Chick Corea's Japanese albums

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Pianist Chick Corea is one of most significant musician in modern jazz history, his early mainstream albums,late 60s-early 70s avant-garde jazz projects and classic fusion albums from 70s all are jazz of highest probe. Starting from late 70s he tried to find new direction returning back to post bop, flirting with third stream, releasing not too successful chamber jazz albums, founding new fusion projects, etc. Unfortunately during last three decades Chick almost never reached same level as in 60s or 70s.
Even heavy pianist fans are quite disappointed with his music,recorded during last 15 years. Being prolific, he didn't offered much new or just highest quality music in that period. His fans know main rule here - almost all his best albums coming from last three decades are post bop. 

Additionally , there are second rule helping to make a right choice - go for Japanese releases! To be more precise, second choice is just a part of the first one - almost all Corea's Japanese albums contain post-bop. 

Speaking about original Japanese releases (not Japanese versions of already released albums), first Corea's works come from the very beginning of his career - some of his short-lived Circle project albums were released on Japanese label.

To be even more precide, his very first solo album, ever released in Japan, is "The Sun", coming from 1970. It was never reissued on CD, so generally people know about it but never saw it. The only person, having that album I know is Swedish Sax player and vinyl collector Mats Gustafsson

http://matsgus.com/discaholic_corner/?p=1820

Now, speaking about more current releases, there were three series of them. First one come from 1996 when Corea's own Strech label in co-operation with Japanese Universal released some material,recorded during previous years.

It contains his solo piano/synth recordings from 1982:

return to fusion with electric trio (incl Patitucci and Weckl),recorded in 1985

and strong acoustic trio album (again with Patitucci and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta),recorded in 1992

Above series are quite a mixed bag,probably only last album is really worth to be found.

Second Corea's album Japanese series come from 2006-2007 and open with excellent Super Trio album (with Christian McBride and Steve Gadd)

The second part of these series contain five separate albums as well released as 5 CD set, known as "Five Trios". Each album Corea recorded with different trio, three of then come from live events, and all are great!

Third series, containing one 3CD live set of Corea's acoustic trio (with McBride and Brian Blade + guests incl. Gayle Moran singing on one song), are excellent post-bop collection.

listen here:

http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/mp3/chick-corea/4188

So, in all speaking about last decade or even two, almost all Corea's best albums come from Japan. I can recommend any of these albums (especially from 2006-2013) to Corea's fan,disappointed by his new Western releases, you'll find out great artist once again

Edited by snobb - 02 Apr 2017 at 2:44am

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snobb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Forum Admin Group Site Admin Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Location: Vilnius Status: Offline Points: 28435	Post Options Post Reply Quote snobb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Chick Corea's Japanese albums Posted: 21 Jun 2014 at 7:32am
	Pianist Chick Corea is one of most significant musician in modern jazz history, his early mainstream albums,late 60s-early 70s avant-garde jazz projects and classic fusion albums from 70s all are jazz of highest probe. Starting from late 70s he tried to find new direction returning back to post bop, flirting with third stream, releasing not too successful chamber jazz albums, founding new fusion projects, etc. Unfortunately during last three decades Chick almost never reached same level as in 60s or 70s. Even heavy pianist fans are quite disappointed with his music,recorded during last 15 years. Being prolific, he didn't offered much new or just highest quality music in that period. His fans know main rule here - almost all his best albums coming from last three decades are post bop. Additionally , there are second rule helping to make a right choice - go for Japanese releases! To be more precise, second choice is just a part of the first one - almost all Corea's Japanese albums contain post-bop. Speaking about original Japanese releases (not Japanese versions of already released albums), first Corea's works come from the very beginning of his career - some of his short-lived Circle project albums were released on Japanese label. To be even more precide, his very first solo album, ever released in Japan, is "The Sun", coming from 1970. It was never reissued on CD, so generally people know about it but never saw it. The only person, having that album I know is Swedish Sax player and vinyl collector Mats Gustafsson http://matsgus.com/discaholic_corner/?p=1820 Now, speaking about more current releases, there were three series of them. First one come from 1996 when Corea's own Strech label in co-operation with Japanese Universal released some material,recorded during previous years. It contains his solo piano/synth recordings from 1982: return to fusion with electric trio (incl Patitucci and Weckl),recorded in 1985 and strong acoustic trio album (again with Patitucci and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta),recorded in 1992 Above series are quite a mixed bag,probably only last album is really worth to be found. Second Corea's album Japanese series come from 2006-2007 and open with excellent Super Trio album (with Christian McBride and Steve Gadd) The second part of these series contain five separate albums as well released as 5 CD set, known as "Five Trios". Each album Corea recorded with different trio, three of then come from live events, and all are great! Third series, containing one 3CD live set of Corea's acoustic trio (with McBride and Brian Blade + guests incl. Gayle Moran singing on one song), are excellent post-bop collection. listen here: http://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/mp3/chick-corea/4188 So, in all speaking about last decade or even two, almost all Corea's best albums come from Japan. I can recommend any of these albums (especially from 2006-2013) to Corea's fan,disappointed by his new Western releases, you'll find out great artist once again Edited by snobb - 02 Apr 2017 at 2:44am