This is the album that hooked me to Chuck Mangione. Even though he is known especially for several commissioned pieces for movies and the Olympics, this is a truly great jazz quartet snapshot. It has an orchestral background and a very mellow vocal piece. This is more than 30 years old but you can not put age on this one--it is fresh every time! This is essential to a true music lover.

It is always amusing to me that jazz aficianado's have trouble compromising their taste when it comes to crossover music. Everyone can't be Louis, Clifford or Miles to name a few. Does that mean that the rest of the musical world should drop dead? I don't think so. Appreciation is in the "eye" of the listener. Mangione's group delivers and this album might just "Chase the Clouds Away"!

Chuck Mangione has always been one of my favorites, ever since I had the pleasure of meeting him in person when he came to visit our Junior High School in 1971 . . .soon after "Hill Where the Lord Hides" won a Grammy. (Yes, I grew up in and near Rochester, NY--Chuck's hometown). Nice guy, too! He's always been a local legend there, but his international popularity in the mid & late 70's was certainly well-deserved. The music on this CD is timeless, and terrific. You won't go wrong with this. Enjoy!

I purchased "Chase the Clouds Away" many, many years ago on cassette tape. I recently felt the need to revisit Chuck Mangione and purchased "Chase the Clouds Away" and "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" on compact disc. It is so reassuring that music I was listening to over 20 years ago still has the power to move me and I am so glad that I added this back into my musical collection. My two favorite songs on this c.d. are the title track and "Soft."

Boy, what a group. Too bad they were only a group for two albums, or we would of gotten many more gems. This album is fabulous. Most people think Mangione sold out, and when Mangione was confronted with this he replied, "Yes I did. I sold out the Hollywood Bowl, and The Garden!"

But anyone who thinks Mangione's latest efforts are worthless can't un credit Mangione for a great album! This is real jazz! All the musicians are top notch too!

The opener is a great tune. Saw them play it live once. Mangione's electric piano playing is spectacular also. And Gerry Niewood's tenor and soprano solos are just amazing.

He Was A Friend of Mine has always been one of my favorites. Echano is just brilliant. Just when you think it's a slow ballad, they turn it into some marvelous and complex.

No one can dis-claim Mangione of his talents, as a player, writer, etc. They might be jealous of the stardom he recieved, but they can't dis credit him of his achievements.

I like the music Mangione produced all throughout his four decade career, and he's great to see live, especially when he's got great musicians with him. Usually you can catch him with his old time buddy, Gerry Niewood.