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Rating:
With "Time Warp," Corea revives the formula of the classic jazz quartet, of which there are not many releases in his discography. On this occasion, he is joined by John Patitucci on double bass, Gary Novak on drums, and Bob Berg on saxophone. In particular, this lineup benefits from a rhythm section with powerful driving and characterized by patterns and interplay typical of that fusion style that always looks to jazz as its guiding light.
Novak is a drummer with a very natural and captivating sound, capable of explosive and exquisite subtleties: an exceptional drummer, able to create patterns that at times seem even shrouded in an aura of mystery. Patitucci plays a somewhat subdued role here compared to his previous performances within the Akoustic Band and Elektric Band projects, but this greater restraint, which never falls into virtuosic self-indulgence, makes him, in my opinion, a much more mature bassist than usual, being always measured and savory in the rhythmic contributions that accompany Novak's drumming. Berg remains true to his muscular style, which more closely resembles Michael Brecker rather than Coltrane and gives that virtuosic and edgy phrasing typical of these musical settings. Corea is in excellent form with his now well-established and recognizable pianism, with a style always balanced between lyricism, cubism, experimentation, and neo-classicism.
The compositions are all of the highest level and unfold in a concept album with fascinating and deep sonorities. An album that is able to please immediately, yet at the same time requires numerous listens before being fully absorbed and enjoyed: the most obvious reference within Corea's discography is certainly "Three Quartets," which is equally fascinating, even if different both in intent and lineup.
Unmissable for Corea fans and highly recommended for those who do not seek pure jazz, but that jazz contaminated in the search for boundary forms, so dear to Corea, and difficult to frame within a single genre.
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