Received in the mail today, the upcoming two-disc set Forever from jazz icons Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White. They explore an acoustic version of their partnership previously known as Return to Forever. In addition to the trio, the set also includes contributions from Chaka Khan, original RTF guitarist Bill Connors, and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, who previously worked alongside Clarke and Connors's replacement, Al Di Meola, as the Rite of Strings.
While the jury is still out on the recording - hey, I've only had it for a couple hours - the best news is in the accompanying liner notes. There is a promised RTF Mk. 4 tour in the works. To bring everyone up to speed:
RTF Mk. 1 Light As A Feather, w/Corea, Clarke,White, Joe Farrell, Flora Purim, Airto (also Corea's LP Return to Forever, whence the group's name)
RTF Mk.2 Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy, w/CCW and Connors
RTF Mk. 2.5 Where Have I Known You Before, No Mystery, Romantic Warrior, w/CCW and Di Meola
RTF Mk. 3 MusicMagic and a live set, w/CC, Gerry Brown, Gayle Moran, Farrell, and a horn section
RTF Mk. 4 Corea, Clarke, White, Connors, Ponty
There was an earlier undocumented group between Mk. 1 and 2 with Earl Klugh.
The group's 2008 reunion with Di Meola was arguably the jazz event of the year, and the accompanying disc, Returns, gives those of us who were unable to witness the shows in person a memento. And makes us feel even worse for not being there in person.
So you've been warned. Keep your eyes open this summer for the next great fusion tour, and in the meantime keep your ears open for this disc, due to drop Feb. 22.
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