Released: 2001
Tracks: Fingerprints; Jitterbug Waltz; Cloud Candy; Dignity; Rhumba Flamenco; Anna’s Tango; The Chelsea Shuffle; Nostalgia; The Revolving Door; Past, Present & Futures; Life Line
Best track: probably Rhumba Flamenco
Track to skip: none
I was introduced to Chick Corea’s music by my friend Kory who had an extra ticket for a show by this trio and wanted to know if I’d like to come. It was an amazing show and so naturally I became an instant fan of Jeff Ballard (drums), Avishai Cohen (bass) & Chick Corea (piano), but also of this trio as a whole. I didn’t wait too long in purchasing this CD. I think this is the only CD that these 3 have done on their own. Ballard, Cohen & Corea are the heart of Chick Corea’s fusion band, Origin. I love that this CD isn’t tied down to any one style of jazz and also that isn’t it definitely isn’t modern fusion played by a trio. They take ideas that crop up in modern jazz fusion, but they thankfully do away with all the coldness of it. So, here you have an album chalk-full of emotional, intelligent, rhythmic & humorous musicianship. This is one of the many albums I love that totally showcases what a trio can do. It’s surprising that 3 guys can get this much stuff to come out of their instruments.
Both Cohen and Ballard aren’t standard jazz players. They take chances that so many others don’t. I haven’t heard too many jazz bassists who approach their instrument, and their basslines, like Avishai Cohen does. I could listen to this album for his bass playing alone. And then, there’s Ballard who looks and sounds like he’s literally painting his drums. He is an extremely lyrical and melodic drummer (yes, on a rhythm instrument). Oh, and then there’s the other guy…what’s his name? Wow. I mean, Chick Corea’s piano playing is so amazing. He really blew me away when I saw them and in listening to this CD I’m once again struck of how well he knows his instrument and knows the kinds of things that a piano is capable of. I am seriously in awe of his musicianship.
There are so many great musical moments in these songs, and really, all of the songs are great. I do particularly love Avishai’s bass playing on the old Fats Waller tune, Jitterbug Waltz. Tremendous. I think my favorite on here is still Rhumba Flamenco; such a fantastic composition. The title track is also just remarkable. Really though, this whole album is great and the music goes so deep…there’s just so much to get out of this album.
Rating: 95
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