Chick Corea’s Astonishing Career

Chick Corea’s Astonishing Career

We’ve mentioned Chick Corea and his band in our post about Frank Gambale. But Corea has accomplished so much in his musical career, that it is necessary to devote a post entirely to his music.

Born Armando Anthony Corea, Corea is an American jazz pianist and composer. This 20 time Grammy award winner has achieved legend status after 15 years of amazing talent, creativity and artistic output that is unmatched.

Corea is now the 4th most nominated artist in the history of the Grammy awards, with 61 nominations under his belt. He has taken home three Latin Grammy awards, and has one the most awards in the Best Instrumental Album category over any other artist.

This music virtuoso grew up surrounded by jazz music, and was influenced at a very early age by some of the jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Lester Young and Horace Silver. At the age of 8 he took up the drums, which would later influence the way he plays the piano.

Corea’s first major gig was playing with Cab Calloway in the 60s. In 1966, he released his first album Tones for Joan’s Bones. Two years later, he released Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.

From 1968 to 1971, Corea ventured into a more avant garde style and his solo style showed it. This mixture of styles can be heard on his solo work during this period, as well as his live recordings with Miles Davis.

Shortly after that, Corea’s style took another turn when he started playing a crossover jazz fusion style that utilized not in jazz elements. His first composition entitled “Spain” appeared on his 1972 album Light as a Feather and became one of his most popular pieces. To this day, “Spain” has been recorded by many other artists. In 1976, Corea released another fusion style album, My Spanish Heart. The musical styling was a little misunderstood back then, but looking back it is considered to be a great example of Corea’s amazing ability to write fusion material.
Corea’s band, the Chick Corea Elektric Band was established in 1986. Though Corea has focused on many different styles throughout the year, his namesake band focuses more on traditional jazz.
From jazz, avant garde and Latin fusion, Corea’s impressive career has spanned many decades and many musical styles. He has influenced many other artists and accomplished many things in his creative career.

 

#Isina Team  #Frank Gambale 
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