Customer Reviews

Paint the World

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here, Chick took a very different approach to the Elektric Band paradigm, namely he left more open space for improvisation as opposed to mapping out nearly every last note or being overly concerned about airplay potential. There was also a major lineup change, Chick and saxophonist Eric Marienthal being the only holdovers from the first EB. The new participants were guitarist Mike Miller, drummer Gary Novak and bassist Jimmy Earl.

And did the change help? Mostly, YES!

The band overall ahs a much looser feel to it, thanks in no small part to drummer Gary Novak who brings an entirely different attitude and approach than Dave Weckl's, not a slam, just a contrast. Gary has a wonderfully loose funky creative style of drumming that is a good fit for Chick's music.

Bassist Jimmy Earl comes into the equation taking the unusual approach of NOT soloing at all, but preferring to concentrate on making the music groove, and groove he does! Not everyone can do what his predecessor John Patitucci did so beautifully (namely play lead bass and NOT come off like a show-offy wanker) and Jimmy wisely keeps that in mind, but his playing is FAR beyond anonymous thumping P-Bass minimalism too.

Guitarist Mike Miller is a real treat too, bringing a tart, biting sound and an angular melodic sense to the table yet playing with a lot more soul than uber-chopsmeister Frank Gambale could ever hope to. His biting solo on "Ritual" is especially fun to dig into.

However, I wish I could be as enthusiastic about Eric Marienthal's playing. Granted, he has chops and all, but for me, comes up short in the creativity department, as it seems he plays the same Sanborn-esque licks over and over again with little variation when not navigating Chick's twisty melodies. I've always thought of him as the EB's weakest link. IF there had been NO sax at all, this disc might've earned a 5 star rating without much trouble.

But that said, I dare say, the songs themselves are a LOT more fun to listen to here, as opposed the the uptight and overly fussed with and mind-numbingly predictable predecsssor "Beneath The Mask". There's far more breathing room for each musician and a much looser organic sound in general. Chick actually goes rather sparing on the synths here, preferring to hit mainly pianos. One of the discs high points is "Ritual" a more biting electrified version of a piece that originally appeared on his excellent 1981 release "Three Quartets". "Tumba Island" is a rather odd yet endearing piece based on some dance music that Chick hear while on vacation on a particular island. Elsewhere, the twisty melodies fly and everyone sounds like they're having a ball playing, which is VERY important.

It's a shame this version of the EB didn't stay together very long, at least judging by what was on here, it could've evolved into a VERY exciting electric-jazz outift. Definitely recommended, gripes about EM notwithstanding.

As a musician, this album plainly and simply changed my life. Never have I heard such musicality from a group of musicians, playing with such intensity and passion as on this album. I wish that more words that I could write could do this album more justice, but here is the point: if you are reading this, then BUY THIS ALBUM! I promise that you won't be disappointed!!

I was really surprised with this new set-up. i was blown away by the music of the earlier elekric band (my most favorite band actually) and was a little dissapointed with the changes and was bias against this cd at first. But after listening to it over again, I cannot help but to say that this is now my most favorite elektric band cd. I was totally amazed and stoned by the guitar solos. Mike solos are so much more feeling than that of Frank gambale. this is really a rare chich corea's cd, never before featuring so much on the guitars, and I still has not get enough of mike miller. What a waste without a follow up cd.

This is simply a top notch Jazz fusion effort from Chick Corea and the Elektric band II. What attracted me to this project was the generous helpings of Fender Rhodes keyboard and electric guitar.The songs draw more from Jazz than Rock, but rely on both to create a set of mostly uptempo groove oriented tunes excluding the ethereal Silhouette. What can you say about Corea'a skill? In my opinion his fusion chops have never sounded better and the musicians he employs are extraordinarily complimentary. If you enjoy Jazz Fusion from the mid 70's through early 80's as I do you'll love "Paint the world".

I was fortunate to have seen CCEB2 perform this album at the Park West in Chicago, before I purchased the CD. initially, I was upset that Chick had changed the original line-up and then these guys began to play....Wow! This was like if MJ won his first championship and got traded to the friggin' Lakers! Space is one of the most soulful and introspective pieces I've heard in a while and #2 had the whole club jukin' with it's Blues inflected intensity. Miles would be proud of how Chick has carried the torch for pushing the boundaries of Jazz and although this line-up was short-lived, they got the job done!

I'm a big fan of the lineup with Weckl and Gambale but some of the songs on this CD are fantastic and a bit more "soulful" perhaps. Favs: Space, Ished and Spanish Sketch

First of all, I recommend not listening to the first 2 tracks until you've listened to the rest of the album several times. It's not that they're bad, but they can prejudice your ears against the album (they did for me, initially). But the rest of this album is just so inspired. Gary Novak on drums is worth the price of admission, right off the bat, and the #4 tune, "CTA" is just so intense rhythmically -- I won't even try to describe it. But it proves to the uninitiated that he is a force to be reckoned with. Of course, this is a Chick Corea album, and personally, there is no musician I respect more. I mean, the man has no limitations whatsoever. Starting with track 3, the whole album is amazing, but the other really standout track is #10, "Ished". Again, dazzling, complex rhythms by Mr. Novak. Also #9, "Ritual" is superb - the solos by Chick and guitarist Mike Miller are brilliant. If you like the original Elektric band, you have to get your ears around this album!

this CD is a musical gem... the songs and musicianship are top notch....the intensity of the players makes this Chick Corea recording a must for all good music lovers....the guitar work of Mike Miller lifts and twists and curves its way around the piano genius of Corea...while the drumming of Gary Novak is out of this world....but as with all good music the individual performances further enhance the great songs of this man..Chick Corea....there are no standout tracks as such, because they ALL are in their own right....the sax playing of Eric Marienthal and bass of Jimmy Earl are a delight to the ears.....The compositions all have an interesting journey of musical adventure on which the listener can "jump aboard" and be swept along with the music of CHICK COREA...The piano work on this CD is awesome...this man has a feel that money can't buy...THIS IS A MUST HAVE CD...