Jazz Guitarist Larry Coryell, A Seattle Native, Dies At 73

SEATTLE, WA - Larry Coryell, a pioneering jazz musician and Seattle native, died in New York City on Sunday night at the age of 73, according to his publicist.

Coryell died in his sleep in a hotel room of natural causes. He played his two shows over the weekend at the Iridium Jazz Club.

Coryell was born in Texas, but grew up in the Seattle area. His mother taught him how to play piano beginning at age 4, but he later switched to electric guitar. He played in a number of Pacific Northwest garage rock bands in the early 1960s including The Checkers, The Rumblers, and later his Larry Coryell Trio. He studied journalism at the University of Washington, figuring that his guitar playing wouldn't get him far in life.

After moving to New York City in 1965, Coryell became a pioneer of the jazz fusion sound, which is a blend of the bebop sound of the 1950s and 60s and the rock, blues, and country guitar styles of players ranging from Carols Santana to Chet Atkins.

In 1969, Coryell released the album "Spaces," which included Miles Davis' guitarist, John McLaughlin. "Spaces" would be Coryell's most notable recording, but his career continued, and he collaborated with artists like Davis, Chet Baker, and Gary Burton.

Here's Coryell playing with Burton in 1971:

Image via Creative Commons