RETURN TO THE 7TH GALAXY: THE ANTHOLOGY

"Return To The 7th Galaxy: The Anthology" clearly shows the musical width and the groundbreaking force of Return to Forever. The two CD's are filled to the edge with over 148 minutes of music. This is very neccesary, because RtF went through a number of line-up changes, and also changed their musical style several times. This also makes it possible to label it 'The Anthology', because the content it makes it become more than just a 'Greatest Hits Collection'.

The three first cuts on Disc 1 are taken from RtF's debut LP, "Light As A Feather". This album can best be described as a 'Jazz-Samba fusion', and not a 'Jazz-rock fusion'. It features RtF's founding fathers, Chick Corea (keys) and Stanley Clarke (bass), plus Airto Moreira (perc), Joe Farrell (winds), and eminent vocals by Flora Purim. The music is based on traditional jazz-form (head-solos-head), and hard-hitting rhythms by Clake and Moreira. This makes it very fascinating for the jazz-lovers, but perhaps a bit unreachable for traditional prog fans.

Cuts 4-6 shows how RtF changes from latin to rock. Corea and Clacke replaces the original line-up with Bill Connors (guitar), Steve Gadd (drums) and Mingo Lewis (perc). All three cuts are live cuts, and describes a little known part of RtF's history. The arrangements are very tight and strong, and there are only a few real soloes. The collective groove is in focus.

On tracks 7-9, Gadd and Lewis are replaced by Lenny White (perc). His drumming technique is very rock-based, and he can be compared with famous prog drummers. The tune structures are more open than on the previous three tunes, making it easier for solists to unfold.

Disc 2 is the part of the anthology that is most progish. All the tracks are taked from either "Where Have I Known You Before" and "No Mystery", or are live cuts. They feature Al DeMeola on guitar instead of B. Connors. He brings in a much stronger leading guitar voice, and fret-melting solos, but can be criticized for being to pretentious at times. The music is by all means rock-solid prog-fusion, with heavy, tight arrangements, strong progressions, and many beautiful solos. 'The Shadow of Lo', 'Flight of The Newborn' and 'Vulcan Worlds' are good examples. 'Song to The Pharaoh Kings' and 'Celebration Suite' are longer tracks (13 min+), where C. Corea truly shows of his compositional skills.

If this was a jazz-review, this Anthology would have gotten a straight 5 stars. But in a prog manner, I have a two remarks, which makes me end up on a 4. First, only Disc 2 of the album, (and only later days RtF), can be labelled prog. I am certain that prog lovers will find great pleasures in early RtF, but this doesn't justify labelling it prog. Second, there is something missing in this anthology: a tune or two from "Romantic Warrior". This LP is known for being heavily inspired by Yes and ELP, and is the most progressive of all of RtF's albums. I feel say that neither 'The Magician' or 'Duel of The Jester and The Tyrant' made it to the compilation, and this sadly contributes to (only) four stars.