Search - Corea;Chick;Miroslav Vitous;Roy Haynes :: ECM Touchstones: Trio Music, Live In Europe

A reference recording in every sense

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 10/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is really one of those albums that have a special quality, a special magic inside. This is just one of those record you really would own. Believe me. One of those specials you search for going from one shop to another hungry for good music. This is it. It is REALLY one of the best records I own and in my case this means a lot because I own several thousands of Jazz records by masters of any era. This record is the document of a magic evening that Chick, Roy and Miroslav spent together playing the best music of their lifes. It is even, take note please, one of the best recorded trio music ever. If you are an AUDIOPHILE like myself you will find a very gratifying recording. Simply sit in front of your loudspeakers and let the music do the talking. No word from these guys is invain here. Everything is absolutly perfect believe me. This live album is one of the albums I take as a reference when people talk to me about Jazz trio. I don't own he other recording from this trio, the studio date, but I doubt it could be incredible as this one .. but I will buy it ASAP. The guys. Roy is jazz drumming , the contest is over. GAME OVER, Roy's the man! Miroslav is a very interesting bass player, with a big sound and very precious ideas and lines. And Chick .. consider that ususally, I don't particularly like Chick Corea's playing ... but in this case I can't do nothing but adore it. The program is very balanced there are standards and moments of a sort of classical music that is simply splendid. PURE MAGIC."

Pleasant listening, but not much real excitement

Dave Deubler | Pennsylvania | 10/09/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"An often pleasant but generally uneven recording from piano great Chick Corea and company. The three opening numbers: "The Loop", "I Hear a Rhapsody", and the medley "Summer Night/Night and Day" are bright and energetic and very pleasant listening, especially the bass breaks by the always brilliant Miroslav Vitous. But none of this material strikes me as very innovative - just your basic cocktail jazz, played very well, of course, but no more. Where's the fire? Where's the synergy that makes the band more than the sum of its parts? Instead the focus shifts to the individual players for the next three numbers: Corea provides some quiet, sensitive moments in the overlong "Prelude No. 2/Mock Up", then Vitous takes bow in hand for a technically proficient but tedious "Transformation", followed by Roy Hynes' arrhythmic "Hittin' It" (a real disappointment considering how impressive Hynes is in driving the first couple of numbers). Another Vitous composition, "Mirovisions", rounds out the set, starting with another bowed bass lead and picking up steam only after Corea takes over and the bass resumes its natural rhythmic function. This is perhaps the most ambitious and aggressively innovative piece presented, but it's not strong enough to merit recommending a purchase in itself. Comprised of three good tracks, one very good track, and three not-so-good, I don't consider this release much better than average. Add one star if you're a big fan of bowed acoustic bass. Otherwise, three and half seems generous."