LARRY CORYELL — Barefoot Boy (1971-2000) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Produced by Bob Thiele and recorded at Electric Lady studios with engineer Eddie Kramer, Barefoot Boy is one of Larry Coryell's finest recordings as a leader. "Gypsy Queen" was recorded prior to bassist Mervin Bronson's arrival at the studio, and features the percussion section locking into a groove over which Coryell lays down a riff and Steve Marcus cuts loose with a fiery soprano sax solo. When it's his turn to solo on this opening number, Coryell turns up the heat, sounding like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Sonny Sharrock. (Coryell played with Sharrock on Herbie Mann's Memphis Underground.) "The Great Escape" finds Coryell cooking over a bass and percussion groove, with Marcus on tenor sax. "Call to the Higher Consciousness" is a side-long 20-minute jam in which all the players take a ride, with Marcus once again cooking on the soprano sax. Roy Haynes is superb throughout, working in tandem with the percussionists to keep the music moving. This recording is a noteworthy example of the possibilities inherent in the early days of fusion, blending the electrifying energy of rock with the improvisational excitement of jazz.  Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1    Gypsy Queen 11:50
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Gabor Szabo
2    The Great Escape 8:39
Bass – Mervin Bronson
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Coryell
3    Call To The Higher Consciousness 20:00
Bass – Mervin Bronson
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Piano – Mike Mandel
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Coryell