Larry Coryell at Jazz Showcase in Chicago

I remember him from the 70's as a typical melodically challenged fusion show off with no real musical ideas. If he has grown into an actual musician I applaud him. Maybe he got off coke.

Blackstonejd,
I saw him at the Dakotah in Minneapolis earlier this year, he put on a very enjoyable show.
Also caught Pat Martino and John McLaughlin shows there. Must have been guitar year! All three shows were definitely worth hearing.
BTW: I thought the Coryell backup group was astounding!

I saw him at the Dakota in Minneapolis a couple of years ago, accompanied by one of my favorite fusion drummers, Lenny White. Compared to an appearance there a few years before that, there was more of a connection with the audience and heart-felt, patient/thoughtful playing that came through. I suspect, as Chashmal said, he may have been dealt with some demons of his own.

I saw him a few years back at the Detroit Jazz fest with a bass player and drummer from Pat Metheny's band. They were excellent. As tight as I have ever heard. They had us rocking with an infectious rythm that kept progressing to cresendos, much like Metheny in concert.

Afterwards they talked to the audience. One guy reached out to shake Larry's hand and he went to hand him his guitar! Talk about friendly!