Record Reviews

CHICK COREA ~ ANTIDOTE CONCORD 888072103351 (Barcode: 888072103351) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 As 2021 nears its end it’s time to commemorate the passing of one of the greatest heroes of American Jazz, keyboardist / composer / bandleader Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, who sadly passed in February this year. This is the last studio album by Corea, recorded with an octet, which includes also drummer Marcus GilmoreFind albums by this artist, bassist Carlitos Del PuertoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Jorge PardoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Nino JoseleFind albums by this artist, trombonist Steve DavisFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Michael RodriguesFind albums by this artist and percussionist Luisito QuinteroFind albums by this artist. Tap dancer Nino de los ReyesFind albums by this artist and vocalists Ruben BladesFind albums by this artist, Gayle MoranFind albums by this artist and Maria BiancaFind albums by this artist also appear on selected tracks. The album re-visits Corea’s compositions from the albums “My Spanish HeartFind albums with this title” and “TouchstoneFind albums with this title”, presents two newly composed pieces for this album and also two pieces by other composers (Paco de LuciaFind albums by this artist and Antonio Carlos JobimFind albums by this artist) and finally a short treatment of a Classical composition, together eleven tracks. The music is distinctly more Latin oriented that the original albums, taking it somewhat away from the Jazz facet and deeply into the grooves and rhythms of Spanish, Cuban, Brazilian and other areas of Latin music, all beautifully arranged, orchestrated and performed by these splendid musicians, under the guidance of the leader. This international team, which includes players from Cuba, Spain and American based musicians born in Latin countries, adds the authentic flavor, which was somewhat more hinted on the original albums. In the liner notes Cores says: “I might be of Italian heritage, but my heart is Spanish”, which certainly explains his adoration for the Latin zest. Although the album does not introduce anything innovative as far as Corea’s musical heritage is concerned, it certainly confirms his unique talents as composer and player, which have always been beyond reproach. Overall, this is certainly a proper document of one of the many facets of Corea’s music, which embraced a plethora of styles, genres and approaches, from Avant-Garde to Fusion, always brilliant and completely unique. His Artistry will be sadly missed and his sweet personality, to those who met him, will be always a cherished memory.

Updated: 28/12/2021Posted: 28/12/2021

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CHICK COREA & STEVE GADD BAND ~ CHINESE BUTTERFLY STRETCH 888072042186 (Barcode: 888072042186) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is a 2CD studio album recorded by a band co-led by two legendary American musicians: keyboardist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, who recorded together many times before, but never co-led a band together. They are joined by guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Steve WilsonFind albums by this artist, Cuban bassist Carlitos Del PuertoFind albums by this artist and Venezuelan percussionist Luisito QuinteroFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Philip BaileyFind albums by this artist joins them on one tune. The album presents eight tracks, six composed by Corea, one co-composed by him and Loueke and one is a John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist composition. The music is all highly melodic, with a strong Latin tinge, dominated by typical Corea’s Fusiony compositions and lengthy improvisations, which allows the excellent musicians to show their chops. Three of the tracks last for well over quartet of an hour and document the “jam like” atmosphere of this recording session. Most of the music is new, written by Corea especially for this album, but a new and much extended version of the classic “Return To Forever” song, which features Bailey, is certainly one of the highlights of this album. In some respect this album could be regarded as a preamble to the “Antidote” album recorded a couple of years later and features some of the musicians present on this album. Overall, this a great and highly rewarding album, which offers the familiar Corea’s musical explorations between Fusion and Jazz-World Fusion, to which he returned in the few last years of his life. Superb compositions and performances, which never fail to bring a smile. Highly recommended!

Updated: 13/04/2022Posted: 13/04/2022

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