This day (February 9, 2021), in Tampa Bay, Florida, died Armando Anthony Corea a.k.a Chick Corea, an American jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer.
VIDEO DIGEST
Tracklist :
1 . Spain (2018)
2 . Chick Corea Elektric Band (2017)
3 . Pastime Paradise (2015)
4 . w/ Bela Fleck – Mountain (2014)
5 . w/ Bill Frisell It Could Happen To You (2013)
6 . w/ Alfredo Rodriguez – Improvisation (2012)
7 . w/ Gary Burton – Chega De Saudade (2011)
8 . Psalm (2010)
9 . w/ Bobby Mcferrin – Smile
10 . Chick Corea Akoustic Band – Spain (2004)
11 . Elektric Band – Cta (2003)
12 . Dusk In Sandi (1996)
13 . Elektric Band – Blue Miles (1991)
14 . w/ Herbie Hancock – Leap In (1987)
15 . Return To Forever
16 . w/ Miles Davis 5tet – Miles Runs The Voodoo Down (1969)
TOP 10
Tracklist :
Spain . Armando’s Rhumba . El Bozo (Part 1) . Matrix . Windows . My One And Only Love – Digitally Remastered . Love Castle . My Spanish Heart . Night Streets . Captain Marvel .
Chick Corea: A Legacy in Jazz and Beyond
Chick Corea, born Armando Anthony Corea on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was a pioneering jazz pianist and composer. His musical journey began at the age of four when his mother bought him a piano, and he grew up in a household filled with jazz influences, thanks to his father, Armando Corea, a trumpet player and bandleader. Corea’s early exposure to recordings of artists like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie helped shape his distinctive musical style.
Early Life and Musical Education
Corea’s formal musical education began with piano lessons at age eight under Salvatore Sullo, who introduced him to classical composers such as Bach, Chopin, and Beethoven. In addition to his classical studies, he developed his jazz chops by transcribing solos from artists like Horace Silver and Bud Powell. Corea emphasized the importance of learning through transcription and playing alongside recordings to develop phrasing and technique.
In 1959, Corea moved to New York to immerse himself in the jazz scene, drawing inspiration from live performances by Miles Davis and other leading musicians of the era.
Early Career and Collaborations
Corea’s early career saw him collaborating with notable artists such as Mongo Santamaría, Cal Tjader, Herbie Mann, and Stan Getz. He made a significant breakthrough when he joined Miles Davis’s band in 1968, contributing to groundbreaking recordings that pushed the boundaries of jazz fusion.
His 1968 album *Now He Sings, Now He Sobs* is considered a landmark in jazz piano, showcasing his technical proficiency and innovative approach.
Return to Forever and Fusion Success
In 1972, Corea formed the influential fusion band Return to Forever, blending jazz with Latin, rock, and electronic elements. The group’s early lineup included Stanley Clarke, Joe Farrell, Airto Moreira, and Flora Purim, later evolving into an electric powerhouse with Al Di Meola and Lenny White.
The band’s albums, such as *Light as a Feather* and *Romantic Warrior*, helped define the fusion genre, with Corea’s compositions becoming jazz standards.
Exploring Musical Diversity
Throughout his career, Corea explored various musical styles, from avant-garde experiments with Circle to classical music performances of Mozart concertos. He also performed in duets with jazz luminaries like Herbie Hancock and Gary Burton, further showcasing his versatility.
Corea’s work in the 1980s with the Chick Corea Elektric Band saw him embracing synthesizers and electronic instrumentation, while his Akoustic Band maintained his deep connection to traditional jazz forms.
Philosophy and Artistic Approach
Corea believed in the power of music to bring joy and positivity, viewing it as a vital force for humanity. He encouraged aspiring musicians to pursue their passions and saw music as a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.
His dedication to continuous growth and exploration led him to embrace various styles and collaborations, always seeking new ways to connect with audiences.
Awards and Recognition
Corea received numerous accolades throughout his career, including 27 Grammy Awards and widespread recognition as one of the most influential jazz pianists of his time. His compositions, such as “Spain” and “500 Miles High,” have become timeless standards in the jazz repertoire.
Later Years and Legacy
Corea continued to record and perform well into his later years, engaging with younger musicians and expanding his compositional repertoire to include orchestral works and solo piano projects.
His contributions to jazz, fusion, and classical music have left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of musicians across genres.
Passing and Tributes
Chick Corea passed away on February 9, 2021, at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from musicians and fans worldwide, reflecting the profound impact he had on the global music community.
His legacy endures through his recordings, compositions, and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his illustrious career.
Photo : Peter Tea
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