Search - Chick Corea, Elektric Band :: To the Stars (Dig)

Captain Chick Corea leads the way!

09/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A beautiful shiny silver sleekly designed package was found in my mail box this morning, CCEB's To the Stars. Drooling in anticipation I tore open the package (which contains a nice colourful booket that has all of the cursory information required to see how Chick envisioned the pieces with his mind's eye) removed the disc and threw it into my PC for a listen.



Similar to some of the other CCEB albums from the past it's thematic (i.e. CCEB's debut from 1986, also inspired by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard), a movie if you will, where every piece and interlude is tied together as a cohesive story. I could see this being staged as a theatre play. There is a blend of elektric and acoustic throughout. The opening piece immediately grabs your attention and pulls you in for the journey. Without getting too long winded here, let me just say that in my opinion it's a masterpiece and worth every cent. I already know it'll stay in my player for awhile and get many repeat listenings. There isn't a wasted moment to my ears either. It makes most fusion albums seem like disorganized rambling meaningless child's play in comparison, imo. This cd is a visionary well thought out production, tightly wound and Chick's composing and imagination here is top notch. The band plays passionately. Highlights for me include, "Check Blast" (roaring opener), "Johnny's Landing" (Weckl's awesome), "Hound A Heaven" (incredibly HIP opening groove factor on this one), "The Long Passage/Port View 6" (jam packed, many ideas at play, great unison ensemble passages, great little solo from Chick that starts shortly after the 3 minute mark, the tune then expertly ties into an epic close with Port View 6), the FABULOUS "Jocelyn the Commander" (at 2:37, Frank Gambale plays a haunting distorted solo in this one that suits the mood of the piece BEAUTIFULLY, just an amazing piece [perhaps the best track?] and I love how it ends!!!!) and the stellar album closing 2 part "Captain Jocelyn", especially the 2nd part(beautiful). I love those Port Views too, they are integral parts of the experience! EVERYONE should own a copy of this cd! It's really good!

"

They're making music.

Kelvin | San Francisco, California USA | 03/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is such a high degree of complexity in the music of this CD that I am amazed that these gentleman pull it off with such ease. These "Cats" jam. And jam hard. This CD opens up full throttle with the intent of saying "we came to play". Then we are taken on a musical journey thru various chapters of a story being told to us. The songs/joints/stories all seem to blend nicely into a seamless tale. I gather that these musicians are having a sense of pure joy performing this music. I really appreciate the virtuosity of their musical performances. Looking forward to seeing this music performed live. As with most things of life, I guess it is either you like it or you don't like it. I like it. I would say listen to it a couple of times before passing judgement on it. Power to all those that create."

I never thought I'd say this...

William Greer Jr. | Denver, CO USA | 07/06/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"...about a Chick Corea Elektric Band recording: Too many notes. There is so little space in this music that I find it a fatiguing listen. The musicianship is astoundng, as usual. The recording quality is excellent. Most of the charts aren't bad at all either. But, it seems to me that these guys went one step, and only one step, too far along the virtuosity scale. It seems that they are just barely staying out of one another's way.



I'm normally a huge fan of the Elektric Band. In this case, I'd have to recommend one of their other recordings, particularly the stellar "Eye of the Beholder" over this one."