RETURN TO FOREVER: LIVE

I love the Return To Forever era Chick Corea . That said, this release is a disappointment on many levels. To me, RTF works as a true fusion band, whether the jazzier self titled & Light As A Feather releases or the more rock inflected Romantic Warrior. The studio albums feature tight arrangements and genearlly 4-6 musicians (Music Magic excluded). Unfortunately, this nine-piece ensemble gets bogged down in its own weight. This is big band RTF and it ain't workin'. The brass & reed heavy arrangements lack the power that previously marked RTF. The solos are more indulgent and ponderous than inspired. The only redeeming track is the old standard "Come Rain Or Come Shine," featuring Chick's wife Gayle Moran on vocals. Perhaps this works so well since it's a relatively straight ahead rendition that lends itself to a small "big band." Otherwise, she does nothing to inspire me like Flora Purim had on the 1972 releases. See the reviews of the mediocre "Music Magic" release from the same ensemble. I think Chick & Stanley realized it was time to put this RTF to bed. Truly for completists.