This recording from January 24, 2017 would be important anyway, as it is the last recording done by guitar legend Larry Coryell before he went to eternal life just a few weeks later on February 19. The fact that it is so gorgeous, reflective and that it captures him in almost a summary of his career makes the album even more rewarding.
Coryell teams up in a duet form (mostly) with fellow six string legend Philip Catherine for a collection of gorgeous musical conversations of originals and standards, with a few guests sitting in at times. The two gents sound relaxed and inspired on the delicate and sophisticated “Miss Julie” with clear pickings and taking of turns on “Homecomings”. The two are dainty and ebullient on their read of “Manha de Carnaval” and show their blues hues on the fun and bouncy “Jemin-Eye-n”. Pianist Jan Lundgren joins in for a romantic teaming with Catherine on “Embraceable You” while bassist lars Danielson bend and snap like Reese Witherspoon on the hip take of “Bags’ Groove”. Trumpeter Paolo Fresu joins in a last jam with the entire cast for a swinging take of “Green Dolphin Street”, with the entire evening seeming so casual, calm, happy; the music pours out of the guitarist’s fingers like ideas from a Mensa member. Coryell, like the best, went out swinging for the fences.