Return To Forever: Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy

The second formation of Chick Corea's influential fusion group released only one record, the magnificent Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy. With a rockier approach than the Flora Purim-Joe Farrell Band responsible for Return to Forever and Light as a Feather, Corea and his old companion Stanley Clarke join forces here with driving drummer Lenny White and electric guitarist Bill Connors. White brings a funk aspect to the music, replacing the Latin grooves of Airto on the first two records. Clarke is just as good, coaxing some truly terrifying sounds from his electric basses. This increased emphasis on electric instrumentation, which is also evident in Corea's heavy use of synthesizers, is another point that sets this album apart from the previous Return to Forever releases.