This very attractive five-CD set does an excellent job of summing up the rather productive career of pianist-keyboardist Chick Corea. The first two discs have highlights from the 1964-1982 period including a few sideman appearances, a previously unissued version of "Windows" played with Stan Getz, the original version of "Spain," four pieces from the Return to Forever days, and numbers from his freelance projects of the late '70s (highlighted by the exciting "Central Park"). The third disc concentrates on Corea's GRP projects (1986-1994), particularly his Elektric and Akoustic Bands (two selections were previously unissued), while the fourth CD is quite a grab-bag that includes collaborations with Herbie Hancock (a version of "Liza" that progresses from stride to free), Gayle Moran, John McLaughlin, Paco DeLucia, Gary Burton, Bobby McFerrin, and Miles Davis (a new duet version of "I Fall in Love So Easily" from 1969). In addition, Corea is heard as an eight-year-old in 1949 on a privately recorded 78 playing a short piano solo and on a version of "'Round Midnight" with strings that was recorded for this 1996 box. In fact, the fifth disc consists exclusively of new recordings of standards (plus one original) by Corea in an acoustic quartet with tenor saxophonist Bob Berg (who has rarely sounded more exciting). This well-conceived set is highly recommended even to Chick Corea fans who might have some of his earlier records. A gem.
DISC 1: CLASSICS (1964-1972)
1. Matrix
2. Chick's Tune
3. Litha
4. Windows
5. Starp
6. Spain
7. No Mystery
DISC 2: CLASSICS (1973-1982)
1. Hymn Of The 7th Galaxy
2. Captain Senor Mouse
3. Nite Sprite
4. Leprechaun's Dream, Part 1
5. Leprechaun's Dream, Part 2
6. Duel Of The Jester And The Tyrant
7. Armando's Rhumba
8. Humpty Dumpty
9. Sicily
10. Quartet No. 2, Part 1
11. Central Park
DISC 3: THE GRP ERA (1986-1994)
1. Rumble
2. Cool Weasel Boogie
3. Got A Match?
4. Light Years
5. Eternal Child
6. Trance Dance
7. Spain
8. Make A Wish, Part 1
9. Make A Wish, Part 2
10. 99 Flavors
11. Blue Mile
12. Ished
DISC 4: SOLOS, DUETS AND SURPRISES
1. I Don't See Me In Your Eyes Anymore
2. Lush Life
3. Soft And Gentle
4. Liza
5. Beautiful Love
6. Yellow Nimbus, The
7. Crystal Silence
8. O Solo Mio On The Lone Prairie
9. Even From Me
10. I Fall In Love So Easily
11. Round Midnight
DISC 5: THAT OLD FEELING: CHICK COREA QUARTET
1. That Old Feeling
2. Trinkle Tinkle (Monk)
3. Monk's Mood
4. Stella By Starlight
5. Summer Night
6. Straight, No Chaser
7. Story
