This is the single-CD reissue of all of the music from a former two-LP set. Pianist
McCoy Tyner's 1974 quintet consisted of the talented youngster
Azar Lawrence on tenor and soprano, bassist
Joony Booth, drummer
Wilby Fletcher and percussionist
Guilherme Franco. As is accurately stated in the new liner notes by
Neil Tesser,
Atlantis was the final recording from
Tyner's last band to be based on the music of his former boss,
John Coltrane. While
Lawrence (who was only 20 at the time) derived his style partly from aspects of
Coltrane and the rhythm section is fiery,
Tyner creates some very powerful and highly original solos, really tearing into some of the more extended pieces. Recorded live at San Francisco's legendary Keystone Korner, this set has four of
Tyner's modal originals played by the full group, a rendition of "My One and Only Love" performed by the leader,
Lawrence and
Franco as a trio, and a solo piano version of "In a Sentimental Mood." Essential music that still sounds fresh and adventurous. ~ Scott Yanow