Return to Forever

Definition

Return to Forever is a progressive jazz fusion band founded by Chick Corea in the early 1970s, known for its innovative blend of jazz, rock, and Latin influences. The group was influential in the jazz-rock fusion movement, utilizing both acoustic and electric instruments to create a distinctive sound that combined complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and improvisation. Return to Forever played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of jazz and merging it with other genres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Return to Forever's self-titled debut album was released in 1972 and featured a more acoustic sound compared to their later works.
2. The band underwent several lineup changes, with notable members including Al Di Meola on guitar and Stanley Clarke on bass, both of whom contributed significantly to their sound.
3. Their music often included elements of Latin jazz, incorporating rhythmic patterns and melodies characteristic of Latin American music.
4. The group's album 'Romantic Warrior' (1976) is often cited as one of their masterpieces and showcases their sophisticated musical arrangements and virtuosity.
5. Return to Forever disbanded in 1977 but has reunited for various tours and projects over the years, influencing countless musicians in the fusion genre.

Review Questions

• How did Return to Forever influence the development of jazz-rock fusion during the 1970s?
  • Return to Forever significantly influenced jazz-rock fusion by incorporating a variety of musical styles such as Latin music, rock, and traditional jazz. Their innovative use of electric instruments alongside complex harmonies and improvisation set new standards for fusion music. They opened up new possibilities for other artists by showing how different genres could be blended together seamlessly, paving the way for future developments in the genre.
• Discuss the role of Chick Corea in shaping the sound and direction of Return to Forever as a band.
  • Chick Corea was instrumental in shaping both the sound and direction of Return to Forever. As the band's founder and primary composer, he brought his unique vision for blending diverse musical styles. His proficiency on various keyboards allowed him to explore different textures and tones within their music. Corea's compositions often featured intricate melodies and rhythms that challenged conventional jazz forms, making him a key figure in the evolution of jazz fusion.
• Evaluate the impact of Return to Forever's integration of Latin influences on their overall musical identity and how it reflected broader trends in music during that era.
  • The integration of Latin influences by Return to Forever had a profound impact on their musical identity, distinguishing them within the fusion genre. This incorporation not only enriched their sound but also mirrored broader trends during the 1970s where genres were increasingly blending. The band's ability to fuse complex jazz harmonies with infectious Latin rhythms resonated with audiences, contributing to a wider acceptance of world music elements in mainstream genres. This melding showcased how diverse cultural influences could coexist within contemporary music scenes, reflecting a shift towards greater experimentation in popular music.

Related terms

Chick Corea: An American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer who was a key figure in the development of jazz fusion and leader of Return to Forever.

Jazz Fusion: A genre that combines elements of jazz improvisation with rock music's rhythms and electric instruments, emerging prominently in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Bossa Nova: A Brazilian music genre that blends samba and jazz influences, which Return to Forever incorporated into their sound, especially in their early work.