Customer Reviews

Eye of Beholder

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Eye of the Beholder - An appropriate title for a work that that may not appeal to a few, but for those who can identify with Chick Corea's unique sound and creative genius, this is an absolute gem.

This was the third offering of the Electric Band following the original self-titled "Electric Band" and "Light Years" and one senses a departure from the original hard electric fusion of the first record to a more acoustic sound. This trend continued with the release of the band's fourth album - "Inside Out"
"Eye of the Beholder" was undoubtedly the height of the Electric Band's short, tempestuous existence.
The impressive thing about some of the Electric Band's earlier work is how the absolute best can be brought out of uncomplicated compositions, simply by great musicianship and improvisation.
There is however nothing uncomplicated about the compositions on "Eye of the Beholder", which show very little repetitiveness but are refreshingly original, taking the listener through one mood swing after the other.

Of the Electic Band releases, this record is the most timeless and sounds as good today as when I purchased it in 1991.
It is an absolute must for any respectable Fusion collection.

I am a musician and a HUGE fan of the Elektric Band. I must say, this album has probably shaped my keyboard styles more than any other. My brother is a drummer and used to have these tapes, when he was away I would sneak in his bag and listen to his tapes (remember those!); this album blew my mind, it was unlike anything I'd ever heard. Once I got into jazz I found out where Chick draws his style from, and about the Elektric Band concept, this album stands out among the series as the most epic; to this day it contains some of the most beautiful and intricately woven counter-melodies and harmonies that I've heard, and to think: the first time I heard this album I wasn't even a teenager yet, and it was over 12 years ago. No pianist alive today matches Chick's unique combination of skill, technique, artistry, and overall musicality, and this album shines. I love all of the E. Band albums, but this one stands out because of its overall 'acoustic' feel and intertwined themes. Listen to the album straight through, and you'll hear recurring passages and themes throughout - and it will make you smile.

This album is a must have, for any fan of Chick Corea.

If you are looking for great synth sounds from the 80's, great compositions, and the best musicians, "Eye of the Beholder" won't dissapoint you. It has the well known progressive jazz of Chick Corea along with his friends: John Patitucci (basses), Dave Weckl (drums and percussion), Eric Marienthal (sax), Frank Gambale (guitar).

"Home Universe", the first song, starts with great percussion and "strings" in a march-like rhythm full of mystery. "Eternal Child" is a beautiful ballad in piano. "Cascade" has an intro which uses a synth sound that makes you feel as if you were in front of a cascade.

The album is an excellent recording with great mixing by Bernie Kirsh and Chick Corea.

Personally, this is my favorite album by Chick and his band. I have never lost the sense of satisfaction I feel each time I listen to the album. I highly recommend it, especially to Chick fans.

This album is a true masterpiece!!! The arranegments are flawless, the compositions are mind-blowingly sophisticated but still magical and electrifying, the virtuosity of the musicians is unmatched by anyone and the "time feel" is supernatural!!!
Listening to this album is a divine, mystic and cosmic experience!!!!!!

This album sums up the ingenuity and exceptional capabilities of one of the finest jazz-fusion bands ever.

It can be heard again and again without dissapontment. Chick Corea's unlimited talent for bringing together classical composition with jazz, rock and latin has never been so clearly expressed in any of his albums, except for this one. This album tought me to love jazz, it opened my eyes for the wonderful world of improvisation, which life is.

The album is almost a journey into the mind of Corea, told by a bunch of people who truly unites their virtuous capabilities into a blend of sometimes humorous, sometimes deeply serious and technically baffling orchestration.

A masterpiece of what music also can be.

I was familiar with some of Chick's music from before, he's created a lot of fantastic music, but some of his work is a bit too much piano and strange melodies, BUT, this cd with the elektric band absolutely blew me away! It's a fantastic combination of beautiful piano melodies, funky drumming, amazing gitar work and a nice cutting sax. Absolutely recommended!

Wow...I can't believe anyone would say this release was anything but perfect. This CD is what turned me on to jazz in the first place...I was 16 and a metal head at the time. Here it is, about 15 years later, and I still listen to this CD constantly. The actual music is beautiful, the transitions are genius, and the musicians...well, in my opinion there couldn't have been a better blend of members. This album completely changed me as a musician.

This is Chick Corea at this best. The entire CD is creative and exciting. I have already listened to it many times since purchase. It is already one of my favorite Cds. I don't know how to describe music. I just know that this is good stuff.

If you like the guitar work of Frank Gambale - he's great on this CD!

what a timeless recording, not the heavy fusion stuff but very refined compositions, almost unplug. Dave weckl and J paticucci again compliment c corea all the way... i would to tke this opportunity to ask you guys to check out chick corea and hiromi performing spain on you tube, be blown away with their talents/...