What would ultimately became a powerhouse fusion quintet actually began as a potent electric trio. Demonstrating an ear for remarkable young talent, Chick Corea - the venerated 27-time Grammy winner and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master - recruited newcomers Dave Weckl on drums and John Patitucci on electric bass, for his new project. From their first rehearsal together, it was instant chemistry. The newly christened Elektric Band premiered as a trio on April 19, 1985 at Elario’s in La Jolla, California. The following day, they performed at the Queen Mary Jazz Festival in Long Beach, California. Miles Davis, who was also on the bill that day with his own dynamic electric band witnessed the Elektric Band’s set and reportedly said to Corea backstage, “Sounds like eight guys!” By the time it came to go into the studio to document the group later that year, Corea had recruited two guitar players to add to the sound, the great Scott Henderson and the seasoned session player Carlos Rios. Originally released on GRP Records in early 1986, at the height of the hi-tech storm, the album features Corea using the highest caliber state-of-the-art digital keyboards and gear. That equipment is put to the test on stand out tracks like “Rumble,” a dynamic duet between Weckl and Corea, the mondo synth showcase “No Zone,” the atmospheric “India Town,” the poignant gem “All Love,” and the number that would become an instant classic and live concert staple, “Got A Match.” Produced by Corea, with longtime engineering partner Bernie Kirsch, the album features detailed liner notes by jazz writer Bill Milkowski, giving context and explicit technical notes to the listening experience.
