CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND: PAINT THE WORLD

Of all the excellent jazz-fusion music created by Chick Corea & his ELEKTRIC BAND over the years, this is my pick for the best of the bunch. This album technically features the CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND II, the only album released so far by that lineup, unfortunately.

The music is similar to prior ELEKTRIC BAND material, often modal and very progressive with many flowing meter changes and tempo changes. This time however, instead of an angular, clinical sound, the performances are very impressionistic -- the "painting" theme of the title and back cover photo is clear in the music. There are more blended musical colors, more ensemble listening, and a more "live" feel. It's a real step forward from the previous records, which are also great.

Some of the songs are less structured than Corea's other works; some are little more than a progression. However, they are fascinating, multi-part progressions that give all the band members opportunities to shine solo and in various combinations. But even on the "simpler" tunes these guys aren't just jamming. They are also executing intricately orchestrated lead lines, breakdowns and group sections.

The whole album is packed with an extraordinary number of musical ideas. More mixed meters than you can shake a Stickman bass at, very tasty guitar playing that to my ears owes quite a bit to Allan Holdsworth, and a set of songs that doesn't take itself too seriously. Much of Corea's music is thoughtful, and here he also remembers to include some fun. Whatever the mood, the top notch playing always brings fireworks.

If you haven't tried jazz-fusion yet, you really should! I really think any proghead would enjoy this kind of music if you gave it a chance. This is one of the most prized members of my (not small) music collection, and I have thanked my lucky stars time and again for this outstanding, 1-off record from this ELEKTRIC BAND II lineup. Don't sleep on it!

4.5 stars.