Blog Post: Larry Coryell and Collaboration with Wes?

Blog Post: Larry Coryell and Collaboration with Wes?

Did Larry Coryell collaborate with Wes Montgomery? Coryell is often perceived more as a rock guitarist heavily influenced by Hendrix than a jazz guitarist. However, starting around 1965, he began collaborations with Chico Hamilton, Gary Burton, and even played backing for the unique Gabor Szabo. In the 1970s, he released albums with Herbie Mann that had a Memphis vibe and also notably collaborated with legends like Sonny Rollins and Kazumi Watanabe (a Japanese jazz guitarist). Yet, perhaps most memorable was his original Super Guitar Trio with Paco de Lucia and John McLaughlin.

Despite his extensive collaborations with various musicians, one unfulfilled dream remained: a session with Wes Montgomery, whom Coryell likely admired. By the time he realized it, Wes had already passed away. However, in 1993, Creed Taylor and Don Sebesky made this dream come true on the album “Fallen Angel.” This album featured Coryell overdubbing his play on Wes’s “Bumpin’ on Sunset.” This track, originally arranged by Claus Ogerman and featuring Sebesky’s distinct arrangement, showcases Coryell’s exquisite obbligato against Wes’s ad libs, prominently displaying his octave technique.

The sound integration, possibly using an acoustic guitar like the Ovation Adamas, blends seamlessly with Wes’s style, creating an impressive result that makes one wonder if it was from that era. This album significantly boosted Coryell’s recognition, influencing acoustic guitarists worldwide, including Kazumi Watanabe in Japan.