Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

’70s jazz fusion icons Return to Forever started out as the trio of pianist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White. After three decades, the three have reconvened, ditching their electronic gear and returning to the acoustic instruments on which they all first proved their mastery. The worldwide 50-date tour offers the unusual prospect of hearing electric jazz classics reinterpreted in an acoustic context, along with standards and new compositions. A veteran of the Miles Davis band, Corea (pictured) has a remarkable 15 Grammys under his belt, while Clarke is one of the bass virtuosos who paved the way for rockers like Flea to take the instrument to the front of the stage. Drummer White (also a Miles Davis veteran) helped to power the fusion explosion, and has also produced the likes of Chaka Khan.

“The Power of Three”
Jazz supergroup featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Nov 27 & Nov 30-Dec 2, 7 & 9:30pm; Nov 28-29, 6 & 8:45pm, ¥13,650. Blue Note, Minami-Aoyama. Tel: 03-5464-0800.