Chick Corea: Matrix

Before Chick Corea became a big shot in the world of fusion (which ensured him enough popularity to keep his houses packed when he returned to acoustic groups), he made the terrific trio record Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, from which Matrix sprang. Its a 61?2-minute crash course in the buildup and release of tension (which, heck, is what jazz is all about). The format is predictable theme, piano solo, bass solo, drum solo, and the big finish but within those confines are some glorious moments, particularly in the opening solo. Matrix is a fast song with rapid changes, and Corea navigates it adeptly. (Of course, he did write it.) After stating the theme twice, he gets right to it, digging around in the chords and unearthing spontaneous ideas. Its enough to make one wish Corea never got involved with his electric groups.