There are certain names that signify quality in a musical release, and there’s a bunch gathered right here: Backing former John Coltrane pianist McCoy Tyner, there’s bassist extraordinaire Ron Carter and drummer Jack DeJohnette, but along for the ride, and to make the title make sense, are guitarists Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Derek Trucks, John Scofield and banjo-god Bela Fleck. Each took a turn filling out a corner of a quartet with McCoy Tyner’s band (some get more time than others.) What makes this release even more rewarding than just the all-star cast is the inclusion of a DVD that features three hours of footage covering each of the guitarists from a variety of viewer-choosable angles, plus the ability to isolate any of the musicians to study them by themselves. For musicians and instrumental freaks, this is a very cool plus.
‘Half Notes’ are quick-take thoughts on music from Something Else!, presented whenever the mood strikes us.
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