The legendary Chick Corea, a 27-time Grammy Award winner and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, continues to inspire generations of jazz lovers. In 1993, Corea introduced the second iteration of his iconic Elektric Band, a group that pushed the boundaries of jazz fusion with a fresh, innovative sound. Now, fans of Corea’s groundbreaking work have the opportunity to revisit one of the band’s finest moments with the re-release of Paint The World, which includes the rare track “Final Frontier,” previously available only in Japan and Europe.
A New Era for Chick Corea's Elektric Band
In 1993, Corea’s second Elektric Band lineup included Mike Miller on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass, Gary Novak on drums, and Eric Marienthal on saxophone—the sole returning member from the original band. This new formation brought a new energy to Corea’s compositions, blending fusion, jazz, and a sense of musical adventure that had defined his career.
Recorded almost entirely in first takes at Mad Hatter Studios in Los Angeles, Paint The World showcases Corea’s commitment to spontaneity and musicianship. True to his innovative spirit, Corea crafted material specifically tailored to this ensemble's unique strengths, resulting in a fresh sound that combined complexity with accessibility.
While the focus of the album leaned more towards acoustic piano rather than synthesizers, the recording retained the hallmark proficiency, spontaneity, and flawless execution that defined the Elektric Band's legacy. Paint The World continued the tradition of pushing musical boundaries, blending genres and creating something entirely new.
The Rare Track "Final Frontier"
A standout addition to this re-release is the inclusion of “Final Frontier”, a track that was originally released only in the Japanese and European editions of the album. This high-energy fusion piece showcases Corea’s prowess on synthesizers and offers a direct response to the iconic “Got A Match” from the 1986 Chick Corea Elektric Band album.
“Final Frontier” serves as an uptempo platform for the band to shine, allowing each musician to demonstrate their technical skill and creative spontaneity. The track is a perfect example of the jazz fusion style that Corea and his bands have become famous for, featuring tight rhythms, intricate melodies, and a fierce level of musicianship. It’s a must-listen for fans of Corea and jazz fusion alike.
Why Paint The World is a Must-Have for Chick Corea Fans
With its re-release, Paint The World offers a complete and definitive listening experience for jazz fusion enthusiasts. The album not only represents a high point in Chick Corea’s career but also captures the thrilling, genre-defying energy of the second Elektric Band. By adding the rare track “Final Frontier” to this edition, the re-release completes the picture of this exceptional era in Corea’s illustrious career.
For long-time fans and new listeners alike, this album is an essential addition to any jazz collection, offering both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a glimpse into the boundary-pushing vision that made Chick Corea one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.
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