Return To Forever: The Complete Columbia Albums Collection
Author: Andy Robson
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Billy Cobham (d) |
Label: |
Sony Music/Legacy |
Magazine Review Date: |
August/2013 |
Catalogue Number: |
88697 93034 2 |
RecordDate: |
1971-1973 |
The Columbia years were curious ones for RTF: Romantic Warrior remains the apogee of grandiloquent fusion statements, with all members on top of their writing and performing game, with those spiffing new recording techniques and spanking new synths finally mastered. But Di Meola was soon to leave, and in the subsequent Musicmagic we have a bizarre blend of mystic fusion couched in an acoustic, bigger band vibe. Plus, um, Gayle Moran's vocals. The ambition may have been to recreate the lush latin vibe of Light As A Feather, that first RTF release, but Moran ain't no Flora Purim. Despite Farrell's welcome return, this is broken backed material. Also included is a live, 3-CD recording of this version of RTF. If, as a mere mortal, you have no concept of what eternity entails, try listening to this in one take. You may require a packed lunch.

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