Masterpiece
Swing King | Cincinnati, OH USA | 01/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ron McMaster did a wonderful remaster job on this 1968 album for Blue Note Records, treating it to a 24-bit resolution transfer and providing a sound quality that is unrivaled by previous releases. If you enjoy great improvised jazz piano in a trio format, you'll be sure to welcome this one as a new addition to your jazz library. With Corea on this occasion are two excellent lifelong sidemen of his, Miroslav Vitous on bass and Roy Haynes on drums.
While Corea was not unknown to the world of jazz in 1968, this album did bring him more notoriety and showcased him as a somewhat radical pianist. This album likely played no small role in Miles Davis having brought Corea onboard later that same year to join his quintet. Many of the pieces on this album may seem too abstract for some, perhaps appearing too loose or unstructured. If you do come to such a conclusion, you will at least come to appreciate "Matrix" (now a standard) for its cohesiveness.
Personally, I enjoy immensely the free interaction between each artist on this album. The original release of "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" had five tracks, but this wonderful reissue has 8 bonus tracks making this purchase an obvious win. Outstanding piano improvisation from one of the genre's finest pianists, this album is a must own as much for it's beauty as for its radicalism."