McCoy Tyner

The Profile

American jazz pianist and composer. A cornerstone of the John Coltrane Quartet in the early 1960s, he became one of the most influential modern jazz pianists, defining a modal, percussive approach and leading classic albums such as The Real McCoy and Sahara.

Born 1938 and died 2020; key pianist of the John Coltrane Quartet (1960–1965), appearing on landmark recordings including A Love Supreme; acclaimed leader on albums like The Real McCoy (1967) and Sahara (1972); renowned for a powerful, percussive left hand and modal harmonies.

Five glowing reviews celebrate McCoy Tyner’s torrential, percussive left hand and modal language, from the milestone Sahara to The Real McCoy and Fly With the Wind. The pieces highlight African/Asian inflections, spiritual depth, and ferocious swing, as well as intimate solo homage on Echoes of a Friend. His role in the John Coltrane Quartet is repeatedly underlined. Overall verdict: essential albums, essential artist.