Photo: Paul Bergen / Redferns
Chick Corea, the prolific pianist who became a leading figure in jazz fusion, died on February 9, according to a message posted on his social networks. Corea, who was 79, died of “a rare form of cancer that was only discovered very recently”.
Corea began to appear in the school and made a career after leaving Juilliard. He started recording and releasing music in the 1960s, eventually joining Miles Davis’ band. He performed with Davis in 1970, including in the classic Bitches Brew. After leaving Davis’ band, he formed the experimental jazz group Circle and then the fusion group Return to Forever, considered one of the main jazz-fusion groups for seeking inspiration in Latin and rock music. At the same time, Corea began collaborating with musicians, including jazz-fusion pianist Herbie Hancock, vibraphonist Ray Burton and banjo player Béla Fleck; he also formed the Chick Corea Elektric Band, the Chick Corea Akoustic Band and the Chick Corea New Trio.
Throughout his career, Corea was known for provocative playing techniques, including electric piano modulation and the playing of piano strings. Many of his songs have become standards, including “Spain”, “500 miles” and “Windows”. He won 23 Grammys and released almost 100 studio and live albums, most recently Play in September 2020. Corea is currently nominated for two Grammys for Best Improvised Solo Jazz and Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his work in Trilogy 2, a 2019 collaboration with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.
The post announcing Corea’s death included a final message from the musician. “I want to thank all of those along my journey who helped keep the music going,” he said. “It is my hope that those who have a vague idea of playing, writing, acting or not, will do so. If not for you, then for the rest of us. The world not only needs more artists, but also a lot of fun ”. Corea went on to thank his “incredible musician friends”. “It was a blessing and an honor to learn and play with all of you,” he said. “My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done it with all the artists that I admire so much – this has been the richness of my life.”