Customer Reviews

Akoustic Band

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The best thing about this album and the thing that makes it stand out from just about every other trio is the rhythmic tightness and energy.

I think too often jazz players use excuses like "its supposed to be relaxed and free" for why they cannot all be perfectly working together as a unit, and why every player is slightly detached from the others rhythmically.

However, Chick, John Patitucci and Dave Weckl have no time for lax rhythm but maintain a sharp focused sound that is literally overflowing with life and bounce.

Chick Corea's best music is decidedly his acoustic setups, and the Akoustic Band, in my opinion, is the best out of those.

I don't think anyone denies that Corea is probably the most technically accomplished jazz pianist alive today. His unique harmonic language is instantly recognizable and he can play with a speed and energy unmatched among pianists.

This CD is half his take on jazz standards, and half originals. A must-buy for jazz fans and neophytes alike.

I bought this CD immediately when it was released in 1989. I cannot count how many times this has been played. Last night I opened the jewel case and found the CD had somehow been snapped in half. This morning I'm on amazon looking for a replacement. That alone should tell you how good this CD really is.

The jazz/fusion aficionado would be hard pressed to find three more accomplished musicians than Chick Corea, John Pattatuci and Dave Weckl. The performances are legendary, and the feel is very Electrik band meets acoustic instruments. This is not a straight forward jazz trio ala oscar peterson or something of that nature. This is jazz that pushes the envelope using classic instruments.

It doesn't surprise me one bit that this CD is still in print, it's simply a class. I personally prefer it to "Alive" so if you were looking to pick one, I'd go with this one.

Joel

There's a lot of really masterful playing on this album; the problem is that it doesn't alway come together. At times it's more like three solists following a chart but not really listening to each other.

Taken individually, the playing is first rate. Corea is playing better than he ever has. His take on tunes like "Sophisticated Lady" combines his unique style with classic tunes in a very appealing way.

Pattitucci is a tremendously skilled bass player, and his facility on the fingerboard is impressive. The problem is that he's not supporting Corea so much as he is competing with him. The same goes for Weckl, who keeps a rock solid beat and shows off an impressive collection of chops. But here, too, you just don't hear any interplay between soloist and sideman.

I suspect this album will have its greatest appeal to those who are more familiar with Corea's electric ensemble playing, as that's what it sounds most like. And that's not a bad thing, as it may help to introduce the electric fans to a new style. But those looking for traditional jazz trio playing would find more satisfaction in Corea's "Past, Present and Future" album.

In this album, Chick Corea returns to his early acoustic jazz style which he used in his early albums like Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.
This album is not easy listening at all, I only started liking it after I listened to each of the songs a few times. Now this is one of my favorite albums, and it has the best rendition of Spain I've ever heard.

Corea offers adept counterpoint for plugging out with this super spun session of tightly knit trio work.

I've owned this for years and just got back to it after a long hiatus. If you are a fan of this type of sweet music, you should own this too.

The Akoustic Band, in my opinion, is a truly unappreciated piano trio in terms of Jazz History. The energy level of the three performers is worn on their sleeves, similar to the Oscar Peterson trio and Makoto Ozone of today. Chick Corea's style has been historically proven, and Pattituci's phrasing and solos are as exciting as Weckl's complex and impressive rhythmic ideas.
A great buy.

This CD is,simply,outstanding

When I think of Jazz, this is the sound I hear in my head. It's pure and clear. "Spain" is fabulous!