One can never get tired of innovative jazz in the hands of the able artists like Chick Corea and John McLauglin.  Both have rich musical histories that weave in and out of the best moments of progressive Jazz.  Chick Corea not only provides plenty of solo work but was a spoke in the venture known as Return to Forever.  John McLauglin not only supplied memorable Mahavishnu Orchestra albums but has also been in the company of legends like Miles Davis.  Absolutely, neither need the influence of the other but, as a team, feed off each other wonderfully and in great progressive ways.

In 2008, they joined forces as members of Five Peace Band, along with Kenny Garrett on saxophone, Christian McBride on Bass (acoustic and electric), and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.  Together they produce an enduring Live set over 2CDs.

Over the set's 2CDs, we get some excellent magic on eight songs.  The magic is in the time-transferring ability of the band to transport the listener to the heydays of Progressive Jazz circa the late '70s when bands like Weather Report, RTF, and McLaughlin were on top of their respective worlds.  And quite frankly, there's not one bad song on the album.  Some of the tunes here are new compositions from both  Corea and McLaughlin, while others are arrangements, with one track (“In a Silent Way/It's About That Time”)by Joe Zawinul (Weather Report) and guested on by Herbie Hancock.

You absolutely will not have a dull minute with Five Peace Band Live.  I'm hoping that they see the wisdom in continuing, perhaps providing us with a new legacy of studio albums by Five Peace Band (5PB).  It is rare that an album of this type clamors for such attention but this one does.  Live is a blueprint for a great band in the making.  I'm definitely a new fan!!