RETURNS

Fans of Return To Forever II, with the classic lineup of Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and Al DiMeola, were delighted to hear about the group's reunion and tour. Unfortunately, some of us were unable to take in the concerts, but no worries, we've got this excellent live album. This is the live album many of us RTF fans have been waiting for for years. The song selections and playing are great, with a combination of jazz fusion and more straight-ahead jazz. We get a mix of group and solo performances, and both are great. The old group interplay is still there, but the years have also seasoned the member's talents. Some fans of the 1970s RTF II might want a bit harder edge to the album. There is some hot playing, but those with more jazz sentiments will like the mellow tone of other tunes. (If you are a jazz fan, also check out Stanley Clarke's new acoustic trio album, Jazz In The Garden, with Lenny White and Hiromi Uehara.) Now, it would be nice to hear some new RTF II material.