This is a rare recording of the Akoustic Band with Vinnie Colaiuta sitting in for Dave Weckl: one of the top drummers on the planet replacing another one of the top drummers on the planet for this one-off. A Japan-exclusive release, this CD is very rare to come by these days.
From Chick's famous improvisational twister "Humpty Dumpty" to the break-neck rendition of Coltrane's "Chasin' the Trane", this record shines from beginning to end with a slightly different Akoustic Band rhythmic ferocity led by Vinnie's playing and Chick's dynamic pace of improvisation. John Patitucci playing at the top of his game keeps the bottom of the trio together, aided by his own fiery solos. This stands as the trio's only recording in existence.
Reviews
"The musicianship on this album is absolutely insane. Seriously, it will blow your mind. It pretty much sounds like these guys are playing with one mind."
- From Rate Your Music
"Chick is the king... when it comes to chops among monster jazz pianists. I mean, if you want to talk intense technique on the keys, no one even comes close... just listen to the endlessly creative hundred note runs of 64ths he plays with crystal clear tone in improv all over this CD, almost blowing Vinnie out of his seat, time and time again. But then out of nowhere [Vinnie] does some unbelievable things with Chick's avalanche of licks, anticipating perfectly a zillion note run with perfectly calibrated fills and those are the moments of gold this disc is legendary for among Chick & Vinnie fans."
- From a Fan
Full Track Listing:
1. Humpty Dumpty
2. New Waltze
3. With A Song In My Heart
4. Chasin' The Train
5. Summer Night
6. Tumba
7. Autumn Leaves
