The return of "Return From Forever" featuring JL Ponty

Almost forty years after Return to Forever -- the definitive jazz fusion ensemble -- first appeared on the scene, the much honored ensemble is making one of their continuing returns to action. And, in the bold tradition of renewal that Chick Corea has established as an essential RTF quality, this latest installment combines elements from the band's rich history with an exciting vision of the jazz future.

Here's the lineup:
Chick Corea • piano & keyboards
Stanley Clarke • bass
Lenny White • drums
Frank Gambale • guitar
Jean-Luc Ponty • violin

RETURN TO FOREVER, one of the greatest jazz-fusion groups of all time, is reforming for a world tour that kicks off in Australia and New Zealand. The reunited line-up of jazz legends to perform near-three hours shows around the country this February. After a touring absence of more than 25 years, in 2008 the potent jazz-rock flagship quartet edition of Return to Forever made a highly anticipated return to the stage, setting the jazz world ablaze with an expansive summer tour.

Now 2011 is set for an exciting reunion of original RTF band members, legends in their own right. Chick Corea on keyboards - the tireless and imaginative innovator who defies categorization; multi-Grammy winner Stanley Clarke on bass; on drums the funk-fueled Lenny White, who Corea knew from the Miles Davis Bitches Brew sessions; and 1973 RTF guitarist Bill Connors. All will be joined by jazz fusion pioneer and master of the violin, Jean-Luc Ponty.
Return to Forever launched in 1972 with a self-titled debut featuring a quintet assembled by Corea, looking for the challenge of improvising on complex compositions and the exploration of melding the jazz tradition with rock music. While the group last just seven years with three different line-ups, in that short time RTF produced some incredible, classic albums. 1973’s "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy" 1974’s "Where Have I Known You Before", 1975’s Grammy-winning "No Mystery" and 1976’s studio finale, "Romantic Winter", which became the best selling of all RTF recordings.

Return To Forever is heralded as one of the most important and forward-looking bands in jazz history.

Venue: Concert Hall
Dates: 15 Feb 2011
Duration: TBC

# source: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
# www.return2forever.com

;-[-