Record Reviews

CHICK COREA / AKOUSTIC BAND ~ LIVE CONCORD 888072172258 (Barcode: 888072172258) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is a 2CD live album by pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and his Acoustic BandFind albums by this artist trio with bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Gayle MoranFind albums by this artist, Corea’s wife, is featured on one track. The album presents twelve compositions (one repeated twice), six of which are Corea originals and the other six are standards. Recorded in January of 2018, almost exactly four years ago (as of the time of writing), this was one of the last Corea’s albums recorded before his passing in 2021. Among Corea’s enormous recording legacy, my favorites have always been his classic piano trios, regardless of the stylistic setting, starting with his early Avant-Garde trios, via Trio Music, Trilogy or Akoustic Band, those trios were always spectacular. I always felt that Corea felt the best in a piano trio setting and his most creative performances continuously emerged in that environment. Corea and the Akoustic Band recorded three albums in the early 1990s and played some concerts in 2004 / 2005, which were filmed and released on video, and this final “reunion” of sorts came as a big surprise and joy of course, as hearing this sublime trio is always an exhilarating experience. The choice of material is hardly surprising, combining both some of his favorite original compositions and standards that he loved to play. The unity, telepathic conversation, mutual admiration and respect between the trio members is obviously immediately apparent, from the onset of the music to the very last second. Overall, this album immediately joins the ranks of the top classic piano trio Jazz recordings of all times, presenting an everlasting example of artistry, excellence and aesthetics rarely achieved, but forever admired. No serious Jazz records collection should exist without this album being a part of it, and hopefully the album stays in print long enough for everybody to grab a copy. It was already reprinted once, so please keep it this way. An absolute must!

Updated: 07/01/2022Posted: 07/01/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

	NATURAL ACOUSTIC BAND ~ BRANCHING IN SI-WAN 1040 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock 2nd album from 1972. Natural Acoustic Band were a trio playing and singing great Folk / Prog. This album presents the group in the best light performing superb songs and accompanied by additional studio musicians (and orchestra on 2 tracks). A real pleasure from the first note to the very last.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	NATURAL ACOUSTIC BAND ~ LEARNING TO LIVE SI-WAN 1038 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock 1st album from 1972 by this UK Folk / Prog trio. Some outstanding vocals by the singer Krysia Kocjan. Very similar to other bands in the same genre such us Incredible String Band and Spirogyra.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend