Septet

Chick Corea, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, has been a major contributor to the jazz scene for over five decades. He is renowned for his improvisational excellence and unique style that combines elements of various genres. Septet, his 2020 album, is a perfect example of this. It features seven extraordinary musicians, each a master of his instrument, playing together, resulting in an incredible fusion of jazz, classical, and Latin music. In this blog post, we will share our critical review of the album, highlight its best songs, analyze its most innovative parts, and offer some critiques.

Septet is a genre-bending album that explores various musical structures and forms, from straight-ahead jazz to contemporary classical music. The album features Chick Corea on the piano, Steve Wilson on alto and soprano saxophones, flute player Jorge Pardo, Michael Rodriguez on trumpet and flugelhorn, trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Carlitos Del Puerto, and Cuban percussionist Marcus Gilmore. Each musician brings his unique style and flavor, creating a dynamic soundscape that is both immaculate and spontaneous.

One of the best songs on the album is Antidote, a high-energy piece that showcases the virtuosity of the septet. It features a rapid-fire exchange between Corea and Wilson, navigating complex rhythms and harmonies with ease. Another standout track is Portals to Forever, a nostalgic piece that incorporates the use of orchestration and electronic soundscapes to create a dreamy, otherworldly experience.

The most innovative part of the album is its improvisational approach to composition. As with most jazz, the septet creates music on the spot, often building upon each other's ideas spontaneously. Chick Corea's improvised piano solos, in particular, are a masterclass in musicianship, as he seamlessly weaves together various melodic ideas, harmonies, and rhythmic motifs. The septet's ability to improvise collectively while keeping the music cohesive and organized is a testament to their musical prowess and chemistry.

While Septet is an incredible album, it is not without its flaws. The album's use of electronic soundscapes and production can sometimes overwhelm the acoustic instruments, muddying the balance between the two. Additionally, some tracks on the album, such as The Yellow Nimbus, can be overly aggressive, lacking the subtlety and delicacy that the septet is capable of.

Overall, Septet is a phenomenal album that showcases the incredible musicianship of Chick Corea and his septet. Its fusion of jazz, classical, and Latin music is both refreshing and innovative, and its use of improvisation is a testament to the septet's musical abilities. While the album has its flaws, it is still a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast or anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of music.