Record Reviews

CHICK COREA / HERBIE HANCOCK ~ AN EVENING WITH CHICK COREA & HERBIE HANCOCK POLYDOR 835680 (Barcode: 042283568020) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 1988 The 1978 acoustic piano duet tour of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist is documented on two albums – this one and the ColumbiaFind albums on this label companion album (also called An Evening WithFind albums with this title). Fortunately Chick & Herbie played so much music during their concerts that the two (both double vinyl albums originally) have no parallel tunes on them, except for the signature tunes: “Maiden Voyage” and “La Fiesta”, which get a completely different treatment on each release. This means that, as the music on both albums is absolutely divine (see my comments on the other album), they are both absolutely essential and constitute in fact a non-separable document. There is a slight difference in the choice of material on both releases, with this album including more complex and “freer” pieces with plenty of opportunities for both players to demonstrate their complete command of the instrument and more “unusual” playing techniques. On a side note: the tour was arranged not only to enable the two incredible musicians to enjoy each other’s company and inspiration, but also to “give the finger” to the horde of critics, which brutally dismissed Chick’s & Herbie’s 1970’s electric / fusion work, accusing them of betrayal towards the jazz Art Form and doubting their artistic integrity (which of course was a heap of nonsense). The performances included on these two albums prove how totally wrong they all were. Unfortunately two tracks on this album were edited (shortened) to enable the release of this material on a single CD (an artistic crime, that should be punishable by beheading the corporate decision-makers). Therefore a proper reissue of this album is still due – hats off to Columbia for not making the same stupid mistake.

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERB GELLER / ROBERTO MAGRIS ~ AN EVENING WITH… JMOOD 012 (Barcode: 820869034424) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2014 This is a live album by veteran American saxophonist / composer Herb GellerFind albums by this artist, recorded with a trio led by Italian pianist Roberto MagrisFind albums by this artist, with Slovenian bassist Nikola MatosicFind albums by this artist and Italian drummer Enzo CarpentieriFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, one of which is an original composition by Geller and the rest are standards. The music is a classic Jazz quartet setting, playing classic mainstream Jazz material, which is superbly performed by all the participants. Geller was eighty-one years old at the time of the recording (he died four years later), but his sweet, delicate and beautifully melodic tone is in perfect condition herein. This was, sadly, his last recording. Magris and his trio are perfect accompanists and play supportively, leaving the center stage to Geller, treating him with respect and obvious appreciation. Of course the refined listeners can enjoy the refined parts Magris performs in the background and the rhythm section is right on time for the entire duration. The music, spiced with the European aesthetics, is probably the finest example of his talent. Overall, this is definitely an excellent classic Jazz album, which should be wholeheartedly enjoyed by any true Jazz lover the world over, especially in view of the fact that Geller’s legacy is relatively modest in comparison to his contemporaries.

Updated: 08/05/2026Posted: 08/05/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK / CHICK COREA ~ AN EVENING WITH HERBIE HANCOCK & CHICK COREA IN CONCERT COLUMBIA 65551 (Barcode: 5099706555124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 A true meeting of Titans! Two of America´s greatest piano players - Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist - meet in 1978, facing each other accross two grand pianos and playing in unison for two hours. The music is sublime, uplifting and brilliant all the way. The true success of this recording lies in the fact that the two geniuses complement each other rather than competing with each other, dismissing their egos and concentrating on the wonderful process of music creation. The material includes jazz standards as well as compositions by both of the participants. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend