Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, Roy Haynes - Trio Music: Live in Europe (ECM, 1986)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Chick Corea (p); Miroslav Vitous (b); Roy Haynes (d)

Recorded in September 1984

When Chick Corea recorded his Trio Music double LP for ECM in 1982, it received almost universal acclaim. Much like Wynton Marsalis' return to the traditional format of the two-horn quintet, Corea's piano trio signaled a return to tradition. The trouble was, Corea's Trio Music was anything but traditional. One of the two records was completely improvised, while the other was devoted to compositions by Thelonious Monk. 

Two years later, the tracks for Trio Music: Live in Europe were recorded at two concerts in Europe. The album was released in 1986. This time, perhaps due to the live audience, the same trio produced one of the most engaging performances of the decade. The free improvisations and Monk charts are replaced by two Corea tunes, one each by Roy Haynes and Miroslav Vitous, three standards, and a prelude by Scriabin. To add interest, two tracks are arranged as medleys.  

Since all three players were at or near the top of the ranks on their respective instruments, the only question would be whether the group could cohere as a trio. That question is answered with a resoundingly affirmative "you betcha!" This is great stuff from beginning to end. The group interplay is telepathic, the ambience of the stages (one in Switzerland and the other in Germany) is palpable, and the energy is cranked all the way up. All three trio members shine in their solo opportunities, especially the leader who always seems to shine.

It would be overthinking things to treat Trio Music: Live in Europe as further evidence of jazz's shift back to earlier eras. More simply, this music is taken from live gigs by musicians who can shift focus from free jazz to fusion to bebop without hesitation. Corea himself was referred to as the chameleon because of his ability to play almost any kind of music with authoritative command. So, perhaps we should stop thinking and keep listening. Music this good doesn't require too much in the way of explanation. Anyone hearing this album for the first time is bound to be delighted.