Chick Corea Paint The World CD

After the departure of Dave Weckl, John Patitucci and Frank Gambale from the first Elektric Band, Chick Corea quickly assembled the Elektric Band II. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal returns from the first band to be joined by bassist Jimmy Earl, guitarist Mike Miller and drummer Gary Novak for PAINT THE WORLD, a new chapter in the continuing tale of modern electric jazz that refuses to lay down and become instrumental pop. Once again, Corea's tight, percussive keyboard technique dominates, with strong, tasteful support from his inventive rhythm section.

While this band doesn't quite generate the fire that the first group did, the performances here are first-rate. The group's sound has remained consistent, although there are subtle differences. Miller is a nimble guitarist, but less obvious than his predecessor. Earl is every bit the soloist Patitucci was, but he has his own unique voice on the six-string bass. Novak, too, is much more laid back than Weckl, but still cooks up plenty of spice, driving the group through many complex arrangements. Standout tracks include the shuffling title cut, the quirky "Tumba Island," Corea's signature work on "Spanish Sketch" and even a cover of Jimmy Heath's "CTA."

Recorded at Mad Hatter Studios, Los Angeles, California.

Chick Corea Elektric Band II: Chick Corea (keyboards); Eric Marienthal (saxophone); Mike Miller (guitar); Jimmy Earl (bass); Gary Novak (drums).