Buddy Guy's Legends Bluesletter

Murali Coryell
Eyes Wide Open / Big Mo Records

Yes, Murali Coryell is the son of Larry Coryell the jazz/rock/fusion guitar maestro. Do not however, expect to be barraged by a bevy of guitar on the particular recording. while the music that the elder Coryell creates is generally a vehicle for this virtuoso guitar work, Murali's tends to focus more on his vocal ability (although he does play guitar with precision and passion). Being the son of Larry Coryell certainly has its benefits. As a child Murali was surrounded by some of the finest musicians in the world; from Miles Davis to Billy Cobham to the Breaker brothers. While he began playing drums as a youngster, Murali took up studying guitar seriously at about 17. Seven years later, having already played professionally with this father and Richie Havens, Duke Robillard hired Murali as his rhythm guitarist for a world tour. It was his exposure playing with Duke in D.C. that ultimately led to Murali's debut album Eyes Wide Open on Big Mo Records.

It's real simple, the kid (he's only 25) sings like Sam Cooke. Additionally, he has the ability to write songs that showcase his powerful voice. Eight of the ten songs on this album are originals, and Murali's guitar work carries on a family tradition of distinctly impressive and passionate playing. The record opens with title track - without a doubt the poppiest cut on the album. It's an original R&B tune and while I tend to keep pop oriented music at arms length, in this case, the song works. This is due to the fact that Murali's voice is hard to resist. His guitar work is solid, but it's not particularly telling on this track. The rest of the album is a blend of rock, blues, funk and R&B (of a less pop oriented nature). "That Makes Me Happy" is reminiscent of the Otis Redding classic "I've Been Loving You Too Long." It's basically a stripped down ballad, nothing too fancy, but solid. "Hold Me", another ballad, this time about love lost, has a gospel edge to it with the organ carrying the tune to a crescendo of Murali's wailing voice. "Too Many Women" is a blues tune that features some fine piano from Jeremy Baum and a tasty guitar solo from Murali. It also includes some of the busiest studio cats around, The Uptown Horns. Let's not forget, Murali can play some guitar, too. He kills on the funky rock/blues tune "The Ice Cream Song" playing fast and furious ala Buddy Guy. "Everything I Got" is more of a straight ahead funk tune that showcases Murali's rhythm playing while the final tune on the record "Softly Let Me Kiss Your Lips" is the guitar track on the disc. Murali lets it all hang out on this 9 minute plus slow blues. His soloing echoes Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and even George Benson as he simultaneously sings the notes that spew from his guitar.

Interestingly enough, there are no special guests on this album which surely was an option given Murali's background. In a day and age when record companies are always looking for star power to increase sales for a relatively unknown artist, I think it was wise to leave this one alone. Maybe they realized that Murali has the talent to stand on his own. Either way, cool record.

Eric Maxen