Guitarist Larry Coryell recorded several sessions for the Vanguard label during the '70s with varying results. He did manage two classics, Spaces, and this one, The Restful Mind. It is no small coincidence that the better the personnel he surrounded himself with, the better he played. On Spaces, the presence of John McLaughlin and Chick Corea raised his playing to another level. Here, with the backing of the group Oregon (with the exception of Paul McCandless), who were also signed to Vanguard at this time), bring out a more reflective and relaxed Coryell. His tendency to fall back on his chops was always a weak spot in his playing, but it is thankfully absent here. Both of the "Improvisation" pieces are highlights in Coryell's career, which along with the other beaufitul selections, make this one of his best, and certainly most overlooked, recordings. - Robert Taylor
Tracks
01. Improvisation On Robert De Visee's Menuet II
02. Ann Arbor
03. Pavane For A Dead Princess
04. Improvisation On Robert De Visee's Sarabande
05. Song For Jim Webb
06. Julie La Belle
07. The Restful Mind
LARRY CORYELL acoustic guitar, electric guitar
RALPH TOWNER guitar
GLEN MOORE acoustic bass
COLLIN WALCOTT tabla, congas
All titles by Larry Coryell except track 3 by Ravel, arranged by Larry Coryell
Recorded at Vanguard's 23rd Street Studio, New York City
Vanguard - VSD 79353