Time and Chance (1978)
I recently heard Caldera's second album Sky Islands, and I just couldn't get into it. I couldn't even muster up a review here for UMR. As I reflect on their quartet of albums, that was their try for commercial stardom, and is the odd one out. From the beginning of Time and Chance, Caldera are clearly going back to their Latin based jazz fusion roots. Jorge Strunz is in full powered Santana / Al Di Meola mode here. There's more than a nod to the latter's songwriting style throughout.
'Shanti' is really nice with female wordless vocals, flute, and searing guitar. And the album closes the proper way, with a smoldering fusion number where Strunz lets loose on the fretboard with plenty of additonal flute.
Three strong albums out of four is a good career I would submit.
Strangely, Time and Chance has never been reissued on CD whereas the others have (though Dreamer remains a scarce Japanese only product).
Ownership: 1978 Capitol (LP). Acquired in 2014.
4/11/14; 7/4/26 (review) 
Caldera (1976)
The CD boldly claims "Masters of Funk & Soul" and "Some of the Greatest Funk Albums Ever!". Generic hype for the series perhaps, but it doesn't really apply to Caldera's debut. Los Angeles based Caldera are in the jazz fusion strike zone. Fastball down the middle. It's a great example of the scene taking some of the more Latin influenced tracks from Return to Forever and giving that style more focus. It's complex yet highly melodic. And well composed. Caldera aren't technical in the same sense as RTF, which is a plus for me. From here they were to add more funk and soul elements similar to the better side of Earth Wind & Fire. All four albums are worth exploring.
Most bands don't end a career with their most dynamic and progressive album especially in 1979. Caldera had dabbled with commercialism on their sophomore effort Sky Islands, but this one is primarily a fiery instrumental fusion along the lines of 1972-74 era Santana, with some nods to Return to Forever. They threw caution to the wind and just went for it. If only most bands had a similar attitude back then. Arguably - and probably - their best album.
The CD boldly claims "Masters of Funk & Soul" and "Some of the Greatest Funk Albums Ever!". Generic hype for the series perhaps, but it doesn't really apply to Caldera's debut. Los Angeles based Caldera are in the jazz fusion strike zone. Fastball down the middle. It's a great example of the scene taking some of the more Latin influenced tracks from Return to Forever and giving that style more focus. It's complex yet highly melodic. And well composed. Caldera aren't technical in the same sense as RTF, which is a plus for me. From here they were to add more funk and soul elements similar to the better side of Earth Wind & Fire. All four albums are worth exploring.
Ownership: 2004 EMI / Capitol Europe (CD). Booklet with a short history of the band and album. Acquired in 2005.
5//05; 5/26/24 (review)
Dreamer (1979)
Ownership: 1979 Capitol (LP). Textured cover. Acquired in 2022.
First copy: 2015 Capitol Japan (CD). Acquired in 2015.
7/19/15 (review); 12/18/17; 5/4/22
7/19/15 (review); 12/18/17; 5/4/22
Formerly owned: Sky Islands
7/19/15 (new entry)
