LIGHT AS A FEATHER

After Return to Forever's debut Corea along with Airto and Clarke participated in the recordings of Stan Getz's ''Captain marvel'' album, featuring mostly compositions by Corea.The end of 72' found the band in London, UK, for the recordings of a second studio work.''Light as a feather'' was recorded between October 8 and October 15 at I.B.C. Sound Recording Studio.Return to Forever also changed label at the time, signing with Polydor, which released the album in November.

The title of the album reflects strongly to the overall approach of Return to Forever with the group insisting on performing an ethereal Electric Jazz/Fusion, based on the solos of Corea on electric piano.Although the atmosphere is quite tropical with the mix of jazzy improvisations with Latin-American Music, there is always a very virtuosic side on the group's performance with plenty of instrumental battles, led by Joe Farrell's saxes and Corea's leading figure.Very often the music becomes really furious, usually when Corea leads it, with a superb rhythm section supporting.Series of impressive individual solos, a fair amount of great interplays, lovely singing and wordless vocals by Flora Purim and some smooth grooves complete a very good album indeed.And there are still moments (like on the opening ''You're Everything''), where the sound flirts with Lounge Jazz, creating dreamy images and chill-out soundscapes.

Diverse, complete and professional Jazz/Fusion.Well-played and at moments quite intricate.Recommended to fans of the style and beyond...3.5 stars.