The album 'Akoustic Band' was released in 1989 by GRP Records, marking the debut of Chick Corea's eponymous trio, consisting of Corea on piano, John Patitucci on double bass, and Dave Weckl on drums. This project represented a return to acoustic jazz roots after a decade of electric jazz fusion explorations with his Elektric Band.
Recorded in August 1988 at Mad Hatter Studios in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Chick Corea and captures the trio's live energy, with a repertoire blending Corea's original compositions and jazz standards. The chemistry among the three musicians, who had previously worked together in the Elektric Band, resulted in dynamic and virtuosic performances.
The album received critical acclaim for its freshness and technical mastery, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Tracks like 'Morning Sprite' and 'Humpty Dumpty' became signature pieces in Corea's repertoire, solidifying the Akoustic Band as one of the most influential acoustic jazz groups of the late 1980s.