FIVE PEACE BAND (WITH CHICK COREA)

Year 2008 was great in highest class fusion musicians world tours. First one of the greatest fusion band of all times RTF was re-united and visit Europe and States with series of great concerts. I visited very first of them, and it was really great music of great musicians! Later their live show was issued as double CD ("Returns", 2009). The album became a great evidence and contained perfectly played great collection of their best songs ( of their second, more "heavy" line-up).

And just few monthes later another fusion legend John McLaughlin confirmed his world tour with Chick Corea ( member of re-united earlier RTF as well) and three more great jazz musicians! So, I saw them during 2008 fall, and ( belive me, it wasn't easy after I saw reunited RTF some monthes earlier!) was absolutely impressed by their music!

In fact, both bands have many things in common ( incl. very recognisable keyboard /piano sound ,played by Chick Corea in both cases). But there are enough differences as well: Five Peace Band is much more jazzy, more acoustic and plays more improves! And , as in case with RTF, a year later live double CD was released as well!

So, I gave 5 stars to great RTF "Returns" 2 CD album earlier, but McLaughlin-Corea's Five Peace Band is even better!!!

First of all, McL album is much more warmer. Not energy and power demonstration, as in case of RTF last concert album, but more groove and some drive, in good jazz tradition. McLaughlin electric guitar is a bit traditional, but in best traditions of fusion from 70-s. All the band as well is more jazzy, than in case of RTF, so all in all you have there more jazz oriented fusion.

Perfect album, I think one of the best live fusion album of the year 2009.