SPACES

Coryell hat guts asking these seasoned and high-calibre musicians to join his board. He must have convinced them probably also by shifting his sound more towards jazz after having initial more light-weight albums. It's certainly an ambitious record with great players. McLaughlin and Coryell make a great guitar duo, usually one soloing and another one accompanying. The bass guitar playing is competent but still more in the background. Corea makes nice electric piano chops on one track. The first track is first and foremost a guitar showcase with virtuosos teaming for fast fingerplaying using various styles from acid rock, jazz-rock to more jazz versed tightly supported by Cobham/Vitous. There are certain remote pre Mahavishnu touches.

"Rene's theme" sounds a bit like a nod to Django Reinhardt which proves how extremely versatile Coryell was. Acoustic guitar playing is excellent and lyrical. Only two guitars could successfully embark on such mission. "Gloria's step" is closer to jazz than rock, largely improvisational. "Wrong is right" shows typical Coryell fusion soloing that would be typical for the Eleventh house period, very fluid and with more emotions than for example McLaughlin. "Crisis" might be harder to digest due to loose rhythmical structure in absence of drums but electric piano adds nice touches.

Highly recommended together with Barefoot boy.