Chick Corea- Now He Sings.....

[Pharaohrock]

I've been re-listening to this and as much as this disc is almost univerally praised (and I've been among its praisers), I have been finding it, ultimately- rather emotionally unengaging.

It just sounds like an exercise a lot of the time. Some great ideas and great rhythmic interaction but the aesthetic involved IMHO seems to put precision and profundity of notes over depth of expression.

So I'm coming to terms with the fact that totally respect the creativity and the pianistic artistry of Chick on this record but that, there's just not much FOR ME to take from it emotionally. I get IDEAS from listening to this record, but I get so much more in terms of an overall experience out of some of Herbie and McCoy's records from the same time period, like or Inventions and Dimensions or Reachin' Fourth....

Any thoughts, similar reactions, or just plain outrage??

[champjams]

I totally agree with you Pharaoh. It's not swinging, on any level.

[Coypu]

Isn't this the guy who wanted a bassplayer who kept it simple after Patitucci... Hrmf.

[Pharaohrock]

I've heard swinging records that weren't emotionally fulfilling, thank you very much.

[jazzypaul]

Matrix doesn't swing? Champjams, you have just proven that you've never heard the album. That album is worth the price of admission based on Matrix alone.

Pharaoh, I feel the same way about Miles' mid 60's quintet. Amazing music, always blown away by it, but it doesn't stick to the ribs, so to speak, the way that Eddie Harris does for me. I dunno. Let the flames begin...

[Pharaohrock]

I'm not quite as down on the second quintet as you are in that respect, but I can def. understand where you're coming from with that....sometimes that band does seem too aloof, too damn cool for its own good. What's interesting to me about Wallace Roney's Quintet album is that it takes a lot of the same concepts Miles' band was dealing with and throws them into a more fiery, emboldened context. You should check that record out if you haven't already. I don't think anyone has developed off the ideas of the second quintet as well as the Tony Williams band quite like Roney has.

[DWBass]

Originally posted by Coypu
Isn't this the guy who wanted a bassplayer who kept it simple after Patitucci... Hrmf. Yeah right?! He went from Patitucci (who does indeed play simply) to Jimmy Earl (who plays a lot busier than Patitucci) in The Elektric Band II.

[Coypu]

He turned down Bill Dickens by the motivation that he wanted a bassplayer who kept it simple. "he didn't want a new Patitucci". I would however had turned down Bill Dickens aswell in his position but not for that particular reason.

[jazzypaul]

I'm sorry Coypu, but given your whole thing about chops, if you don't dig Bill Dickens, then I have lost ALL respect for you. I saw him do a clinic once, and my god, I have never seen such a ridiculous (and exciting) display of sheer musical know-it-all-ness as Dickens was able to do in a heartbeat.

[Coypu]

I never liked chops for the sake of chops. Bill has lots of skill but he plays way up on his 7 string bass and slaps muted notes at high speed but its not really musical. I have seen videos of his playing stuff that is completely out of place. Chops mean nothing if they don't complement the music as a whole.

[jazzypaul]

Then how can you possibly like Spastik Ink? You are laughable.

[Coypu]

Spastic Ink makes great music, it gets me going like few things. Just listen to Just a little dirty, Suspended on all fours and such, thoose songs are catchy as hell and Mosquito Brain Surgery is a masterpeice. I guess that you are not really a classical fan at all, spastic ink shares a strong bond with Schoenberg and similars.

[jazzypaul]

Amazing how you make these sweeping statements. Again, I say in regards to spastik Ink, it doesn't even sound like music! What is the point?

[Coypu]

Originally posted by jazzypaul
Amazing how you make these sweeping statements. Again, I say in regards to spastik Ink, it doesn't even sound like music! What is the point?

Well technical music does not seem to appeal to everyone but once you get past the somewhat mathematical impression you'll understand the beuty of it all. Which songs have you heard???

[micahw]

I'm reviving this thread because I love "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs". It is probably my favorite piano trio record. ( for the record -- Chick is my 2nd favorite pianist--Herbie Hancock is #1!).

Ok, at first I was indifferent to it. Just as the original poster mentioned, I heard it and it sounded okay -- a bit "mechanical" and even mathematical. I had gotten the CD because it was highly praised and I wanted to start listening to some Corea. I put it away for a few months and then came back to it (I can't remember why --bored maybe?).

Slowly, I started to hear great melodies in Chicks lines and the truly propuslive swing that he had going with Roy Haynes and Miroslav. In fact, one of the great strengths of the album is that it truly is a TRIO effort. Mirslav's solos are quite memorable ( e.g. "What Was", "Now He Beats the Drum...") and Roy Haynes just knows how to put in those little "accents" in the right place to get that popping swing going.

But back to Chick. Not only are the compositions on here first rate (even the more 'freerer' ones), but the way Chick weaves his lines in and out are just magic here. They are very lyrical ( see "Windows", "Pannocia", "My Only Love") and fit so well that they almost seem pre-composed (of course they weren't). Chick's technique is excellent and when he plays in the upper regsiter he makes the piano "sing" - something which is what all pianists should thirve for. Just listen to when he plays those fast upper register runs in "Matrix". Gosh, it rings like bell -- so pretty!! SOOO Swinging.

And then, I must mention what I consider to be one of the greatest Jazz performances ever:

STEPS: WHAT WAS

What a gorgeous tune -- I LOVE the Bridge to "What Was". It has this dark, brooding quality that I just dig. I am also a fan of Classical music so I like hearing those influences in a "swinging" environment.

Okay, I have rambled on long enough. :o My suggestion to the original poster is just keep on listening! Of course, it may not be your cup of tea and this is fine too. I just wanted to share my experience with you.


Micah