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

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