Return To Forever…
Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Return To Forever concert at Kingsbury Hall. Simply amazing. These 4 dudes, who were on the forefront of the invention of jazz-fusion 25 years ago, walked in, sat down and played some of the hottest, groovingest music I’ve ever heard. The same material from a quarter of a century ago, and it still sounds fresh and hipper than almost anything else out there at the moment. I was almost able to arrange a lesson with the drummer, too.
Chick played in his customary style. Lots of crazy, processed synth. Chick’s technique and soloistic approach are distinctive, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Stanley Clarke was the other real standout of the show, in my opinion. They played a set with him on upright bass, and he took an extended solo… during which, frankly, I’m not sure WHAT happened. I’ve never seen anybody play the instrument like that. I was sincerely afraid he was going to break it. Apparently there are examples of similar stuff from him on youtube. I’ll check that out and post it.
Anybody who’s going to be in position to see this tour who likes music AT ALL owes it to themselves to go see these masters do the funky fusion.
/w