Search - Chick Corea, Steve Kujala :: Voyage

Corea's Smoother Side

D | Cincinnati, OH United States | 10/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I own this one on vinyl only. I didn't even think it was still available in any format until I found it here! This album is the epitome of Corea's ECM era (discounting the 'Return to Forever' LP). After having been involved in creating one of the 70's best fusion supergroups (RTF), it seems he felt it was time to settle down. This album with just Chick on acoustic piano and Steve Kujala on flute does just that. It is VERY mellow. This is how the harder fusion of the 70's got mutated into what it is today (Yellowjackets, Fourplay, etc.): smooth jazz. But, that doesn't mean that this is a bad album. I really don't think Chick Corea could do a bad album! From the time he played with Mongo Santamaria, Mr. Corea had a melodic sense that was nearly unparalleled in jazz (Coltrane had the harmonic sense, Miles had it in modalities). And flute has always been a good compliment to his style (Hubert Laws and Joe Farrell come to mind here).
Well, I guess what I'm saying is that if you like Chick Corea's sense of music and like to hear something a bit more easygoing, then this is the album to get. ..."

Circle

11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I also own this on vinyl. One of Chick's best from the ECM stuff. Harmonically more complex and adventurous. Great CD. Steve Kujala hunts and explores right along with Chick. "Bending" notes on his flute like a flamenco flautist. If you like a little harmonic adventure, try this one. What does this have to do with "smooth jazz?" Thankfully nothing. This is the real stuff. This might be mellow in that it is acoustic piano and flute, but musically, it is anything but mellow."