Chick Corea & John McLaughlin's "The Five Peace Band", a new super group featuring Kenny Garrett and Christian McBride, recently performed in Houston (see forum for reactions). A few weeks later the band released a live CD of early shows. The leg of the tour that swung through our fair city, however, had one key personnel difference: Brian Blade in place of the group's regular drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Comparing the two is to discuss two different bands. On the recording, Colaiuta's alien-like superpowers produce one of the most jaw-dropping drumming performances ever captured in the digital era. But back in April, we were equally in awe of Blade -- his musicianship, his enthusiasm. Naturally I wish one of the two discs would have included Blade doing the same tunes. The contrast would have been fascinating.

Regardless, the performances on this CD set a new bar for virtuosic interplay with each soloist rising to dazzling heights at every opportunity. This may be why Miles Davis famously recruited three of the five members for his bands. McBride arrived on the scene a few years too late, but we all know had the timing been right he would have been a Miles alum too. I suspect the pesky presence of Miles's nephew prevented him from enlisting someone like Colaiuta. Alas, such speculation is pointless. There are two things that can be said with higher confidence though. First, for fans of fusion there's no better CD sitting on the shelves (or available for download, etc.). And equally clear, it's a shoo-in for any and all relevant Grammy awards. Will it be a classic? Probably not. But it'll certainly be enjoyed by many before being lost in the growing catalog of high-wire jazz concerts.

One final note, the CD has a special appearance by Herbie Hancock on the Miles classic "In Your Own Sweet Way". As if you needed further incentive...

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