CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND: LIGHT YEARS

Having seen the band live in Singapore, I was so keen to have another album of Chick Corea Elektric Band even though not with the same excitement as the first time I purchased the first album. Yeah, I expected that the music was something like Return To Forever which has many in-depth exploration of progressive music. With his Elektric Band actually Chick tries to explore his jazz mind wildly and reduce the progressive elements. In fact his solo work is much more progressive than this Elektric Band.

As for composition, it's very clear to me that I am more into music with 'curved line' structure - those who have many changes in styles as well as patterns in its structure - compared to the straight forward or I call it as 'straight line' structure. Unfortunately all music composed here in this album fall under the category of 'straight line' structure, so it does not really impress me. However, this album still has its merits to me at least on the virtuosity of the musicians involved here. Frank Gambale is an excellent guitar player while Patitucci is great bass player, as well as Dave Weckl drumming. The music flows nicely from the opening track 'Light Years' (3:51) which has some boogie component, featuring Eric Marienthal on saxophone. Frank provides his guitar as filler. It then flows nicely to 'Second Sight' (4:12) and 'Flamingo' (4:08) where the compositions are mainly keyboard-based with Chick as dominant player. This kind of music is actually suitable to be played at hotel lobby, it's just easy listening jazz music, nothing is such a complex arrangement. Yes, of course I love Chick's keyboard / piano work throughout the album. On 'Time Track' (5:02) I find joy in enjoying this album because it has dynamic energy through the bass guitar work and keyboard, supported with saxophone. The arrangements are quite interesting.

On overall basis, this is a good album which provides jazz lovers with relatively simple compositions even though the solo of musical instruments indicate the complexity elements. If you are a jazz lover, I think this album suits your needs. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Second Corea's Elektric Band's album unhappily continue the worst ideas of the debut. Using the same highly professional rhythm section as on band's debut, Corea changed the guitarist and added some sax in his electric easy jazzy listening.

So, the result isn't good at all. Music is even more simple, than in debut album, musicanship is competent, but very formal. Light electric jazz compositions is filled by some guitar and sax accessories. All music is in fact easy background listening with some accented rhythm. No one of participated musicians could possibility to show his abilities.

Could not be recommended for listening, may be just as some background jazzy pieces for fast food restaurant.