Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Here, Chick took a very different approach to the Elektric Band paradigm, namely he left more open space for improvisation as opposed to mapping out nearly every last note or being overly concerned about airplay potential. There was also a major lineup change, Chick and saxophonist Eric Marienthal being the only holdovers from the first EB. The new participants were guitarist Mike Miller, drummer Gary Novak and bassist Jimmy Earl.
And did the change help? Mostly, YES!
The band overall ahs a much looser feel to it, thanks in no small part to drummer Gary Novak who brings an entirely different attitude and approach than Dave Weckl's, not a slam, just a contrast. Gary has a wonderfully loose funky creative style of drumming that is a good fit for Chick's music.
Bassist Jimmy Earl comes into the equation taking the unusual approach of NOT soloing at all, but preferring to concentrate on making the music groove, and groove he does! Not everyone can do what his predecessor John Patitucci did so beautifully (namely play lead bass and NOT come off like a show-offy wanker) and Jimmy wisely keeps that in mind, but his playing is FAR beyond anonymous thumping P-Bass minimalism too.
Guitarist Mike Miller is a real treat too, bringing a tart, biting sound and an angular melodic sense to the table yet playing with a lot more soul than uber-chopsmeister Frank Gambale could ever hope to. His biting solo on "Ritual" is especially fun to dig into.
However, I wish I could be as enthusiastic about Eric Marienthal's playing. Granted, he has chops and all, but for me, comes up short in the creativity department, as it seems he plays the same Sanborn-esque licks over and over again with little variation when not navigating Chick's twisty melodies. I've always thought of him as the EB's weakest link. IF there had been NO sax at all, this disc might've earned a 5 star rating without much trouble.
But that said, I dare say, the songs themselves are a LOT more fun to listen to here, as opposed the the uptight and overly fussed with and mind-numbingly predictable predecsssor "Beneath The Mask". There's far more breathing room for each musician and a much looser organic sound in general. Chick actually goes rather sparing on the synths here, preferring to hit mainly pianos. One of the discs high points is "Ritual" a more biting electrified version of a piece that originally appeared on his excellent 1981 release "Three Quartets". "Tumba Island" is a rather odd yet endearing piece based on some dance music that Chick hear while on vacation on a particular island. Elsewhere, the twisty melodies fly and everyone sounds like they're having a ball playing, which is VERY important.
It's a shame this version of the EB didn't stay together very long, at least judging by what was on here, it could've evolved into a VERY exciting electric-jazz outift. Definitely recommended, gripes about EM notwithstanding.
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Songs Include : 1. Paint The World 3:58 / 2. Blue Miles 5:32 / 3. Tone Poem 6:51 / 4. CTA 5:49 / 5. Silhouette 1:43 / 6. Space 6:08 / 7. The Ant & The Elephant 7:33 / 8. Tumba Island 5:58 / 9. Ritual 7:36 / 10. Ished 7:18 / 11. Spanish Sketch 8:07 / 12. Reprise 2:50
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