniques
• Rhythm guitar playing, ie. with plectrum; Brazilian-oriented fingerstyle techniques
• Chords and bass lines in four-beat jazz using just the fingers
• Comping on John Coltrane's "Giant Steps"
• How to solo over "Giant Steps" using harmonic "shortcuts" and unorthodox chord changes
• Reharmonization of both the melody and so-called "blowing" changes when they differ from the melody changes
• Complete transcription of both melody and reharmonized "blowing" changes for Charles Mingus's "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," plus tips on improvising ideas
• Defining characteristics of advanced improvisation
83 minutes • Level 3/4 • Detailed tab/music PDF file on the DVD