Search - Chick Corea, Gary Burton :: Duet

A 'desert island' top 5 pick

Brian Redman | Vancouver, B.C. Canada | 12/31/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I listened to the title track at least a dozen times before I 'got it'. The melodic lines in 'Duet' are so complex and rythmically challenging, that it seemed almost chaotic. I was absolutely stunned when the whole vast, sweeping pattern started to emerge. To this day, some 20+ years later, I can still find new nuances and surprises; it is one of the most gratifying albums I know of, full of wonderful counterpoint and thrilling modulations. History will, I believe, place this Chic Corea composition alongside those of Chopin. The technical supremacy demonstrated by Burton and Corea is unparalleled; this is one great roller-coaster ride of a tune. The children's songs lend some balance, I suppose, to the frantic pace of the opener, but seem a bit out of place. Other pieces like 'Radio', however, offer up some very satisfying and approachable listening. I thoroughly recommend this album to anyone wanting to bite off a little more than is found in your usual easy-listening jazz album. It's one of the best ever!"