Crystal Silence - Chick Corea/Gary Burton

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: a true avant garde jazz trio
Disadvantages: maybe too avant garde in some instances

...When we talk about modern jazz piano trios names like brad mehldau and esbjorn svensson quickly emerge to our minds. But no matter how good the former musicians and their trios are, nevertheless they still have a strong influence by artists like bill evans, keith jarrett and even Chick Corea. In the case of the Bad plus however, we can talk about a new powerful almost punk attitude towards piano trios. Imagine the virtuosity of jazz musicians combined with avant grade innovation and high volumed tunes, all combind in one. The original compositions sound so fresh, with all the rhythmic and harmonic complexity combined in a unique way. Trashy beats and excellent piano unisons create a some kind of trancedental atmosphere. And how about a cover of Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" for jazz trio? Really interesting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful