In 13th House, McCoy Tyner edged close to writing for a full-scale big band. With 14 pieces, including nine horns, at his command, Tyner made orchestral use of the chord voicings with which he influenced a generation of jazz players. In addition to his harmonies writ large and his stunning piano work, this album incorporates Tyner's love for percussion and rhythm. It has the combined forces of Airto Moreira and Dom Um Romão, giants of Brazilian music, plus the formidable drumming of Jack DeJohnette and the powerful bass of Ron Carter. To a considerable extent, 13th House amounts to a report on the state of jazz in the early 1980s, with its post-Coltrane modalities, huge energies, and searching soloists. Besides Tyner's, there are inspired solos from nearly every member of the band, including two who are often overlooked, trumpeter Charles Sullivan and saxophonist Joe Ford.

with Oscar Brashear, Kamau Muata Adilifu (aka Charles Sullivan), Slide Hampton, Hubert Laws, Frank Foster, Joe Ford, Ricky Ford, Greg Williams, Bob Stewart, Ron Carter Jack DeJohnette, Airto, Dom Um Romão