Origin: Live At The Blue Note
OnLive at the Blue Note, pianist Chick Corea rediscovers the pleasures of playing acoustic jazz with a talented group of like-minded musicians. Featuring the versatile front line of trombonist Steve Davis and multiple reed players Bob Shepard and Steve Wilson, Corea's structured compositions provide plenty of room for extended improvisation and impassioned solos. The malleable rhythm section of bassist Avishai Cohen and drummer Adam Cruz pushes these performances into a realm of dynamic interplay and authentic inspiration. Highlights include the Duke Ellington-inspired "Molecules" and a 13-minute interpretation of the Jimmy Van Heusen-Johnny Burke standard "It Could Happen to You." Corea's own playing is particularly powerful, drawing from his diverse experiences with Miles Davis, Return to Forever, and even his freewheeling work with Circle.--Mitch Myers