Black Bull Jazz Cafe' presents Live Performance- No Cover Charge...Chick Corea
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Early Influences
I was first introduced to Chick Corea at a concert in Houston when he toured with his group Return to Forever back in the 1970's. I remember the uniqueness of his sound but also the energy and electricity in his music.
Armando Corea was born in Chelsea, Massachusettes on June 12, 1941and was first introduced to music by his father who taught him the piano at the very young age of 4. Chick would later take up the drums which played a major influence on his use of the piano ironically as a percussion instrument. His ear however was directed towards the Bebop sound of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Horace Silver and Lester Young. Their music and sound would become significant molds of his career. His first professional gig would come after his move to New York and his joining up with the Cab Calloway Band. This would lead to appearances with Herbie Mann, Willie Bobo, Blue Mitchell, Mongo Santamaria and other Latin-Jazz greats playing a Latin "swing" style that seemed to characterize his personality.
Later Influences for Chick
It was in 1968 however when Chick replaced Herbie Hancock in the Miles Davis Band that he participated in three of the most legendary albums of Miles Davis amazing career...Filles de Killimanjaro, In a Silent Way and of course Bitches Brew. It was with Mile's band during this period that he began to experiment with electric instruments. Many major jazz artist where doing the same and many of us listeners of jazz were experimenting with the sound ourselves as well. Trying to decide where to spend that tight "college" cash on which jazz albums. Chick would later say..."I grew up kind of only thinking how much fun it was to tinkle on the piano and not noticing that what I did had an effect on others. I did not even think about a relationship to an audience, really, until way later".
However as Chick and others began recording a fusion sound with the Fender Rhodes electric piano with him featuring a more Brazilian-Spanish-American style we came on board with his first album recording of Return to Forever featuring Flora Purim's vocal, Joe Farrells's flute and soprano saxophone along with Airto Moreira playing drums. Chick recordings would soon become permanent fixtures in my stacks particulary with his later album Captain Marvel with Stanley Clarke on bass and Tony Williams on drums...both are must have jazz albums.
One of his most popular arrangements is Spain which has been recorded by a number of artist including Stevie Wonder and is included on the Miles Davis album Sketches of Spain...a classic.
Chick Corea has been nominated for 51 Grammy Awards. He has been awarded 16 Grammy Awards during his illustrious musical career. We are please to welcome this legendary jazz great to the Black Bull Jazz Cafe for your entertainment pleasure tonight.
Now sit back and enjoy another Legend in Jazz presented by the Black Bull Jazz Cafe...No cover charge...We have assembled some very special live performances by this Master of Jazz Chick Corea along with some of his friends. I think you will particulary like tonites performances. Tell your friends to come join you tonight at the Black Bull Jazz Cafe.
Welcome and enjoy your evening
Chip Thornton, Cafe Manager & Owner
- BLACK BULL JAZZ CAFE
JAZZ CLUB
