After completing his university studies Texan jazz guitarist Larry Coryell moved to New York and completed his formal musical education at the city's Mannes School of Music, a famous seat of education which can list numerous successful musicians and composers amongst its distinguished alumni. Coryell went on to play with drummer Chico Hamilton's quintet before starting his recording career with legendary vibe player Gary Burton.
This early exposure to outstanding musicianship was an important grounding in the world of top level modern jazz and ultimately led to Coryell playing with musicians of the calibre of Alphonse Mouson, Billy Cobham and Chic Corea. During the 1970s he formed The Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin and flamenco specialist Paco de Lucia. After a successful tour and widespread critical acclaim Coryell's struggle with drug addiction led to him being dismissed from the band. Coryell died in February 2017 and left behind an astonishingly diverse recording legacy; during his career he featured on almost 100 albums as a front man, numerous collaborative efforts and seven critically acclaimed albums recorded with his jazz fusion band The Eleventh House.
