Chick Corea [ tickets ]'s latest CD doesn't quite live up to its lofty title. It's a good, not great, trip that falls short of such late '80s Corea classics as "Light Years" and "Eye of the Beholder."

It's the pianist's second straight concept album to be based on the works of Dianetics guru and Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, who reportedly is Corea's favorite author. That fact might be a selling point for Tom Cruise, John Travolta and other believers in Hubbard's cause, but it will also be a major deterrent for some.

That's a bit of a shame. Hubbard's fantasy novel of the same name, which has backdrop scenes from tales of "The Arabian Nights," certainly sets the mood for this CD. But, importantly, it doesn't really get in the way of this mostly likable album.

Although Corea's fusion work doesn't sound as breathtakingly original as it once did, the former Miles Davis sideman still knows how to compose and play an artful and exciting number. On this album, he's joined by the likes of the great Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira and Elektric Band guitarist Frank Gambale on a fun tour through flamenco melodies, North African grooves, Middle Eastern beats and heady improvisation.

Overall, the album doesn't feel quite fluid, and Corea seems to dwell too long in spots on the same musical themes. Plus, the concept behind this concept album seems a little too mysterious, especially for those who haven't read Hubbard's book.

Still, it's nice to see that the 64-year-old jazz great hasn't stopped trying to deliver new adventures for listeners.