Words by David Tomisich
We take another look at five exciting moments from the back catalog of jazz legend.
Chick Corea was the main musical chameleon, a man who treated jazz not as a genre in and of itself, but as a concept that could be combined with other musical styles. His music and philosophy will undoubtedly stand the test of time, and will certainly inspire future generations of musicians.
To celebrate the legacy of the jazz-fusion image, we experience five of the most memorable moments in Chick Corea’s discography, shedding light on the work of his life and his contribution to the contemporary language. as we know it today.
‘Spain’ – Light as a feather (1971)
After playing on 1969 Miles Davis’ main electric smelter In a quiet way, Chick decided to embrace this evolution of jazz and influence it with elements of traditional Spanish and Brazilian music.
The author’s choice of instrument on ‘Spain’ is just a little inspiring, with the innovative combination of Farrell’s flute, Rhodes Corea and Flora Purim’s lively vocals making this a path that will last for many generations to come.
‘Crystal Silence’ – Return forever (1972)
If ever there was a way to showcase the crystalline tone of the Fender Rhodes, this jam would be from Lick Chick Return forever doing just this. Accompanying rare but usually thoughtful voices is a saxophone soprano lamented by Joe Farrell, while the keyboard maestro uses a moving pan effect that brings this melody to a stratospheric level.
‘The Romantic Hero’ – The Romantic Hero (1976)
Although it may be said that it was not as accessible as some of the previous records, 1976’s The Romantic Hero seeing Corea and co. at the most interesting. Featuring the likes of bass master Stanley Clarke on double bass, Al De Meola on acoustic guitar and Lenny White on drums, the album’s title track is a rhapsodic masterpiece, filled to the brim with non-musical, baroque-run runs. and blistering solo. .
The interplay between Chick’s piano and Clarke’s double bass part is almost conversational in nature, with the duo showing why they were one of the most powerful jazz fusion partnerships of the decade.
‘Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy’ – Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973)
Who else – a Chick Corea bar – would be willing to write a rock track in a jazz melodic structure, all the while featuring ‘The Lick’ as his main motif? While it’s a weird thing in Chick Corea’s catalog, there’s something weird about ‘The Seventh Galaxy Hymn’.
Jon Lord-esque’s Hammond tone is elegant, with Lenny White holding things along with a protective drum part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epAQmSNYev4
‘Armando’s Rhumba’ – My Spanish heart (1976)
As a result of Chick’s trademark for innovation and resume, he melted his own definition of jazz with countless other musical styles, including classical and progressive rock and funk to name just a few. ‘Armando’s Rhumba’ is just another example of Korea’s creative versatility, as it incorporates traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms amidst a sea of harmonic richness.
Chicks swarm with French violinist Jean Luc-Ponty in search of a melodic line, while the clave handles capture the true spirit of the Afro-Cuban Rhumba.
Fly 500 miles high, chick.
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