McCoy Tyner – Tender Moments: Tone Poet Series (180g Vinyl LP)

On his second Blue Note album Tender Moments, pianist and composer McCoy Tyner explored the colors and textures available in a nonet setting with some of the finest musicians of the time: Lee Morgan on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Bennie Maupin on tenor saxophone, James Spaulding on alto saxophone and flute, Bob Northern on French horn, Howard Johnson on tuba, Herbie Lewis on bass, and Joe Chambers on drums. “The main task at the outset was to pick out the right horns, instrumentation that would combine to produce the particular sounds I had in mind,” Tyner explained. “I believe the personnel I selected gave me plenty to work with, and a good range all the way from the flute down to tuba. Each note becomes very important in a group of this kind, but I think I showed you can get a big, full sound with six horns.” Highlights of the session include dedications to John Coltrane (“Mode to John”) and Thelonious Monk (“The High Priest”) as well as the stunning ballad “All My Yesterdays.”

Musicians:
McCoy Tyner, piano
Lee Morgan, trumpet
Bennie Maupin, tenor saxophone
James Spaulding, alto saxophone & flute
Herbie Lewis, bass
Joe Chambers, drums
Bob Northern, French Horn
Julian Priester, trombone
Howard Johnson, tuba

Features:
• Blue Note Tone Poet Series
• Curated by Music Matters co-founder Joe Harley
• Audiophile-quality 180g vinyl LP
• All-analog mastering (direct from the master tapes) by Kevin Gray
• Manufactured at Record Technology Incorporated
• Deluxe gatefold jacket packaging

1. Mode To John
2. Man from Tanganyika
3. The High Priest
4. Utopia
5. All My Yesterdays
6. Lee Plus Three