ECM - ECM 1022 ST - 180 Gram Vinyl - Preesed in Germany - 2727884
The legendary first lineup of Chick Corea`s fusion band Return To Forever debuted on this classic album It wasn't actually released in the U.S. until 1975, which was why the group's second album, Nonetheless it is every bit as classic, using a similar blend of spacy electric-piano fusion and Brazilian and Latin rhythms.
It's all very warm, light, and airy, like a soft breeze on a tropical beach -- hardly the sort of firebrand approach to fusion , and far less rooted in funk or rock.
Corea also bathes the album in an undertone of trippy mysticism, not only in the lyrics, but in his cosmic keyboard wanderings, which remain melodic and accessible through most of the record. There's one genuine pop song in the groovy samba "What Game Shall We Play Today," and while "Sometime Ago" has similar elements, it's part of an ambitious side-long medley that features a stream-of-consciousness intro and a jubilant, Spanish/Mexican-style closing section called "La Fiesta," complete with castanets and flamenco modes.
The title track is another multi-sectioned work, featuringin wordless unison on two different, catchy themes, plus breezy f Brazilian-flavored rhythmic interplay. And the dreamy, meditative "Crystal Silence" is an underrated gem waiting to be rediscovered. Certainly, this wasn't inclined toward high-voltage jazz-rock , but this group's two albums still stand as some of the most imaginative and distinctive early fusion recordings.
Return To Forever
Crystal Silence
What Game Shall We Play Today
Some Time Ago La Fiesta
Chick Corea (electric piano)
Joe Farrell (flutes, soprano saxophone)
Flora Purim (vocal, percussion)
Stanley Clarke (basses)
Airto Moreira (drums, percussion)