Remembering Chick Corea: A Musical Icon
The music world has suffered an immense loss with the passing of the legendary Chick Corea, a true icon among musicians. While most of us aspire to be good, some even great, there exists a rare echelon of artists whose music transcends the ordinary, reshaping our world with their genius. Chick Corea was one of these extraordinary talents, revered by even the best of us. His influence on my own musical journey began in the 70s when I first discovered his groundbreaking work with his iconic band Return To Forever (RTF).
Here are some of the top Return To Forever albums (all amazing):
- Musicmagic
- Light As A Feather (Spain in on this LP)
- Romantic Warrior
- Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy
- The Anthology. Compilation. …
- Where Have I Known You Before
When I was In college, mastering the front lick of “Spain” became a rite of passage for me as well as most aspiring keyboard players, a challenge I embraced during countless jam sessions in practice rooms. Learning that piece felt like unlocking a new level in my musicianship. It was Corea’s work that made me feel connected to something greater in my music. His albums with RTF, especially Romantic Warrior, Musicmagic, and the unforgettable “Armando’s Rhumba,” redefined my understanding of what music could be. The main and most impactful lineup of RTF band was a quartet, featuring Chick, Lenny White, Stanley Clarke, and Al Di Meola. This band introduced me to Jazz Fusion—a genre that blew my mind with its levels of complexity and innovation.
Chick Corea wasn’t just technically genius, his melodies could reach deep into your soul, his licks were awe-inspiring, and his improvisations could transport you to uncharted territories of emotion and imagination.
Among his countless achievements, he earned an incredible 23 Grammy Awards, a testament to his unparalleled contribution to music.
Chick, we will miss you dearly. Your music will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers, just as it has shaped my music journey. Thank you for everything you gave to the world.
Check Corea’s Top Hits:
Written by: Lee Evans
co-owner/ceo
JAMBOX Entertainment Studios
