It is not an overstatement to say that modern jazz has been shaped by the music of McCoy Tyner. His blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music. His harmonic contributions and dramatic rhythmic devices form the vocabulary of a majority of jazz pianists. The Philadelphia-born pianist came to prominence with The John Coltrane Quartet and is one of the most influential pianists in jazz history. Jazz legend McCoy Tyner performs with his trio; Gerald Cannon and Eric Kamau Gravatt.

Tom Reney, host of Jazz a la Mode will give a pre-concert talk about McCoy Tyner's style, influence, and place in jazz history, with special emphasis on his work with The John Coltrane Quartet on Sunday, February 21 at 5pm at Castle Street Cafe. Tickets for the talk and dinner are $35. Call Castle Street Cafe for reservations at 413.528.5244.