Along with Miles' "Blue In Green", Thelonius Sphere Monk's "'Round Midnight" is among my favorite jazz ballads. I've probably heard thirty or forty different readings of it through the years. Actually, Linda Ronstadt's version with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra is a favorite. Easy on the improv, but what a gorgeous arrangement, very dark and haunting. But then it's hard to go wrong with a melodic vehicle like that.

Today I heard a version on local jazz radio that I wasn't familiar with, and it featured some really cool guitar. Everything seemed to be there - artful dancing around the melody, beautiful chord subs, Wes - style octaves, rapid fire, yet musical single note passages. But the real kicker was at the end of the tune. Cascading fretted note/ harmonics passages that surpassed anything I had previously heard. I figured it was Lenny Breau. It was Larry Coryell. With all due respect to Mr. Atkins, Mr. Breau, and Mr. Johnson, it was the most astounding execution of that technique that I've heard, really mesmerizing. I have no idea when the recording was made, and maybe I should have another listen to be more objective, but it's clear to me that Larry is not resting on his laurels, unsung as they may be. Makes me want to see if I can dig up some old Eleventh House records.

Kudos to Larry Coryell for a beautiful interpretation of a timeless classic.