Record Reviews
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  | CHICK COREA / AKOUSTIC BAND ~ LIVE
CONCORD 888072172258 (Barcode: 888072172258) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is a 2CD live album by pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and his Acoustic BandFind albums by this artist trio with bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave WecklFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Gayle MoranFind albums by this artist, Corea’s wife, is featured on one track. The album presents twelve compositions (one repeated twice), six of which are Corea originals and the other six are standards. Recorded in January of 2018, almost exactly four years ago (as of the time of writing), this was one of the last Corea’s albums recorded before his passing in 2021.
Among Corea’s enormous recording legacy, my favorites have always been his classic piano trios, regardless of the stylistic setting, starting with his early Avant-Garde trios, via Trio Music, Trilogy or Akoustic Band, those trios were always spectacular. I always felt that Corea felt the best in a piano trio setting and his most creative performances continuously emerged in that environment.
Corea and the Akoustic Band recorded three albums in the early 1990s and played some concerts in 2004 / 2005, which were filmed and released on video, and this final “reunion” of sorts came as a big surprise and joy of course, as hearing this sublime trio is always an exhilarating experience.
The choice of material is hardly surprising, combining both some of his favorite original compositions and standards that he loved to play. The unity, telepathic conversation, mutual admiration and respect between the trio members is obviously immediately apparent, from the onset of the music to the very last second.
Overall, this album immediately joins the ranks of the top classic piano trio Jazz recordings of all times, presenting an everlasting example of artistry, excellence and aesthetics rarely achieved, but forever admired. No serious Jazz records collection should exist without this album being a part of it, and hopefully the album stays in print long enough for everybody to grab a copy. It was already reprinted once, so please keep it this way. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 07/01/2022Posted: 07/01/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | AL DI MEOLA ~ CONSEQUENCE OF CHAOS
TELARC 83649 (Barcode: 089408364921) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
There are quite a few parallels between guitar Masters Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. Each has a very unique and personal style of course, but both alternate between the electric and acoustic version of their instrument and both ventured deeply into wold music influences (Di Meola absorbing Flamenco and Tango and McLaughlin exploring Indian music) during their extensive careers, returning to the Jazz-Rock Fusion (which was their Alma Matter) periodically. And of course they recorded together several times. This album takes Di Meola back to his roots, which are of course his work with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. Returning to his electric guitar and with Chick as guest (playing some fiery solos), the atmosphere is reminiscent of the RTF hay days. All the superb participating musicians (Steve GaddFind albums by this artist – drums, John PatitucciFind albums by this artist – bass, Barry MilesFind albums by this artist – keyboards and others) perform beautifully and the music (written entirely by Di Meola) flows with grace and elegance. Although strong world music influences are still present, the Fusion sound is predominant and unmistakable. It is heartwarming to see that Di Meola manages to produce such a consistently excellent music over the years, for which he deserves praise and respect. The usual TelarcFind albums on this label exquisite sound quality is an additional factor making this a truly excellent album. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AL DI MEOLA ~ THE INFINITE DESIRE
TELARC 83433 (Barcode: 089408343322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998
This is Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s debut album for the excellent TelarcFind albums on this label label, a move which seemed quite unusual at the time as the label was mostly associated with releases by the old generation of straight-ahead mainstream jazz players. In retrospect Telarc turned out to work extremely well for Di Meola, as the label´s renowned sound quality suits perfectly his delicate music. On the album Di Meola continues and expands the format he’s been following since the late 1980s, which is a crossover between Fusion and World Music influences. As usual, he wrote all the music on the album, which reflects perfectly his constant development as a musician and composer. The innovation on this album is Al’s usage of guitar synthesizer, although he switches between his electric (or in this case electronic) and acoustic guitars quite often. Almost every track on this album features a different lineup, with numerous guest musicians appearing alongside Di Meola (like Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist - piano, Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist - drums, John PatitucciFind albums by this artist - bass and others), which of course makes the album more interesting instrumentally. Although Di Meola’s output is consistently excellent, this is definitely one of his best albums and a most warmly recommended addition to any serious record collection.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KAREL RUZICKA JR. ~ GRACE & GRATITUDE
ANIMAL MUSIC 072 (Barcode: 8594155991389) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is the fourth album as a leader by Czech (resident in US) Jazz saxophonist / composer Karel Ruzicka Jr.Find albums by this artist recorded in NY with American musicians: pianist Jon CowherdFind albums by this artist, bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist and drummer Nate SmithFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader.
Ruzicka is the son of pianist / composer / bandleader Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern Czech Jazz and a notable teacher of generations of Czech Jazz musicians, whom I was lucky to know in person. The two managed to record a couple of father & son led albums before the untimely death of Ruzicka Sr. in 2016.
The music is all straightforward mainstream American Jazz, based on the excellent compositions by the leader, superbly performed by these highly professional musicians. The compositions offer solid melody lines and perfect harmony, showing strong Blues and Bebop roots, like most American mainstream albums. Ruzicka is a wonderful saxophonist, sleek and soulful, and his performances throughout this album are absolutely ideal for his music. The album is in many respects a "perfect" example of contemporary mainstream American Jazz.
Having said that, however, personally I keep wondering why would Ruzicka Jr. create music that is a perfect replica of virtually thousands of similar albums recorded by American Jazz musicians during the last five decades, ignoring his European cultural legacy on one side and give up any attempt to emancipate his music from the constrains that keep American Jazz frozen for so long, on the other side. Of course he can do anything he sees fit, and even do it perfectly, but the question still stands…
Overall this is a "classic" American mainstream Jazz album, flawlessly performed, but completely conventional and devoid of any attempt to innovate. Having said that, this album might certainly be a perfect listening companion for many Jazz listeners, who prefer this risk-free facet of the Jazz idiom.
| | Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 02/10/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKE STERN ~ GIVE AND TAKE
WOUNDED BIRD 3036 (Barcode: 664140303621) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1997 Released: 2007
9th album (8th on Atlantic) by American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist, who has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. On this album Stern continues the path established by its predecessors, presenting a set of his excellent compositions and three standards performed by a superb group of musicians, which includes saxophonists Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and David SanbornFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist, bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist, drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist and percussionist Don AliasFind albums by this artist. As usual, the compositions move between atmospheric ballads to up-tempo energetic excursions, performed with finesse and passion. This is classic Fusion and Stern´s guitar playing is simply overwhelmingly excellent, with great flow, emotion and technical virtuosity. A must for any Fusion enthusiast!
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