The Eleventh House -

The Eleventh House was an American jazz-funk-rock supergroup led by guitarist Larry Coryell. They issued a self-titled album on Vanguard in 1974, followed by the 1975–1976 Arista albums Level One and Aspects. Noted participants included drummer Alphonse Mouzon, keyboardist Mike Mandel, and trumpeters Randy Brecker and Terumasa Hino.

Members: Larry Coryell (guitar), Randy Brecker (trumpet, 1973-74), Mike Mandel (keyboards), Danny Trifan (bass, 1973-74), Alphonse Mouzon (drums, 1973-75), Michael Lawrence (trumpet, 1974-76), John Lee (bass, 1974-76), Gerry Brown (drums, 1975-76), Terumasa Hino (trumpet, 1976)

The Eleventh House was formed in New York City in 1973 by jazz-rock guitarist Larry Coryell. Their first-recorded lineup featured trumpeter Randy Brecker, keyboardist Mike Mandel, bassist Danny Trifan, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon.

At the time of formation, Coryell had eight albums on assorted labels, starting with his 1969 self-titled release on Vanguard. He’d also played on albums by Chico Hamilton, Don Sebesky, Gary Burton, and Steve Marcus. His prior band, The Free Spirits, cut a pioneering jazz-rock crossover album in 1967. Recently, he partook in the Kraut-jazz ensemble Et Cetera.

Brecker, half of the famous Brecker Brothers duo, hailed from brass-rock initiators Blood Sweat & Tears, playing on their heralded 1968 debut Child Is Father to the Man. Along similar lines, he formed Dreams with brother Michael Brecker and drummer Billy Cobham. They released two albums in 1970/71: Dreams and Imagine My Surprise.

A well-established session player, Brecker played on more than 50 albums between 1966 and 1973, including titles by Air, Joe Beck, Horace Silver, Hal Galper, Leon Thomas, Lou Reed, The Free Design, The Escorts, and Todd Rundgren (A Wizzard, a True Star). His one prior solo release, Score (1969), features Coryell.

Mouzon was part of the jazz-funk supergroup Weather Report for their 1971 debut album. He’d also played on albums by Roy Ayers, Wayne Shorter, Eugene McDaniels, Bobbi Humphrey, Les McCann, Norman Connors, Doug Carn, and McCoy Tyner (Sahara). In 1973, he debuted as a solo artist with the Blue Note release The Essence of Mystery.

Mandell was a mainstay of Coryell’s backing band, having played on the guitarist’s 1969–73 titles Coryell, Barefoot Boy, Offering, and The Real Great Escape. Trifan, a relative newcomer, played on Buzz Linhart’s 1972 release Buzzy.

Discography:

Introducing The Eleventh House With Larry Coryell (1974)
Level One (1975 • The Eleventh House featuring Larry Coryell)
Aspects (1976 • The Eleventh House Featuring Larry Coryell)
Larry Coryell & The Eleventh House at Montreux (1978 • Larry Coryell & The Eleventh House)
Seven Secrets (2017)