Akoustic Band, The - Chick Corea

Advantages: impressive neo bop piano work
Disadvantages: not to good for people woho like the fusion corea stuff

...One of the classic neo bop avant garde jazz piano trios that emerged in the 60's. Chick Corea gives us with that record, a classic example of neo bop with intense improvisations and high rhythmically complex motives and patterns. The influence from hard bop is obvious all the way through, but also the latin flavour that is the trademark of Corea's paino style, is from times to times implied through the use of latin vamps. The drumming of Roy Haynes is very good as well. Some songs like "Now he sings now he sobs" have become jazz standards by the years. It is recommended to all jazz friends and needless to say this is a must for pianists. A good example of Corea's pre-fusion work.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Polished performances and good music
Disadvantages: Double CD not necessary, liner notes below par

...Black Beauty, recorded at California's Fillmore West in 1970, represents the power of a Davis concert at a time when he was revolutionising jazz-fusion with recordings like Bitches Brew and In A Silent Way. A stellar lineup joins the trumpeter for this gig, including Chick Corea and Steve Grossman. My favourite tracks on the album are both non-Davis. Joe Zawinul, a regular Miles sideman, is represented by "Directions", the opening track. It sets a lively standard which is upheld throughout the mostly fast and frantic album. Wayne Shorter's Masqualero is also a highlight, with great solos by Davis and Grossman. My biggest criticism of the album is that Columbia have released it as a double CD, when the whole album, being under 80 minutes, could have been put on one disc. This creates frustrating disc-swapping and a higher price. Also... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The tracks are all hits and the playing is out of this world
Disadvantages: None

...-recording. The Cheshire Cat Walk is a Chick Corea composition and he features on this recording playing electric piano and mini-Moog synthesizer. His duet with Maynard and arrangement of the rhythm section is particularly impressive and brings a different style to this track. Next is the classic Round Midnight, this again shows control but is a very powerful rendition of this well-known tune. The opening of Gospel John is another occasion to be amazed at Maynard's high range and it's a good light-hearted tune. The finale, Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky), is Maynard's most popular hit and this recording is actually considered better than the original from the Rocky soundtrack. Maynard's playing on this CD is amazing and there's some really good playing from other soloists and the rest of the band. Overall this is a CD that you'll just want to keep listening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful