This is the kind of reunion I can get into!
The superteam of pianist Chick Corea, drummer Brian Blade and bassist Christian McBride released a powerhouse 3 disc set back in 2014. This two disc compilation is from their “reunion tour” of 2016, giving a hint of what their present tour will be like. Let’s GO!!
The twelve songs are a mix of Corea tunes, Monk classics and some clever covers of various songbooks. Of the pianist’s material, Corea creates rich ripples on “La Fiesta” and is luscious during an 11 minute “500 Miles High,” whereas Blade gives cool little military pulse on a dark and mysterious read of “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.” McBride’s patented big booming tone is bel canto romantic for “Eiderdown” and wondrously lyrical for “Lotus Blossom” with him teaming with Corea on a delicate “But Beautiful.” Someone had the great idea of getting funky with Stevie Wonder’s “Past Time Paradise” and it’s a middleweight right hook, while the team seems both fun and relaxed as Blade is sharp on a crisp “Work” and the three give a rococo “Crepuscule With Nellie.” Masters at their craft.
They are currently on tour, coming to UCLA October 3. Don’t miss this one, do you really want to wait another 4 years?