Elektrik Chick, Barbican 12 July.

WHATT!!!
Howard man, what do you mean? I was there in the front and it was fanbloodytastic. I was only disappointed by the encore 12 bar blues, which was obviously a "Oh God, what should we do now?" piece.
I can't believe you mean this. It was awesome.
Chick Corea when in Return To Forever had these keyboard sounds and riffs that just kept creeping in last night - just the occasional hint at half a line, and it was magic. I was in heaven.
Rhythmless it most certainly was not. Oh Howard, what a shame you didn't enjoy it.
I have had similar experiences in the past when not in the right mood for something. What a shame. It is being broadcast on Radio 3 in September, so it would be good to hear what you think of it then - if you can stand to go through it again.
I can't believe you thought it was crap!!
Howard, man, Howard....

My mate Chris (no mean keyboardist, bassistand clarinettist himself) went lst night and said that while it was very impressive technically, it lleft him largely cold. And he said that at times it did degenerate into a kind of electric mud, with all those monstrous egos scrabbling for attention.

I think part of the problem lies here:
John Patitucci 6 string Bass
Dave Weckl drums
Frank Gambale guitar

Whenever one or more of this trio are involved, you usually get formless jazz-rock wank which appeals only to the extreme "deaf or near-deranged" wing of the muso-groupie fraternity. Plus, Frank Gambale's much too ugly to be allowed to appear on stage.

Kevin (Can: Pinch - now that's what I call proper music. Karoli, Liebezeit and Czukay slay those fusion tossers)

Now strangely I would again have said exactly the opposite (except about Frank being ugly of course). I thought technically it was a bit loose and John Patitucci was having trouble getting some of his licks out in the first half, and seemed to be more relaxed and doing better in the second - but musically it was very involving and right on the button.
Is it me?
You can't criticise Dave Weckl or Frank Gambale's playing Kevin - I think you are being a little harsh. This is not formless jazz-rock wank. Kevin - shouldn't you be in bed?

Rasher
I don't know how the sound was down the front. We were sat in the circle, central 4 rows back. I was having trouble hearing the bass unless it was during solos.
I have not heard anyone playing 6 string bass before, my initial responce is make up your mind guitar or bass player?
My guitarist mates thought the acoustic guitar had a very "thin" sound and I found the electric was pretty indistinct.
As I said in my original when they all played together it turned into and acoustic mess. I think Kevin-W mate summed it up for me as well.
I enjoyed a lot of the individual performances but together it fell apart.
My mate said it is difficult music to listen to and I have to agree.
Do you play an instrument Rasher? I was wondering if my lack of musical talent (6 or so riffs on guitar/bass) make it more difficult for me to "understand" this and other complex musical forms?
Enough for now.
Regards

Howard

PS they do look like a band for radio I agree.

Being sat about two and a half metres from the feet of Frank Gambale, we were probably hearing mostly the on stage monitor mix, but even so the guitars were mixed very low, agreed. I also think a 6-string bass is a little pointless and it doesn't fill the bottom register where it is needed somehow.
I used to think I could play guitar (semi-pro band for years), but after Monday I would now have to say - No!

Quote: Kevin - shouldn't you be in bed?

Well, Rasher, being semi-employed, I spend my nights surfing the Internet and my days watching Richard & Judy while smoking fags and eating bowls of cereal dressed only in my bathrobe.

Kevin (Various: Country Got Soul Vol. 1 - briloliant, by the way)

Although I have been at Tate Britain all day today...

John Patitucci did spend a great deal of time playing up at the top of the neck on the top strings. Didn't make great use of the bottom end at all really to be honest

I think a large element is the "look at how bloody clever I am" syndrome.
My mate Terry has a '59 Precision bass. I've seen him play live a few times and the sound he gets is just heaven. Basic, but more than gets the job done.

Thanks for the bail out guys. Richard and Judy perleeese!
Four bass strings is enough for any body, its about 3 too many for me though.
Lee a bit of respect for your elders as well please.

Howard

He is big and He is clever.

Howard

Seen The ELektrik Band years back - 1991ish? - back when I was a self-indulgent, plays-too-much masturbatory muso.

Now I have grown up and put such childish music aside.

Less is more, people. I only wish that Chick'n'TheGang would learn this. So much potential wasted on so much noodling.

John

quote:

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Seen The ELektrik Band years back - 1991ish? - back when I was a self-indulgent, plays-too-much masturbatory muso.

Now I have grown up and put such childish music aside.

Less is more, people. I only wish that Chick'n'TheGang would learn this. So much potential wasted on so much noodling.

---

Sorry John, and with the greatest respect, this is bollocks. I saw them then and on several other occasions and they were never less than magnificent.

Dave