We’re sorry. This album is unavailable for download in your country (United States) at this time.
I have the original vinyl, and recently burned it to CD. It is, to my ears, one of the great jazz performances. These four musicians so inspired and pushed each other, the album never fails to stop me in my tracks. The fire and passion of Brecker's solos, the intense melodicism of Eddie Gomez, the cool of Steve Gadd, especially his solo on Quartet 2, with Corea's chords emphasizing moment, all are absolutely breathtaking.
I originally have this on vinyl. Incredible playing, it's a music lesson for jazzers everytime ya listen to it. The added tracks are a nice bonus. I had no exposure to them prior to this release. The bit rate is a little low but the critical music message is preserved.
The 'Three Quartets' were structured jazz compositions with a wide range of classical influences, and they see Corea exploring some of the territory Bill Evans left uncolonized. 'Quartet No. 2' is the only one broken down into parts - dedications, respectively, to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane - and it is harmonically the most varied. The other two are unmistakable Corea, mixing funky lines with a floating, very classical sound. Michael Brecker was still developing what has since become the most ubiquitous comtemporary tenor sound after John Coltrane and Jan Garbarek, and he still sounds adventurous and forceful.
I love this album, but the 128k CBR MP3 stands out horribly to my not-too-picky ears. 30 seconds into the first track and I'm annoyed by the artifacts in the cymbals. eMusic should get this album in higher quality!
Hard to believe that so much talent can do so much on one album together. This album sticks out as one of those rare glimpses in history as to what happens when some really heavy talent works together in the prime of their lives. This is a must have for any serious listener, but not for the faint of heart. There is so much going on in this music you could spend hours going over each track just picking out new messages from each musician.
I realize that I am going against the grain here, but I had this on vinyl right after it first came out. After I had listened a few times, one of my buddies, another percussion major, lauded it as a "killer" album. I gave it a good listen, but still couldn't grip what was going on. I downloaded it again a few days ago. Same thing. All of these guys are awesome musicians, but I just can't go there with them. I will probably listen again and again to try to get there, but even with the previously unreleased tracks, I just can't recommend it.
One of the great group albums of the 80's. I saw this group at the Blue Note for Chick's 60th Birthday celebration, but now Michael's gone so we'll never get to see another reunion. Get this album!
This is such a sick record! The musicianship is completly mind blowing. This is some of Steve Gadd's best drumming, and one of the best jazz records I heard in a long time. Chick is Chick, allways great. The sax solo on the top of quartet # 1 is insane. Chick, Steve, Brecker, and Eddie lock soo much on so many hits, is hard to even phathom. This record is more that just skillful playing too, the songs are filled with heart, and are played with real feeling and passion.
This is truly one of the most seminal recordings of the past three decades - and certainly one of the most influential. Corea, tenor Michael Brecker, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Steve Gadd all shine and dazzle like never before in this searingly complex session. This is accessible and intelligent improvisation at its best. Download the whole damn album. An absolute classic re-issue.
