by Vince Lewis.

Autobiographies can be written in several different ways. Some are sterile and simply factual in their presentation, while others tend to be self-serving and overblown merely for sensationalism. In Improvising - My Life in Music, Larry Coryell tells the story of his life in music in a calm and measured fashion. The reader immediately forms a bond with the honest and open narrator, making this a truly wonderful adventure to be shared with the author from start to finish.

Coryell takes us from his childhood to the present. His early experiences in music are similar to that of many players. He began with small local bands, performing popular cover tunes of the day. The turning point was when he had the courage to break out of a small town in the State of Washington and go to New York to hone his craft.

The jazz scene in New York City in the mid-‘60s was incredible with the chance to meet and play with legendary figures such as Gabor Szabo, Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. Regular figures in the local nightspots included luminaries such as Charles Mingus, Kenny Burrell, Gerry Mulligan, and Art Blakey. Coryell was also able to spend some time with Jimi Hendrix.

After beginning as mainly a swing musician, Coryell started exploring more of a mix of styles. His love for musical adventure took him into new areas and techniques. His penchant for odd meter signatures and outside harmonic explorations gave him a unique voice that stood out from the norm. As a result, his music remained true to his personality and his voice was distinctly his own.

Coryell is candid about all aspects of his life, and pulls no punches. He takes his audience through both struggles and successes with equal honesty. The maturation process that he experienced both as a person and a musician is one to be admired.

Improvising also includes a section of selected columns that Coryell authored for Guitar Player magazine from 1977-1989 and a CD with audio lessons specially created for this book.

Larry Coryell has enjoyed a professional life that most aspiring jazz musicians will never achieve. His honest sharing of it is a pleasure to read. His humility is just as much a testament to his persona as is his music. This is a truly absorbing, highly recommended commentary on the jazz scene.

Improvising - My Life In Music
by Larry Coryell
Backbeat Books
ISBN-10: 0-87930-826-5
19 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
www.backbeatbooks.com