Larry Coryell and Emily Remler - 'Together'

 

'Together' was recorded in August 1985 at Coast Recorders, San Francisco, and released in October 1985 on the Concord Jazz label.

This album is an outstanding duo performance by two jazz guitar masters, it has a warm, approachable and engaging nature, featuring both electric and acoustic, straight-ahead post-bop jazz, including bossa nova and swing tunes. 

Emily and Larry collaborate exceptionally well, seamlessly picking up where the other leaves off.  There is a lot of Wes Montgomery and Al Martino influence on both players, so it can be difficult to distinguish between their individual contributions as they create a unified sound together.

What makes this recording special is Emily Remler.  Her smoldering bebop lines and quiet comping are a welcome contrast to Larry Coryell's often frenetic playing, and I think she actually brings him down to earth more than once on this recording.  To my ears, the highlight of this recording is Emily's advanced interpretation of Antônio Carlos Jobim's "How Insensitive", which is completely original in concept from start to finish.  It serves as a reminder of what was lost with Emily's untimely death (at the age of 32) in 1990, from a longstanding opioid use disorder.

The song choices here are interesting and the interpretations lead to solid improvisation from start to finish:
1. Arubian Nights
2. Joy Spring
3. III Wind
4. How My Heart Sings
5. Six Beats, Six Strings
6. Gerri's Blues
7. How Insensitive

Larry Coryell plays a Gibson Super 400 electric (circa 1967) and an Ovation Adamas acoustic guitar. 

Emily Remler plays a Borys electric and an Ovation Adamas acoustic guitar. 

The album is widely considered a "must-hear" for fans of jazz guitar, offering a rare glimpse into the unfortunately short, collaborative energy of these two masters.

For the freeload, what have you been listening to lately?