Chick Corea: The Ultimate Adventure
EricT43
Posts: 130
Not sure if there are any Chick Corea fans out there, but I've been listening to him for a long time. I got into the Elektric Band and Akoustic Band a while back, mainly because I like to listen to John Pattitucci (bass) and Dave Weckl (drums). Those guys are phenomenal. After a while, Chick's composing and keyboard playing really grew on me.
Anyway, I just picked up Chick's latest CD The Ultimate Adventure. The liner notes state that the album was inspired by the L. Rob Hubbard book of the same name. Apparently the book has an Arabian theme/setting, and the music reflects that. A lot of North African, Spanish, and Arabian rythms, modes, and percussion.
I can't remember the last time I heard such a dramatic album! I've been listening to it in the car and at home and smiling from ear to ear. Vinnie Colaiuta wields the drum sticks on some of the tracks, with Steve Gadd taking up the skins on the balance of the arrangements (these guys are both drum legends). Patitucci is not present, but the bass-playing duties are covered with equal aplomb by Carles Benavent. He's got a rather agressive playing style which I really like. On the few tracks with guitar, Elektric Band alumnus Frank Gambale makes his presence felt.
Check out City of Brass, which is arranged with only Chick's piano, flute, bass, and Hossam Ramzy's percussion. I was interested to read that the track started as an improvisation with only piano and tabla. All the rest of the instruments were added later.
Arabian and African flavor abound on this album. The recording quality is top-notch, and the music is alluring and exciting. I can't wait to listen to it again later this week after my LSi7's arrive!
Anyway, I just picked up Chick's latest CD The Ultimate Adventure. The liner notes state that the album was inspired by the L. Rob Hubbard book of the same name. Apparently the book has an Arabian theme/setting, and the music reflects that. A lot of North African, Spanish, and Arabian rythms, modes, and percussion.
I can't remember the last time I heard such a dramatic album! I've been listening to it in the car and at home and smiling from ear to ear. Vinnie Colaiuta wields the drum sticks on some of the tracks, with Steve Gadd taking up the skins on the balance of the arrangements (these guys are both drum legends). Patitucci is not present, but the bass-playing duties are covered with equal aplomb by Carles Benavent. He's got a rather agressive playing style which I really like. On the few tracks with guitar, Elektric Band alumnus Frank Gambale makes his presence felt.
Check out City of Brass, which is arranged with only Chick's piano, flute, bass, and Hossam Ramzy's percussion. I was interested to read that the track started as an improvisation with only piano and tabla. All the rest of the instruments were added later.
Arabian and African flavor abound on this album. The recording quality is top-notch, and the music is alluring and exciting. I can't wait to listen to it again later this week after my LSi7's arrive!
Post edited by EricT43 on
Comments
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Eric,
Thanks for the recommendation. I am a long-term Chic's fan, back to the day of "Spain" (1980ish). Btw, congrats on LSi7, you'll enjoy it very much!I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie. -
Picked up "The Ultimate Adventure" last week and have given it a couple of listens over the weekend. Definitely a "keeper" and one of his better newer (since the RTF days) releases.
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Whoa, I don't think CC will ever outdone RTF...I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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I'm not very familiar with the RTF stuff, though I did download 500 Miles High. I really wanted to check that particular song out because I really like Michael Manring's solo bass arrangement, and when I saw that it was written by Corea I had to hear the original.
Now maybe you guys can help me out with some recommendations for some other good jazz albums along these lines? I like jazz, but 90% of the stuff out there is too soft. That's why I like Chick, he's not afraid to let 'er rip once in a while. -
RTF= Return To Forever (1972ish) album. I think it should still be available under Japanese import label.
What kind of instrument/musician do you like? check out Brian Bromberg thread(s). If you like John Patticucci, you'll love Brian!
www.brianbromberg.net
checkout his latest: "Wood II" simply awesome.I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie. -
http://www.chickcorea.com/discography.html
Looks like there were several Return to Forever albums. And I count 12 Grammies, wow.
I play bass and drums, but I enjoy hearing talented musicians on any instrument. I've got some Miles and Coltrane CD's, but I prefer the more modern stuff. I love Alan Holdsworth's guitar playing, but I find his music a little too dark for my tastes.
I saw a Lee Ritenour (sp?) performance on TV the other day, and man those guys were jamming!
I'll give Bromberg a look/listen, thanks for the recommendation. -
EricT43 wrote:http://www.chickcorea.com/discography.html
Looks like there were several Return to Forever albums. And I count 12 Grammies, wow.
A must have is RTF- "Romantic Warrior" never seem to get burnt out listening to it. Shoul still be available as a remastered cd.
