Return To Forever - Duel of the Jester & the Tryant (Live)

Live at Montreux 2008
Chick Corea (p, key)
Stanky Clarke (b)
Al Di Meola (g)
Lenny White (ds)

[@MobiusBandwidth]

Chick didn't die, he just Returned to Forever.

[@pilsner2b]

👍

[@misterioso893]

Armando forever .

[@tina.singh27]

So true 👍 he, his music and his musicians in our ❤️ forever

[@karendurant4981]

Just like we all do. Already miss you chick

[@lothar-michaelernst2110]

You hit the point, wonderful... So sad, our musical world has become poorer. We'll miss you, Chick !!!

[@jazzman.]

Romantic Warrior is one of the best albums ever made. It has everything. Jazz is what musicians at all levels do to entertain each other. The audience comes in a close second. 😎 Jamm out and love everyone.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

Al Di Meola is a bloody force of nature. ( No need to address the utter brilliance of all this group's members.) The synchrony among these great musicians is astounding.

[@2_b_announced]

If I was given the choice to pick one song and one song only to listen to for the rest of my life it would be this live version of The Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant. It has it all.

[@chrissommers805]

Landmark group, will go down in history as one of the most original and groundbreaking acts ever. Every musician ranks among the top players of their instruments, the songs were incredible, and Chick Corea was a composer's composer. Saw them live in the 80's or 90's reunion tour in Santa Barbara, CA. Amazing!

[@bigstef2010]

Rip Chick. Musical genius. Huge influence in my musical career

[@gaelsebastiani2198]

Hell yeah! Most influencial musician ever existed. RIP Maestro :'-(

[@ThierryPBeaulieu]

It is always a delight to hear the great Lenny White and his distinctive and elegant timbre of sound! Very under rated drummer!

[@danpage79]

Why did we have to lose Chick? He was like a teacher to me as he was always able to talk about jazz and music in general. I came here now because I love and miss this music. The music is timeless. RIP Chick Corea!

[@andremateo5633]

Rip monsieur chick corea. Vous laissez au monde de la musique une oeuvre magistal et majeure pour l'éternité. Chapeau l'artiste. 😪😪

[@KennyEvansUK]

Al Di Meola, still playing those killer runs, every note picked, clean as anything. Not a hammer on or pull off in sight.

[@JetEarlewood]

You got that right! I saw a video somewhere where he said he didn’t sweep pick and seemed to frown upon it. I couldn’t understand why he may have felt that way until the other day when I found out that Frank Gambale was playing RTF (Jean L-Ponty too). Maybe that’s why..

[@JetEarlewood]

Al D is New Jersey’s Son, not that Ahole who did the Jeep commercial.

[@alberthaust4542]

@@JetEarlewood He was down on it long before Gambale played with RTF. He says you don't get the same articulation when you sweep, hammer or pull off.

[@daledykes9253]

@@alberthaust4542 it does sound tiresome after awhile though.

[@noozzoo5152]

@@daledykes9253 with Al, he sticks to staccato deliberately and says hammer-ons and pull-offs are a "short cut" and frowns on it. To me, that's like throwing out half of the colors and brushes in your paint set. Being a strict doctrinarian can limit you.

[@BlueWorldPhotography]

WOW! AL DI MEOLA... GREATEST GUITARIST EVER!

[@Whamth]

How is this even possible? Like, I’m losing my mind, this is so good.

[@davekenney1874]

Chick's solo on the minimoog is nothing short of brilliance, beyond words really.

[@johnbalkon8521]

That was absurd! I had to pause the video and go walk around after that

[@CuzCutz]

The original 1976 album “Romantic Warrior” in which this song was featured, actually reached #35 on the “Billboard 200” album chart! Think about it... This album was “top 40”!!

[@angusorvid8840]

Because we lived in a far more cultured and educated country back then. And what I mean by that, is no, not everyone out there had a PHD, but the average person could appreciate real music made by human beings, and knew the great legacy of each form of music, and knew the names of a dozen or more jazz musicians off the top of their head, and perhaps had become a fan of Dune by reading the book rather than the movie, etc etc. It was a more engaged world back then. Not perfect. There were still horrible problems in this world. But people had more genuine connections with their neighbors, their city, their world.

[@Lajazz947]

Angus Orvid So very true. I had dinner with a composer the other night and all we did was talk about the wonderful music that existed just a few decades ago and this is a perfect example of it. You have to dig deep to hear this music now. You can find it but you got a dig

[@snapperco]

Yep and bought it the day it came out....didn’t leave the turntable or a few months

[@petermuller7029]

Yeah, bevore Trump, when the US Citizens where still good.

[@RocknJazzer]

Also Herbie Hancock's 1973 Headhunters album got to #13 in the billboard top 100, and was the largest selling "jazz" album of all time for several years (tho it was more funk based, there is tons of solid fusion in it too, funk fusion if you will). It has 4 very long songs, so they really stretch out, check it out if you havent already

[@sagaciousp5267]

I never thought a band revisiting their music could ever bring so much more to it 40 years later. I hear all the years of experience blended into it perfectly. Mind blowing!!

[@CoreaKixx420]

Simply one of the greatest tracks ever composed, and performed live that I've ever heard. This piece just continues to build, and build into the most dynamic frenzy. And good heavens...Al Di Meola!!! I was nineteen when I was introduced to these fusion icons back in the late 70s, and I've never quite come back from it. Absolute Bliss!! Thank you for this, and good health to everyone!!

[@DaveyL1954]

as a young music student at Leeds, England in 1973 I saw this ensemble perform this work. The keyboards gear were different. A Clavinet D6, a MiniMoog model D and the old faithful Fender Rhodes piano alongside a Yamaha organ. I thought, what in God's name is this. 2 hours later I was a fan. I'd seen the original Mahavishnu a year earlier and the writing was clearly on the wall. I've seen Chick many times. Talked to him even, and as one of his band members has said, "Chick is our Beethoven". I have numerous photos of the great man in my collection, but my most treasured possession is the reply in the post I received from him. It is framed, envelope included on my wall next to my pictures of him. He shall never be forgotten. Rest peacefully Armando Chick Corea. You made my life in music so much better.

[@knifelyfe6565]

Chick didn't care for the Fender Rhodes or the Mini Moog.He had nothing but problems out of them.

[@knifelyfe6565]

I've seen Chick with so many different people.Last time I saw him was in New York with Steve Gadd.One of my favorites was a little outdoor 100 seater in Dallas Texas with Gary Burton.That was the 70s.He is missed.Ive also seen him with his wife Gayle Moran.She is a songbird!

[@lahoz6]

@@knifelyfe6565 maybe, but instead the sound was superior

[@knifelyfe6565]

@@lahoz6 LOL Not a problem in the studio, but live it's a little annoying to have to stop in the middle of one of his masterpieces so his tech can clean up the mess.I think you need to stick to listening to "Sweet Home Alabama" on your rock radio station.

[@lahoz6]

@@knifelyfe6565 I have enjoyed MANY concerts of Chick playing her Mark V. Can't say the same for your "trusty" Yamaha Motif. Life is a risk LOL

[@davidtimmerman3121]

to whom it may concern: the sound quality on this is AMAZING.

[@pdofak]

RTF. An amazing collaboration by any measure. I was bummed to hear it when Chick died. Now I realize how much more these people all mean to my life. A lot. These people are exceptional. So many folks today just don't and won't get it. Bon voyage Chick. Good return to forever.

[@kirkschneider4492]

Still gives me goosebumps after all these years! I am 61!

[@dar3qz]

Ditto!

[@raymocopo7340]

Stanley makes a full scale electric bass guitar look like a 3/4 scale toy.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

I've seen him pick up and strum an upright bass like a goddamn ukelele, in his 60s. his fingers are stronger than my legs!

[@miketharipr]

You should see him play mandolin!

[@raymocopo7340]

@@miketharipr :)

[@klodshans6404]

It's a 30.75" Short Scale Bass, so not quite full size :) but I've always admired his ability to switch between the longest scale of bass (upright) to the one of the shortest with ease.

[@raymocopo7340]

@@klodshans6404 Thank you for the clarification, Hans.

[@milestoneman500]

Romantic Warrior and Heavy Weather were the LP`s to have back in 77`. Arguably the swan song of both bands and so different, but inspiring non the less. I never a competitive thing between RTF and WR. Just listened in amazement and definite enjoyment. Here is one of those reasons 30 years later and IMHO they play it better here.

[@MTheoOA]

+milestoneman Is atemporal.

[@lestudiosarrazin4663]

J'ai entendu ce morceau pour la première fois lors de sa sortie en 1976. J'étais resté scotché. Je le réentends aujourd'hui, 43 ans plus tard, dans cette version Live in Montreux. Je suis toujours scotché !

[@eljeffe58]

Lenny really drives this song home He is banging away and keeps her moving. Beautiful job by all. RIP Chick. I adore your music. I wish I had not fallen asleep at intermission from being stupid when I saw RTF live at the IU Auditorium in Bloomington in 1977. My really bad. :(

[@kevinpatrick4670]

THE POWER OF FREEDOM....AND THE FREEDOM OF POWER!!!! RELEASE DA BEAST!!! This peice and Boogie Woogie Waltz by Weather Report, changed the minds of many milk toast musicians!!! A WHOLE NOTHER ANIMAL!!!

[@p.c.1019]

Met Chick & Gayle in Vegas after a Blue Note show. Absolutely wonderful guy & fantastically sparkling woman. So welcoming & down to earth. Miss you both. Chick...RIP. ❤️🎶

[@wam44]

Wow-What to give to have been there! In 74/75 after release, I was fortunate enough to see this line up perform the album "Where Have I known You Before" in Chicago. It was my first concert and went with my eldest brother and his crew. They performed it exactly as the album sounded-It was amazing. These guys are absolute monsters on their instruments...RIP Chick

[@Jomor44]

This album ,this song ,this line up Chick Al Stanley Lenny so damm friggin great. Since his passing I’ve must have played this album (Yes album vinyl) fifteen times. Driving my wife nuts.

[@livedadyt10]

Back when they did this album back in ‘76 they were just kids, what talent!

[@thejazzbass76]

Al di Meola joined RTF when he was 19 When Romantic Warrior was recorded he was 22 !

[@hectorsanjurjo5935]

I bought this album in 1976. This has to be one of my favorite songs.

[@ValenceFlux]

Some of the chillest tunes out there man I got to see them live once.

[@FranciscoMartinolichOfficial]

What a delight bro

[@skullduggery1616]

This is one of the bands that made my musical experience and appreciation what it is today. As a teenager I saw them perform this entire album at Ebetts (sp?) Field in Denver CO in the early 70's. I also saw Gentle Giant there; another legendary prog band. And it is because of bands like this that my ear today can hear the beauty of one of the best modern progressive bands today - Jinjer, who I saw last year (preCOVID) and was blown away. Music like this and these other brilliant musicians and performers keeps me going after all these years, and no matter what's going on. Amen.

[@jeanwilliquet4035]

All of them like good wine, getting EVEN better with age.

[@aarononymous3773]

Al is such an incredible guitarist. The passion and confidence in his playing is so strong as well as the energy he gives off to the audience. I also love how he can exert so much power and still remain somewhat "reserved" with his emotions.

[@Themayseffect]

These guys are the reason i listen to instrumentals religiously. Not a singer songwriter out there that can make this sound any better than it is!

[@mellotronin54]

Love the album and this track the most Chick was so great.

[@joe6v674]

In total , separately & as return to forever Ive seen these guys maybe 15 times, This song at the Fillmore in Miami 2008 is one I will never forget. I was the encore & I got to shake Als hand afterwards.

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude.

[@vincecino44]

The Greatest Jazz group in the History of the Planet Earth! RTF!!!🎸🎹🎸🥁

[@nathandodge665]

There's no such thing

[@rickkearn7100]

@@nathandodge665 Oh, thank God someone like you was there to set us all straight.

[@nathandodge665]

@@rickkearn7100 thank you

[@richardbrucemusic]

RIP Chick Corea. My music world was changed completely by your music. And while I've been to many, MANY concerts in my time, there was NONE more fulfilling than seeing and hearing Return to Forever on their reunion tour in 2007.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

saw that tour, blessed to have been there. unbelievable.

[@joeday4293]

I'm so grateful that I can say that I know the feeling. I thought I had missed my chance to see RTF in concert. Instead, I got to see by far the most stunning musicianship I've ever seen in concert. These four aren't musicians - they are freakin' Jedi, and as incredible as the parts are, the sum of the parts is pure magic.

[@cryptonios]

what a masterpiece.... no one can make such music ever again...as a drummer myself Lennys style is so unique to me but they all ad up

[@JetEarlewood]

It was 1975 when I first heard this song.. still picking my jaw of the floor Thank you Ricky Scarpina and Danny Failing for introducing this music to me.. JM

[@JAMBOXEntertainmentStudios]

I remember listening to this album and wondering how they could ever pull this complex ish off live much more play it thru w/o reading..haha...well here you go!

[@senorboston4076]

Al DiMeola is da man!

[@berniedebuhr8058]

Was one of the lucky people on Earth to see this tour! ✌️

[@wendelllanders8439]

I have this DVD!!It is awesome!!Saw the show in Houston live in 2008!!It was an experience indeed!!I own Al’s signature PRS Private stock!!

[@roartis5777]

I was there too. 2nd level front row center

[@archivestereo]

My daughter and I saw this show when the tour came to Detroit!

[@jaycrossbow193]

My God, Al DiMeola is still as fast and precise on the guitar as ever. Always said he played like his hands went up and down on railroads tracks. This is truly amazing.

[@walterpoluzzi9846]

There's no need to say words. Just listening to this great bunch of genius.

[@Thundergod-]

All the great bands sound just as good or better live. That is certainly the case with these four Maestros. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform in their prime in the mid '70s on two occasions....

[@markrenfro6152]

Just amazing! Our drummer and me from our rock band, went to see them in L A around '76 to see themdo this album. We were blown away. All 4 all-stars, we dat there with our mouths open in disbelief. Brings a huge smile to you, rip Chick- you are so missed.....

[@jeffsilverman6104]

I saw them on this tour at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion near downtown L.A. in 1976, I am still awestruck after all the years. Maybe that was the show you saw. DCP wasn't the usual venue. I grew up in The Valley.

[@milabenysek6540]

Still awesome after all these years :-)

[@coolguitarchannel]

Masters.

[@DrummerDanVa]

This goes along so smoothly. Then halfway through it gets real intense. Seeing the smiles on their faces you know they realize how amazing what they are creating is. This Return To Forever lineup was always my favorite. Not sure Lenny White ever got his do. He plays so intensely yet effortlessly and complements the music so well.

[@sealisa1398]

+DrummerDanVa Lenny does a really funny imitation of Joe Zawinul in the Jaco documentary. It's quite humorous. Joe and Jaco = huge egos. Both bands great sounds though. The John, Al, and Paco guitar playing is magnificent too, those are great albums.

[@DrummerDanVa]

+SeaLisa It was a great era for music back in the 70's. Was fortunate enough to see Return to Forever and Mahavishnu live.

[@dartagnondent4380]

ITS A MAN'S BAND?

[@davidboatwright5701]

I like the fact that Lenny is playing open handed, and that is the way I play drums, like Simon Phillips and Billy Cobham

[@Jamaicafunk]

@@davidboatwright5701 Both Lenny and Billy are left handed. That’s why.

[@jamesroman4650]

This song swings in the most beautiful way. These men are the champions of harmony and grace and timing in the jazz fusion genre. I have watched this video and listened to it approximately 50 times and it has made me a better player.

[@ntesslafan]

Amazing. I saw these four musicians in Charlotte, NC's Ovens Auditorium in, I think 1975 or could have been 1974. This song was their encore piece at the end of the show. RTF changed the way i listened to music until i began to listen to Allan Holdsworth in the next few years. This group will always be special to me. I remember how excited i was to see them back then. They are sounding better now then ever!

[@mat4410]

6:50 is where it goes out to lunch and the tears are swelling up. Stanley and Al grinning as Lenny doubles up and Chick takes the two handed Synth solo. The good old days all over again.

[@CarnorJast1138]

One of the first Fusion albums I ever had, and this is still one of my favorite songs off that album! Masterpiece isn't a good enough word to describe how amazing this whole album is, even today!! This is THE example I'd use to show the noobs today what real musical talent really consists of! God I love this music!

[@bigstef2010]

sounds fabulous. awesome musicians.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

they just get better as the years go by

[@hilojack1]

And then some!! Just insane musicians!!

[@cascade8887]

THE BEST GROUP OF ARTISTS WHO ARE LEGENDS

[@63patzi]

They set milestones in the 70'ies. Compositions and the sound on Romantic Warrior

[@JerkVegas86]

63patzi Their best album!

[@raymocopo7340]

And, "Where Have I Known You Before," my favorite:) So sad that Chick had to travel on too soon.

[@alexeiturucalo8167]

RIP MAESTRO Chick Corea ...............................................

[@MrMegajazz]

A compilation of great musicians playing to the max

[@bassplayer1966]

I saw RTF at Akron University EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall in 1983!!!! I WAS 18, IT CHANGED MY FREAKING LIFE!!

[@Tamaresque]

This makes me SO happy!

[@Tamaresque]

Not long after posting the above, I was in a 2nd hand shop and found the DVD of this concert, unopened, still wrapped in plastic, only $5. Score! :-)

[@k8osradioscience545]

Gods Above.. The Utter Brilliance..

[@leonguisburg413]

Bought this album at Naval Air Station Moffett Fld Calif---literally getting off of the plane summer 1976. Yes the Navy Exchange on the base had a selection this wide as did record outlets did in those days. I will add one more thing---Al's solo on "Jester" (recorded version) STILL affects me the way it did way back then!!!

[@usernamelessguy]

Easily the best 4-piece electric band ever.

[@tevevid]

Yes, at least in the non-vocal category.

[@jaycrossbow193]

RTF was great....another 4 piece great band....The Crusaders. Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Stix Hooper and Wilton Felder.

[@jaycrossbow193]

Vocal stuff doesn't count, since the musicians are limited to what they can do by the vocalist.

[@youcantkeeprunninginandout7240]

Casiopea?

[@philiphorn-botha5502]

YOu really meant to say :"" ...the best 4-piece electric band FOREVER ! "" didn't you ! ..lol

[@ericblack6467]

Such a groove umongst these artists. Magic.

[@WilliamJames48]

Got emotional watching. My favorite music.

[@fatherknozebest]

This must have been days prior to seeing them at The Community Concourse in Downtown San Diego 1976 They Were FANTASTIC!!

[@darrinwilson8484]

This just gets better every time i watch it

[@alexisvialortiz1829]

He seguido a Al Dl Meola desde los años 70 y la verdad es un verdadero prodigio en su estilo.

[@markarellano5811]

I just love ALL The Super Bands that have shared their passion throughout ages whether it's a Duet to super large Ensembles. Their Compositions & Musicianship are nectar for all of us imbibe & NOT pit against each other ! I think God has a sense of humor availing us to glimpse Genius !!

[@haroldlertora9930]

Went to tears. Saw them live in Tampa couple years ago. The best live band experience of my LIFE.

[@josephtrunk3565]

Glorious! The genius of immortal Chick, steller Stanley, awesome Al and Legendary Lenny!

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

Meola's Rythm chops and mutola style are still unbeatable!

[@steveshannon8961]

BRILLIANT! From a prefect album. :)

[@nickmason9817]

HEY CLARKE BRO MAN........MY KIDS SIR !!!!! THEY LOVE YOU.

[@JGlassy]

Whew! Breathtaking artistry. it’s been a while since I revisited RTF. So refreshing!

[@stevemontanya7421]

Forever is a long time.

[@markthompson4953]

Your music will live on FOREVER Chick Corea. Peace Brother.

[@nickmason9817]

DRUMS AND PERCUSSION, BASS AND ALL THE PLANET BEST !!!!!! RTF........DA BEST........LOVE YOU ALL !!!

[@donaldmoore4412]

Just wow!!! Mind blowing band, with so much talent on one stage, is fantastic.

[@mat4410]

1:28 starts one of my all time favorite music pieces simple as it is. I play it over and over.

[@thejazzbass76]

This part went into my head and decided to stay there forever

[@elleondejuda4681]

Very good music 🎶 A great masters of music Chick is definitely a big influence in my music.

[@HH-uk8yx]

Thank you CHICK!!! Many, many thanks for everything, and may you rest in peace

[@mikeloomis687]

OMG this is SO good!! Prog Jazz Super Band!! GOAT.

[@davedeanovic2908]

This has got to be my all time favorite they’ve done. Blistering, precise and note on excellence. The whole package with beautiful melody and personality.💯

[@nickmack8097]

Absolutely incredible! RIP Chick and thank you for your magical music and your musical inspiration to me and so many

[@dixonnoxid4793]

dude this is to top notch - thanks - fricken AL still shredding like he neva aged - so great

[@TheSecondNature]

love the way Al's guitar goes from bright clean at 2:00 to full saturated tone after a few bars. very subtle but effective use of the dynamic of a Les Paul.

[@RawRealRetail]

A true master who will be sorely missed.

[@cigarboxguitar9519]

A crowning moment of human interactive achievement with individual genius.

[@donj2222]

4 masters at their craft!

[@WalyB01]

The chops of these guys are beyond, and than that smooth grooving, dammm.

[@elisavieira737]

Beautiful

[@jaquestraw1]

God bless you Chick RIP

[@p.c.1019]

Holy fucking moly. These gents absolutely killed this!! Miss u dearly CC!