Return to Forever was one of the most commercially and artistically successful
jazz/
rock bands of the '70s. Albums like
Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy and
Where Have I Known You Before are filled with the band's chemistry and deft mix of genres. This 1977 effort marks the departure of founding member, drummer
Lenny White and guitarist
Al DiMeola.
White is replaced here with
Gerry Brown. A five-piece horn section is added, which includes the returning
Joe Farrell.
Gayle Moran also is added as a vocalist and on keyboards. Those expecting a continuation of what the group was working on during the great
Romantic Warrior will be disappointed.
Musicmagic features none of the exciting and challenging playing that typified their best work. The first track,
"The Musician," starts off strongly with a great intro then meanders, a trait that often marred
Corea's best work of this era.
"Hello Again," a duet with
Clarke and
Moran, is skilled but a little mawkish. The title track plays to this incarnation's strengths with the horn section providing punchy support as
Corea has a harder-edged Fender Rhodes solo. Unfortunately,
Musicmagic is more often than not filled with bombast and melodrama typified on
"So Long Mickey Mouse" and
"Do You Ever." The last track, the melodically compelling
"The Endless Night," also has the vocals of
Clarke and
Moran blending particularly well on the song. Despite the best intentions,
Musicmagic lacks the swagger and confidence of the group's best work. ~ Jason Elias
