Chick Corea's latest masterpiece, Chinese Butterfly, is a captivating double album that showcases the legendary keyboardist's incredible talent, alongside the skilled drummer Steve Gadd. Released on 19 January 2018 via Concord Jazz, this stunning collection of tracks features five epic new compositions, including the enchanting title track, 'Chinese Butterfly'.
The album boasts an impressive lineup, with saxophonist/flautist Steve Wilson, guitarist Lionel Loueke, and bassist Carlitos del Puerto rounding out the band. A notable highlight is the inclusion of Earth, Wind & Fire singer Philip Bailey on a reimagined version of 'Return to Forever', a classic track from 1972.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes, Chinese Butterfly is a journey through the realms of jazz fusion, jazz, Latin jazz, and free jazz. The tracklist includes 'Chick's Chums', 'Serenity', 'Like I Was Sayin'', 'A Spanish Song', 'Return To Forever', 'Wake-Up Call', and 'Gadd-zooks', each one a testament to Chick Corea's innovative spirit and mastery of his craft.
Throughout the album, Loueke's unique guitar sound, at times reminiscent of Pat Metheny's lyrical style, adds a distinctive texture to the music. His experimental approach, aiming to make the guitar sound like a talking drum, brings an intriguing element to the overall sound.
Chinese Butterfly is a rare and transfixing beauty, with each track offering a glimpse into the creative genius of Chick Corea and his collaborators. This album is a must-listen for fans of jazz and fusion music, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the genre's most beloved artists.
Vinylscout