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 ~ THE CONTINENTS – CONCERTO FOR JAZZ QUINTET & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 028947799528 (Barcode: 028947799528) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is another piece of music by legendary pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist which amalgamates Jazz and Classical music, a tendency Corea seems to favor since a few years back. There are few surprises here, as Corea continues to write excellent melodic music which is so easy to like by a wide range of listeners, performed by a great quintet, which comprises of saxophonist / flautist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist, trombonist Steve DavisFind albums by this artist, bassist Hans GlawischnigFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcus GilmoreFind albums by this artist and a chamber orchestra. The six-piece concerto takes up the entire first CD of this set. On the second CD the quintet performs four pieces, this time without the orchestra, three of which are standards and one is by Corea. The rest of the CD is taken by 11 solo piano improvisations, composed and performed by Corea. Since the second CD has nothing in common with the first one it should be seen as a kind of "bonus", which of course is welcomed by Corea fans, enjoying everything he records. For people who like the Jazz-Classical Fusion this is a treat, others might find this out of their sphere of interest. Whatever Corea does, he is simply too good to be ignored, so I can´t help but recommend this.

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GILAD HEKSELMAN ~ HEARTS WIDE OPEN LE CHANT DU MONDE 2037 (Barcode: 3149024203725) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the 3rd album by the sensational Israeli guitarist / composer Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist, who resides in NY since 2004, as do many other Israeli Jazz players. Hekselman quickly established himself as one of the top guitar players on the NY scene, a fact that is not a result of any publicity stunts but simply his incredible talent. With his tone very similar to early Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist, he is often compared to Metheny, but that kind of comparison is somewhat superficial. Hekselman is much more Jazz oriented than Metheny ever was in fact. Critics and more importantly fellow musicians agree unanimously that Hekselman was blessed with exceptional talent and his meteoric rise to fame is fully justified. This album, recorded with Hekselman´s regular trio: bassist Joe MartinFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcus GilmoreFind albums by this artist and with guest appearance on four tracks by saxophonist Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist, presents eight original compositions, which are all ideal vehicles for the leader´s display of his guitar magic, which is pretty amazing from start to finish. Clear, elegant, pure and melodic, his playing is always right on top of what is best for the music at any particular moment. Never clotted or overcrowded by too many notes, which usually plagues guitar players, he dances on his strings like leaves on a spring breeze, as if fingers and brain commands had nothing to do with it. But honestly, and most importantly, this is 100% unadulterated Jazz, free of any attempts whatsoever to become a neck-breaking Fusion trip, another plague of today´s guitar players. If this is what Hekselman is capable of at the tender age of 28, his future seems to be laid out for him on a golden path to stardom. Hopefully his head is not lost in the process. Hats off to you, Gilad and God Bless!

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