snobb
One of most recent Chick Corea live album, recorded at The One World Theatre,April 3rd, 2005 Austin,TX and released in Japan only isn't well known around the world.
Recordings represent Chick Corea's well known compositions played by acoustic trio of excellent musicians. Sound is quite good, music is relaxed and played at the highest level of musicianship.
Original compositions come all from different periods of Corea's musical activities,starting from post-bop Now He Sings, Now He Sobs (1968)album to Latin fusion Light as a Feather (1972 ,Return To Forever album)and to later return to post-bop on The Mad Hatter (1978), Friends (1978) and Three Quartets (1981).But differently from originals, all compositions sound softer (but not warmer)and more polished in a fashion of contemporary jazz sound.
I really enjoy Corea's musicianship for decades,but have quite a mixed feeling to this album: obviously Corea's led musicianship here once again confirms his excellent form, musical material is selected without risk and listener will hardly find a weak moment on all album, but well-known compositions sound so safe and even a bit faceless (and we are speaking about such song as Spain - what should be done to make Spain sound a bit faceless!?). I remember the sound of original versions and if compare this album will hardly win the competition. Quality and pleasant music,but without angles and sharpness,without even minimal risky movement - it's not what we are usually wait from greatest jazz recordings.
Good album, but possibly more self-centered monument for Corea's great past,than really actual musical release from XXI century. Still really pleasant listening for Corea's fans.