What makes The Real Great Escape by Larry Coryell notable?

This album is significant for its role in the development of jazz fusion during the early 1970s, a period marked by experimentation and genre-blending. It received positive critical reception, with particular praise for Coryell's guitar prowess and compositional skills, helping solidify his status as a leading figure in the jazz-rock movement. Released in 1973, The Real Great Escape was Larry Coryell's third studio album, following his influential work on the jazz-rock scene. At this point in his career, he was gaining recognition for his innovative guitar techniques, blending various genres and appealing to both jazz and rock audiences.

Who is The Real Great Escape for?

The Real Great Escape works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, intricate guitar work appreciation and soulful melodies for reflection.

How many songs are on The Real Great Escape?

The Real Great Escape has 7 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

The Real Great Escape

Larry Coryell · 1973

35 min · 7 tracks · blues

A fusion of jazz, blues, and rock that showcases Coryell's virtuosic guitar work and intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Real Great Escape — The title track exemplifies Coryell's unique blend of intricate guitar solos and complex harmonic structures, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Makes Me Wanna Shout — This track stands out with its energetic groove and catchy melody, showcasing Coryell's ability to infuse traditional blues elements into a modern context.
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Love Life's Offering — Displaying lyrical depth alongside melodic sophistication, this song highlights Coryell's talent not just as a musician but also as a songwriter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Coryell's intricate guitar work and varied tempos create a compelling blend of jazz and blues that stands out in its era.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections where Coryell's guitar solos dominate, often accompanied by complex rhythmic patterns from the drums and bass.
Tracks vary in tempo and mood, with some maintaining a steady groove while others shift dramatically, such as the transition from 'Love Life's Offering' to 'Makes Me Wanna Shout'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

wave-like pacing with resolution
intricate guitar work appreciation
soulful melodies for reflection
engaging journey through tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1973, The Real Great Escape was Larry Coryell's third studio album, following his influential work on the jazz-rock scene. At this point in his career, he was gaining recognition for his innovative guitar techniques, blending various genres and appealing to both jazz and rock audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Al Di Meola