Chick Corea - Discography 1968-2
Annice Hemmerling
Chick Corea - Discography 1968-2
Chick Corea was an American jazz pianist and composer who was born on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was one of the most influential and prolific musicians in the history of jazz, playing various styles from bebop, post bop, free jazz, Latin jazz, fusion, classical, and solo piano improvisations. He recorded over 100 albums as a leader or co-leader, and won 25 Grammy Awards. He died from cancer on February 9, 2021, in Tampa, Florida.
This article will focus on his discography from 1968 to 1972, a period that marked his transition from a sideman to a leader, and his exploration of different musical genres and formats. He recorded with legendary artists such as Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, Blue Mitchell, and Gary Burton, as well as forming his own groups such as Circle and Return to Forever.
1968: Now He Sings, Now He Sobs
This was Corea's second album as a leader, and his first trio album. He was joined by bassist Miroslav Vitous and drummer Roy Haynes. The album featured original compositions by Corea, as well as standards such as "My One and Only Love" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come". The album showcased Corea's virtuosic and lyrical piano playing, as well as his ability to create complex and dynamic interactions with his rhythm section. The album is widely regarded as one of the best piano trio albums in jazz history.
1968-1970: Miles Davis
Corea joined Miles Davis' band in 1968, replacing Herbie Hancock on electric piano. He participated in some of the most groundbreaking and influential albums in jazz history, such as In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, Live-Evil, and A Tribute to Jack Johnson. These albums introduced elements of rock, funk, electronic music, and avant-garde into jazz, creating a new genre called fusion. Corea played various keyboards such as Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hohner Clavinet, and ARP synthesizer. He also experimented with effects such as wah-wah pedal, ring modulator, echo chamber, and distortion. He contributed to the compositions and arrangements of these albums, as well as improvising with Davis and other musicians such as John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Cobham, and Keith Jarrett.
1970-1971: Circle
After leaving Davis' band in 1970, Corea formed a quartet called Circle with saxophonist Anthony Braxton, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Barry Altschul. The group played free jazz with complex structures and collective improvisation. They recorded four studio albums: Circulus (1970), Circle 1: Live in Germany (1970), Circle 2: Gathering (1971), and Paris-Concert (1971). They also released two live albums: ARC (1971) and Circle (1975). The group disbanded in 1971 when Corea decided to pursue a more accessible and melodic direction.
1971-1972: Solo Piano
Corea recorded two solo piano albums for ECM Records in 1971: Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 and Piano Improvisations Vol. 2. These albums featured spontaneous compositions by Corea based on themes or motifs that he developed on the spot. The albums demonstrated his mastery of harmony, melody, rhythm, technique, and expression on the piano. He also played some of his original tunes such as "Children's Song" and "Song of the Wind", as well as standards such as "Someday My Prince Will Come" and "My One and Only Love". The albums were well received by critics and fans alike.
1972: Return to Forever
In 1972, Corea formed a new group called Return to Forever with bassist Stanley Clarke, flutist Joe Farrell, vocalist Flora Purim, and drummer Airto Moreira. The group played Latin jazz with influences from Brazilian music such as samba and bossa nova. They recorded their debut album, Return to Forever, for ECM Records in 1972. The album featured original compositions by Corea, Clarke, and Purim, as well as a cover of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Sometime Ago". The album was a success, and the group became one of the most popular and influential bands in jazz fusion.
References:
- : [Chick Corea discography - Wikipedia]
- : [Miles Davis - Wikipedia]
- : [Circle (jazz band) - Wikipedia]
- : [Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 - Wikipedia]
- : [Return to Forever - Wikipedia]