The Anthology

Return to Forever

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 27, 2008)
• Original Release Date: May 27, 2008
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B0017V7HXY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,562 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This IS the definitive Collection.

A brand new two cd anthology of the seminal classic jazz-rock fusion band. Features essential music from their chart-topping albums "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy," "Where Have I Known You Before," "No Mystery," and "Romantic Warrior".

* Completely Remixed & Remastered.

* Best of the 4 classic albums together for the first time.

* Commemorates RTF's 2008 World Tour - Their first in 25 years featuring the iconic lineup of CHICK COREA, STANLEY CLARKE, AL DiMEOLA, and LENNY WHITE.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, June 16, 2008

By	WillieB - See all my reviews

This collection of songs is from the electric days (1973 - 1976) of RTF. Nothing is presented from their first two albums or final release. Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke personally selected the songs for this 2-disc anthology, two hours and twenty-nine minutes of music presented in chronological order, and it is spectacular. "Romantic Warrior" is one of my favorite fusion albums and on this collection it is presented in its entirety, as well as the entire "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy", another killer album that I haven't listened to in a long time. "Where Have I Known You Before" and "No Mystery" each have four of the best songs pulled from them.

Everything has been remixed and remastered and it sounds killer. I was worried the sound would be butchered like it has been for a lot of remastered discs. But this was done with care. The muddiness has been reduced but the lows are still punchy, and the overall volume and highs are not cranked to the point of insanity. Well done! The liner notes include a history of RTF, each band member provides some insights, and there are some cool photos. Highly recommended, and I hope they film some of the 2008 shows and release a DVD.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This IS the definitive collection!, May 28, 2008

By	Les Moore (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

If you've heard the original tracks this blows them away. The new technology and standards really show up on this recording. The dynamic range is awesome and needs to be heard to be appreciated. We have the original recordings and put them up against the newly remastered/remixed ones here and that's where you can really tell the difference. And the price is unbelievable. To get this much great music for this priced is too good to pass up. See if you don't agree.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome Back, May 28, 2008

By	Mr. Richard D. Coreno "Mr. C" (Berea, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

As part of Return To Forever's ambitious 2008 World Tour, this 20-track, 2-CD set featuring music from the band's legendary catalog has been issued on Concord Records.

The selections are from Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973), Where Have I Known You Before (1974), No Mystery (1975) and Romantic Warrior (1976). The original master tapes are remixed and remastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Mick Guzauski.

An impressive booklet includes an array of photographs and recollections from each band member. This definitive collection is more than two hours of classic fusion from a band which was in the forefront of a revolution of sound and creativity.