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Chick Corea- Rendezvous in New York SACD
Chick Corea has always been a pioneer, both musically and technologically. He has his detractors, but I find his music compelling, interesting, exciting, and most importantly, genuinely joyful.

He recently played a series of concerts at New York's Blue Note jazz club (a joint I frequent) in which he played with musical partners past and present. A double SACD (hybrid, multichannel) collection of performances from these concerts has been released, and it is absolutely wonderful.

The music:
Disc 1:
Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin Duet
1. Armando's Rhumba
2. Blue Monk
3. Concierto De Aranjuez / Spain
McFerrin has been low-key but active (especially as a conductor) since his hit song "Don't Worry Be Happy." These three duets find him scat-singing along with Corea. The two voices take turns accompanying each other and intertwining their improvisations. It's one of the most "musical" wordless vocal performances I've ever heard.
Now He Sings, Now He Sobs Trio (w/ Roy Haynes and Miroslav Vitous)
4. Matrix
Haynes has been a top bop drummer since the days of Parker, while Vitous came to prominence in the 60s and 70s. This band recorded very early in Corea's career. The different styles come together very nicely. 
Matrix is a complex piece that Corea has been toying with throughout his career. Any new version is always welcome.
Remember Bud Powell Band
5. Glass Enclosure / Tempus Fugit
5 stellar musicians in a fitting tribute to the great Bud Powell, playing a medley of two of his greatest pieces. They certainly make the music their own, flying off into musical explorations and telepathic group playing.
Duet with Gary Burton
6. Crystal Silence
Corea's softer, more gentle work is often overlooked. It has been with vibraphonist Gary Burton that he has achieved the heights of this type of music. They have gotten to the point where they always click together. The song is gorgeous.
Acoustic Band
7. Bessie's Blues
and

Disc 2
1. Autumn Leaves
The Akoustic Band was a firestorm. IMO, their original music was more compelling than their sometimes over-technical presentation of standards. However, these two performances are tighter and more pleasant than when they performed them on record earlier.
Origin
2. Armando's Tango
I saw Origin in Carnegie Hall. To me, this band is the most enjoyable of all of Corea's work, due to the youthful exuberience and energy of the band, the large sound of the many instruements, and the prodigy-like talent of bass player Avishai Cohen.
This "tango" is a lot of fun, and the rhythm section is on fire.
New Trio
4. Lifeline
This trio is just the rhythm section of Origin. These three guys have reached that improvisational connection that jazz lovers love to here. Great stuff.
Three Quartets Band
5. Quartet No. 2, Part 1
Heavily composed, temperate music ends this set, performed by veterans Eddie Gomez, Michael Brecker, and Steve Gadd. A lovely piece.


Corea fans will love the variety of the music and the way it celebrates his career. Those new to his work will find a perfect intro to his work.

The sound:

Recorded live direct to DSD at the Blue Note, this is one of the most ambitious recordings I've heard. The result is wonderful- every note is brilliantly clear. You can hear McFerrin's throat working to create his scats, Patitucci's slap on the bass neck, Hayne's cymbals ringing bright and clear. The multichannel track is aggressive enough to notice, but not silly (ie, not sounds flying about the room). Also, I believe this hybrid is the only release of the album (that is, no redbook only version), which is great, since it's not priced more than a regular double CD.


I think this album demonstrates the power of DSD and SACD from a recording and audio reproduction standpoint. The fact that the music is killer and it captures legendary jazz musicians makes it that much better.

ISO + Flac 24bit 88khz