Sometimes life just smiles down on you! Such was the case last night as I was blessed to attend the opening show of the reunion of Return To Forever at the historic Paramount Theater here in Austin.
I could gush out a small book on what a profoundly gratifying experience this was, but I'll try to keep it short. This was the tour opener -- Chick welcomed the audience to the "dress rehearsal" -- but only the most discerning critic could have noticed the teeny flaws in an almost error free performance. As a unit these guys are astonishing! Individually, I was most impressed by Lenny White and Stanley Clarke. I've seen monster drummers, going back to Billy Cobham, Brian Gotlieb, Steve Gadd, Terry Bozio, David Garibaldi, Steve Jordan etc etc ... but all I can say is you just have to see Lenny White!!!
The show ran about 3:15 and included an intermission. There was no new material (plenty of improv) as this is a faithful recreation of their past glory. The second set is mostly acoustic and they close out with a couple more on electrics. DiMeola used his black LP and a PRS into a Fuchs rig. Clarke's acoustic bass -- is it a bass cello -- produced some of the sweetest purist tone I've ever heard in this world from nature, beast or man. Corea's mainstay was the Rhodes with analog synth on top, two Yamaha Motifs on his left, and grand piano and another synth to his right.
The Paramount, which dates back to 1915, is a truly magnificent acoustic hall that only seats maybe 1,200. It's a testament to the value of preservation to a community. The audience was attentive, well behaved and totally in awe. Standing O's were plentiful, where they would close a tune and folks would just leap, screaming, to their feet unable to contain the sheer exhilaration.
There was no video in sight, but hopefully some will come out of this reunion. It ain't cheap but if these guys come to your town and you can possibly afford it, run don't walk and get yourself there! I'd go again tonight if I could!! They go to Houston next. This is one of those performances you will carry all your life! Kurt Vonnegut said something to the effect that music is the best evidence of the existence of God. I sure felt somethin' last night.
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