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A towering figure whose innovations spanned decades and genres, Chick Corea harnessed one of the most distinctive piano touches in the music's history. With it, he proceeded to show the world the limitless potential of this music.
From his early days performing with icons like Miles Davis to his early trio work and his thrilling explorations with Circle and Return to Forever, Corea kept blazing new paths. Finding critical, artistic, and commercial success, Corea kept experimenting and innovating, evolving the sound of his band throughout the 1970s as he continually absorbed and mastered new styles and inspirations.
In the midst of this, he also delivered solo masterpieces like My Spanish Heart that further highlighted his endless sense of wonder and exploration. Recent decades saw Corea leading in many directions simultaneously, from the driving fusion of the Elektric Band to the boundary-less efforts of Origin; from heart-wrenching solo recitals to explosive big band works. Indeed, Corea's refusal to limit himself to any one style even found him exploring the classical world, perhaps best exemplified through a series of original symphonic works he composed and premiered in recent years.
Chick Corea's music stands as one of the most towering testaments to a life marked by its supreme genius, integrity, kindness, and boundless generosity of spirit. Those lucky enough to have seen Corea in performance will carry those memories for a lifetime, and his legacy will live on in the generations of artists he has inspired, trained, and mentored.
Jazz at Lincoln Center continues our mission with his spirit close to our hearts. Here are a few remembrances from some of our staff members who got to know him.
Wynton Marsalis:
“Chick in Marciac 2019 at 3 am, after playing his own 1-1/2 hour set and sitting through our 1-1/2, he agrees to come up on our bandstand for the encore, says he would rather accompany than solo, plays the hell out of a tune he doesn’t know, interacts with that deep intelligence and empathy, comes offstage and recalls every tune of our set commenting on what he liked most, lavished praise on all of our young musician’s solos, excitedly compliments pianist Isaiah Thompson, talks about the nightly greatness of inventive and poetic trumpeter Mike Rodriguez who played with him on tour, talks about the concerto he is going to write for otherworldly trombonist Joe Alessi of the NY Philharmonic, and concludes with saying, “Man, is it actually 4am? I’ll see you in New York.” He was one of a kind. Master, student, teacher, fan, advocate and lifelong leading citizen in the world of music. Prehistoric instincts, super quick reflexes and deep knowledge meets an unquenchable thirst to know, to experience the present and to embrace change. He left an uncommonly deep canon of diverse and high quality music. There will be a lot of framing commentary as befits the passing of a great creative and socially engaged artist. If you wish to know him better, please listen to more of his beautiful music that you have not heard. In New Orleans fashion, mourn his death by celebrating his life. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said it best in concluding our conversation late last night: “The echo will be strong.” As it should be. Send your deepest prayers, condolences and love to Gayle—they were peanut butter and jelly—vegan, of course.”
Jason Olaine (Jazz at Lincoln Center, VP of Programming):
"Chick Corea. We all loved him. Like, everyone. Musicians, fans, presenters, educators, collaborators, radio, students, writers, artists from all walks of life and disciplines. We loved his artistry, his humanity, his ideas, his generosity of spirit, his seriousness, his playfulness, his collaborative nature, his authenticity, his easy-going vibe, his accuracy, his deep feeling, his freedom. He was gracious and grateful. He thought highly of Jazz at Lincoln Center across the board. He said, "the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is the greatest big band in the world"; "All the JALC staff were great to work with"; "Love that venue!" We were in the midst of plans to bring Chick back to the hall next season to perform in duet with banjo master Béla Fleck and we were already talking to Chick about his plans beyond that. It's a sudden shock to think of him not being physically with us anymore. It will take some time. But Chick's spirit and philosophy of time means he'll always be with us. We take solace in that, and in his endless contributions to music that he left for us to discover and enjoy. Thank you, Chick."
Kenny Rampton:
"Chick Corea shared a funny story about Thelonious Monk at The Apollo Theater when Chick was a special guest for some concerts with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis a few years ago. What an honor to get to share the stage and play music with this legend! RIP Maestro."
Sherman Irby:
"Chick Corea was a master pianist and composer. That has been proven. The world will miss his talent. But when I think about him, I think back to when I met him in ‘93, while working on Carnival Cruise Lines. My friend and fellow shipmate, pianist Tony Suggs, had a connection with Chick and knew he was arriving at the same port we were docking. He arranged a jam session on his ship. He didn’t want to play any piano, just drums. Of course, he sounded great. It was happening, and he was energized. Later he jumped on the piano, and we talked theory. He was working on “There Will Never Be Another You,” so we talked about different possible movements and changes. One person, a jazz great; the other, a young cat who plays in a cruise ship band. He listened and shared. Never looking down. Kind. He kept in touch with me, and when I came to NY, he introduced me to people in the business. I will never forget the helping hand he offered; the kindness and respect he showed. That is what I think about.
Oh yeah, and that time he was dancing backstage with my 3 year old daughter.
Rest In Peace..."
Carlos Henriquez:
"It’s rare to get the chance to play with a giant like Chick, but to know him and hang with him is priceless. I first met Armando on tour with Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s trio in 1999. We went to eat with Chick after a late night gig in Italy, and I had the time of my life talking to him. Twelve years later we found ourselves on stage again with so much positive love about music. B Minor will never be the same for me!!! I thank God for allowing me and the many other great musicians to have spent time with you on stage and in the road. He was a true talent of the Art Form of Jazz!! Keeping it real and always creating music. Love you always!! R.I.P."
Dan Nimmer:
“We lost a giant. He will be sorely missed, but his music will continue to live on and inspire all of us forever. R.I.P. Chick Corea. Thank you for everything.”
Dive into the music of Chick Corea, spanning from his time with Miles Davis to some of his more recent live performances.
Photo Credit: Frank Stewart
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