Chick Corea - The Leprechaun (Japanese Polydor Vinyl LP)

A whimsical yet musically sophisticated journey, The Leprechaun finds Chick Corea exploring a lighter, more playful side of jazz fusion while maintaining the technical brilliance and compositional depth that defined his 1970s work. This 1976 Japanese pressing on Polydor captures Corea leading a stellar cast through eight compositions that blend acoustic jazz, fusion energy, orchestral colours and folk-inspired melodies into something uniquely charming.

Corea plays an astonishing array of instruments throughout, including acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, ARP Odyssey synthesiser, Yamaha organ, Moog synthesisers, plus percussion instruments including bongos, bells and tam-tams. He's joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring drummer Steve Gadd, whose precise and musical approach anchors the rhythmic foundation; bassist Eddie Gomez and electric bassist Anthony Jackson; saxophonist and flautist Joe Farrell; vocalist Gayle Moran; and a small orchestra including strings and brass.

The album moves between moods with remarkable fluidity. Opening track "Imp's Welcome" establishes the album's fantastical atmosphere, while "Lenore" and "Soft And Gentle" showcase Corea's gift for melody and his romantic sensibility. The fusion tracks "Looking At The World" and "Nite Sprite" feature stellar playing from Gadd and the rhythm section, while "Pixiland Rag" delivers exactly what its title promises. The extended "The Leprechaun's Dream" closes the album with an ambitious two-part suite that incorporates orchestral elements and demonstrates Corea's range as arranger and composer.

Released during Corea's prolific mid-1970s period, The Leprechaun represents the pianist at his most imaginative and unrestrained. This Japanese pressing includes the original insert and offers excellent sound quality that captures both the intimate acoustic moments and the full sonic spectrum of the fusion sections.

Vinyl: EX
Sleeve: EX
Obi: None

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