Chick Corea Elektric Band CD

Chick Corea's Elektric Band's first disc is the record which formally introduced the bass virtuoso John Patitucci and awe-inspiring drummer Dave Weckl to the world. Patitucci's six-string electric bass technique and Weckl's crystal clean drumming acrobatics would become the stuff of legend and the sparkle in the eyes of rhythm section students from this point forward. Unlike most keyboardists at the time, Corea approached the synthesizer as an individual instrument--not as an electrified piano. As a result, this group's sound was much richer and more creative than similar ensembles of the day.

On "Rumble," Corea's furious fingerings are matched note-for-note by Weckl's use of drum machines and electronic sounds to create a kaleidoscopic backdrop. In contrast, the subdued "Cool Weasel Boogie" displays a softer side to the machines and sampled sounds. The most impressive track is "Got A Match?" Blisteringly fast with jaw-dropping solos by all, this tune cemented the group's status among musicians the world over. The unique "King Cockroach" features a nice blend of Corea's nimble playing, guitarist Scott Henderson's soaring tones and the Weckl/Patitucci rhythm machine. In all, there is little wonder why this band all but defined great electric jazz in the '80s.

Recorded at Mad Hatter Studios, Los Angeles, California.

Chick Corea Elektric Band: Chick Corea (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Scott Henderson, Carlos Rios (guitar); John Patitucci (acoustic & electric basses); Dave Weckl (acoustic & electronic drums).

Personnel: Chick Corea (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Scott Henderson , Carlos Rios (guitar); Bo Tomlyn (voice box); John Patitucci (electric bass, 6-string bass); Dave Weckl (drums, percussion); Rory Kaplan (programming).

Audio Mixer: Bernie Kirsh.

Recording information: Mad Hatter Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA.

Photographers: David Moore; Glenn Wexler.

Unknown Contributor Role: Dave Weckl.

Arranger: Chick Corea.