Corea, Clarke & White

Return to Forever was a seminal jazz-rock group launched by keyboardist Chick Corea in the early 1970s to further explore the fusion ideas of Miles Davis. RTF's most enduring and now classic lineup featured Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White, and guitarist Al DiMeola. Each masters of their instruments, together they soared on expansive, often space-themed compositions that were charged with electrifying energy and the angular intricacies of improvisational jazz. When the quartet reunited last summer for the first time in a quarter-century, their tour of large venues was greeted with glowing reviews, and subsequently documented on the sizzling, live two-CD set Returns. Now the trio of Corea, Clarke & White comes to the friendly confines of the Dakota, which promises to be a major event in itself. None of the three are remotely complacent; in fact, Corea has numerous projects going, including Five Peace Band, an extraordinary collaboration with John McLaughlin, Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, and Vinnie Colaiuta. So don't expect a rehash of last summer's concerts, although RTF material will undoubtedly be on tap.
Mondays, Tuesdays. Starts: Sept. 7. Continues through Sept. 8, 2009