Other than a couple of obscure efforts for Buddah in 1970, this was percussionist Airto's debut as a leader, and this is still his most famous record. A brass section arranged by Don Sebesky is heard on two tracks, and such all-stars as keyboardist Chick Corea, flutist Hubert Laws, the reeds of Joe Farrell, and even pianist Keith Jarrett and guitarist George Benson make worthwhile appearances. Flora Purim joins Airto in the one vocal piece ("Free"), and "Return to Forever" receives an early recording. The music combines together jazz, Brazilian music, and aspects of fusion and funk quite successfully. Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Return To Forever (Chick Corea)
2. Flora's Song (Flora Purin)
3. Free (Arto Moreira)
4. Lucky Southern (Keith Jarrett)
5. Creek (arroio) (Victor Brazil)
6. So Tender (Keith Jarrett) (CD Bonus)
7. Jequie (Moacir Santos) (CD Bonus)
8. Creek (arroio) alt (CD Bonus)
AIRTO MOREIRA percussion, flute
FLORA PURIM vocals
JOE FARRELL soprano saxophone, alto and bass flutes, piccolo
HUMBERT LAWS flute
GEORGE BENSON guitar
KEITH JARRETT piano
CHICK COREA electric piano, piano
RON CARTER double bass
STANLEY CLARKE bass guitar
BURT COLLINS trumpet, flugelhorn
MEL DAVIS trumpet, flugelhorn
ALAN RUBIN trumpet, flugelhorn
WAYNE ANDRE trombone
GARNETT BROWN trombone
JOE WALLACE trombone
NELSON AYRES electric piano
Recorded April & May 1972 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Music arranged by Don Sebesky
CTI Records – CTI 6020