Customer Reviews

Romantic Warrior

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Romantic Warrior" has gone thru several audio iterations since debuting on CD. The domestic CD, which was the 2nd remaster of the album, is pretty good.

However, the benchmark disc is this 2001 Sony Japan-only DSD remaster, derived from a DSD-SACD release in 1999, now long out-of-print. The DSD-processing delivers quite a bit of additional clarity, and especially much better bass, than the U.S. remaster.

The DSD was also re-pressed in 2006. Both pressings have since sold thru, but some availability does remain.

In 2008, the Warrior album was also released, in its entirety, on the 2CD RTF Anthology set. However, that version is heavily remixed, which I didn't particularly care for.

The original's recording, engineering and mastering were, for all intents and purposes, perfect to begin with. After listening to original mix for the past 30 years, I found the remix to be very jarring: The main objective seemed to be targeted in increasing the volume of the solo'd instruments (check out Clarke's bass solo at the end of "Medieval Overture" on the Anthology disc as an example).

If you're looking for the best-sounding version of the Warrior album in its original mix, my advice is to buy this DSD remaster.

Romantic Warrior is, in my opinion, the best fusion albumn ever made by Return to Forever, and, very nearly the best fusion albumn ever made! The lineup of Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White is close to what I would put together in a band that would be closest to perfection. This albumn is so varied: elements include some pure jazz, pure classical, flights of whimsy(the Sorcerer and the Magician), and elements of stylistic audacity coupled with a mastery of guitar and bass(especially in the Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant), along with the elegaic themes of Majestic Dance. Al Di Meola shines in this albumn, and his performances here I believe established him as one of the premier guitarists in jazz/ fusion. Chick Corea is always magnificent, and here, he shows his magnificence as a leader, who allows his band members flower to their full brilliance. Stanley Clarke is impeccable as always, as is Lenny White, of who's like, today, are rare.

Probably the most talented fusion group to come out of the seventies; each musician is a master in his own right. Clarke's "The Magician" is the craziest song I've ever heard and the rest of the album is a genuine masterpiece.

As a kid I found myself listening to this album of 70's genius and enjoying every minute of it! It's indescribable, other than very well thought out, maginitive, and pleasing to the senses. You cannot go wrong, unless you are not a true fan of music. My favorite tracks are Romantic Warrior, The Sorceress, and The Duel Between the Jester and the Tyrant. There should have been a movie built around this cd! It would have scored major points! Well, at least with me!!

"Romantic Warrior" was not the best recording ever made. Probably. I haven't heard them all yet. But it is definitely one of the best. And if ever someone were to ask me about Jazz-Rock Fusion... I would siimply hand them this recording. It is flawless. It is exuberant. And it is timelessly delicious. But it is more than just extremely good jazz and rock. There is a pharmacopia of musical styles enough to please the classical ear as well. To really get the most out of it, I suggest listening to it at least six times. Listen one time through, focusing on each individual musician. The four of them are supremely talented, and each provide creative and virtuoso performances. After those four listens, listen again at how they weave together. By the time you get to the sixth, you are ready to interpret the music through your body. Dance, in other words. It is wondrously embodiable. Pure magic. Beautiful cover design too! I predict they will get back together. The cost of their not is too great.

What do people from SanAntone know from jazz anyway. The track, Majestic Dance is worth the price of admission alone. The rest is gravy. Al Di was God. Just try and keep up playing air guitar. The era is gone but the music lives on. Rebirth: Check out Vertu w/Stan Clarke, Lenny White and Ritchie Kotzen. RTF lives.

The collaboration of Corea, Clarke, White and Di Meola is what I and many others refer to as the best group of Jazz musicians to ever grace the music industry. The crisp precision and creativity in Romantic Warrior make this album a masterpiece and a staple in any fusion repertoire.

yeah, this album was recommended to me as "a great fusion album, which borders on prog-rock at times..".. i picked it up, and liked it so much, that as i was driving home from best buy, getting totally into it, i got a little TOO into it and sorta crashed my Integra.. so now i'm carless, but at least i have this album!!

I BOUGHT THE L P IN 1976 AND OWN TWO COPIES. THE DYNAMICS, FEEL, ENERGY, AND JUST PLAIN MUSICIANSHIP ARE WHAT MAKES THIS ALBUM SO GREAT. IF YOU ARE INTO WEATHER REPORT PAT METHENY OR ANY OTHER GOOD FUSION BAND YOU HAVE A COPY RIGHT NOW. IF YOU DO NOT I WOULD GET ONE IMMEDIATLEY. IT DOESN,T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.

I have been a fan of Chick Corea for many many years. And, I must say that if you love "Fusion Jazz" then this album is a "must have." Whether you like to sit quietly and listen or "get in the groove" get this one.