New York Reunion cover

New York Reunion

McCoy Tyner · 1991

74 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of post-bop jazz intertwining complex harmonies with soulful melodies and intricate improvisations.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Recorda Me (Remember Me) — This opening track sets the tone with its intricate piano work and melodic sensitivity, embodying Tyner's signature style while inviting listeners into a reflective space.
  • →
    What Is This Thing Called Love? — Tyner's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to blend traditional jazz standards with innovative harmonic explorations, making it a standout for its fresh perspective.
  • →
    Beautiful Love — With its lush chords and emotive phrasing, this track highlights Tyner’s lyrical touch on the piano, offering a poignant contrast to the more rhythmically intense pieces on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled improvisation, making it a solid entry in Tyner's discography.

What we noticed

  • Improvisation is a key element, with extended solos that allow the musicians to explore themes in depth, particularly evident in tracks like 'A Quick Sketch'.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create a more reflective atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to reflective conclusion
  • extended tracks for deep immersion
  • intimate moments of melodic beauty
  • thoughtful listening in quiet spaces

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, upbeat selections
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'New York Reunion' was released in 1991, McCoy Tyner had already established himself as a formidable force in jazz, notably as a key member of the John Coltrane Quartet. This album followed his acclaimed works throughout the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing his evolution as both a pianist and bandleader while also celebrating his roots in New York's vibrant jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Recorda Me (Remember Me) 9:48
  • 2 Miss Bea (Dedicated to Mother) 7:09
  • 3 What Is This Thing Called Love? 8:04
  • 4 My Romance 6:36
  • 5 Ask Me Now 12:11
  • 6 Beautiful Love 9:16
  • 7 A Quick Sketch 10:33
  • 8 Home 10:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata