Land of Giants

1	Serra Do Mar 6:34
2	December 4:47
3	Steppin' 4:48
4	If I Were a Bell 7:50
5	Manalyuca 7:20
6	Back Bay Blues 6:11
7	For All We Know 4:33
8	The Search 5:47
9	Comtemplation 6:13
10	In a Mellow Tone 6:17

Barnes & Noble

With a title like Land of the Giants, an album had better deliver the goods. Driven by two great innovators, though -- the pianist McCoy Tyner and the vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson -- how could it not? Occasional collaborators since the mid-'60s, Tyner and Hutcherson have a special rapport; uniting with the killer rhythm section of bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Eric Harland only kicks up the intensity quotient that much more. Forty years after Tyner and Hutcherson made their initial impact as players, both men are still at the top of their game, responsive, lyrical, and focused. Working through a program that fluctuates between well-worn but still-fruitful standards and crafted originals, Tyner and company exhibit both improvisational ingenuity and a joyful display of world-class chops. Comfort and competitiveness exist side-by-side here, and everyone involved benefits from the edge that’s produced. Now both into their 60s, Tyner and Hutcherson find themselves in a new autumn of creativity; long may they continue meeting to make first-class jazz. Steve Futterman

All Music Guide

Recorded on the heels of a spectacular live date at London's Barbican Hall on July 6, 2002, Land of Giants features an all-star quartet led by '60s icon pianist McCoy Tyner. Showcasing a solid mix of Tyner originals and jazz standards, the group also includes vibist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Eric Harland. While the work here is by no means as provocative as the stuff Hutcherson and Tyner produced in their heydays, it nonetheless proves them to be utter masters of the straight-ahead modern jazz idiom and should appeal to longtime fans. Matt Collar

jazzreview.com

Land of Giants stands out as a major accomplishment with Bobby Hutcherson again proving the perfect foil.