Piano Improvisations Vol. 2 cover

Piano Improvisations Vol. 2

Chick Corea · 1972

39 min · 9 tracks · jazz

Ethereal piano explorations intertwine intricate melodies with spontaneous improvisation, creating a reflective soundscape that defies conventional jazz structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    After Noon Song Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Masqualero — This composition stands out for its complex rhythmic structures and melodic interplay, showcasing Corea's virtuosic technique and innovative approach to harmony.
  • →
    Departure From Planet Earth — An expansive piece that embraces long-form improvisation, this track exemplifies Corea's ability to create immersive musical narratives through spontaneous exploration.
  • →
    A New Place: Arrival / Scenery / Imps Walk / Rest — This extended suite captures the essence of Corea's imaginative storytelling through music, seamlessly blending various themes and moods into a cohesive journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Corea's improvisational style and intricate melodies create a distinctive and reflective jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks that often exceed five minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes and motifs.
  • Improvisation is a central element, with Corea frequently shifting between intricate melodic lines and free-form passages.
  • Several tracks blend distinct sections, such as 'A New Place: Arrival / Scenery / Imps Walk / Rest', which showcases varied tempos and moods within a single piece.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
  • spontaneous moments of pure creativity
  • intimate exploration of musical ideas
  • focused listening for intricate details
  • reflective atmosphere for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer structured song formats
  • seek immediate, catchy melodies

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases a free-form style that expands jazz piano improvisation boundaries.
Themes
spontaneous exploration· ethereal soundscapes· improvisational narratives
Career context
In 1972, Chick Corea was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in jazz, following the success of his groundbreaking album 'Return to Forever' in 1972. 'Piano Improvisations Vol. 2' showcases his adventurous spirit and innovative approach to solo piano work during a prolific period of artistic output.
Stylistic neighbors
Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett· McCoy Tyner

Tracklist

  • 1 After Noon Song Start here 2:49
  • 2 Song For Lee Lee 2:42
  • 3 Song For Thad 2:00
  • 4 Trinkle Tinkle 2:03
  • 5 Masqualero 5:36
  • 6 Preparation 1 2:37
  • 7 Preparation 2 0:53
  • 8 Departure From Planet Earth 7:35
  • 9 A New Place: Arrival / Scenery / Imps Walk / Rest 13:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata