Return To Forever Returns Live At Montreux 2008

Return To Forever Returns: Live At Montreux 2008 was recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival, an annual event founded in 1967. This project reunites the legendary group featuring Chick Corea on piano and keyboards, Stanley Clark on acoustic and electric bass, Al Di Meola on electric and acoustic guitar, and Lenny White on drums. The release includes incredible performances of RTF's classic repertoire—"Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy," "Vulcan Worlds," "Sorceress," "Song To The Pharaoh Kings," "Al's Solo," "No Mystery," "Chick's Solo," "The Romantic Warrior," "El Bayo De Negro" (Stanley's Solo), "Lineage" (Lenny's Solo), and "The Romantic Warrior" (Continued). Plus bonus extras "Lineage" (Lenny's Solo), "Al's Solo," "Friendship" (Chick's Solo), "El Bayo De Negro" (Stanley's Solo), and "The Duel Of The Jester And The Tyrant." The bonus extras were recorded live on July 31, 2008 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. (Gary Reber)

There are no special features.

The 1080i AVC picture is visually stunning as a stage performance. Camera close-ups are tight and explore the incredible dexterity of these legendary musicians performing their artistry. Fine instrument textures are revealed, as well as facial and bodily movements. The resolution is awesome and is enhanced with the dramatic key lighting on the instruments and the musicians against a black background. Blacks are deep and solid. Shadow delineation is superb as well. The imagery is pristine. The video puts you on the stage and up-close, which will thrill fans. Such a close-up affair is just not a reality in most concert settings. This is a mesmerizing visual experience and a rare opportunity to view up-close such incredible musicianship. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is the preferred track to experience this legendary group. It is spatially and dynamically superior to the linear PCM stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack. The group is hot in this performance, and solos are extraordinary! The recording quality is superb, with a wide and deep soundstage that wraps deep into the surrounds. Al Di Meola's guitar is positioned left back surround, while Chick Corea's keyboards are positioned on the right side wall. Lenny White's drum kit is spread across the front and around the right side wall. Stanley Clark's bass is centered. The audience occupies the back surround spread. This all provides a great sense of spatial holosonic® depth and envelopment. Fidelity is impeccable throughout. This is an exciting surround music recording that is sure to please fans and be appreciated by anyone viewing this for the incredible level of instrumental prowess these musicians exhibit. (Gary Reber)