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A jazzist, pianist and more

Chick Corea's immense talent saw him being a part of many groups

MANY TALENTS Chick Corea

Born Armando Anthony Corea in Massachusetts, he studied classical piano from age four and even played along in his father's band. His early forays into the Latin genre would continue to be a lifelong influence.

After studying briefly at Columbia University and the Juilliard School of Music, he quit and turned professional.

Corea's first important assignment was with Mongo Santamaria, followed by those with big names such as Herbie Mann, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan and Stan Getz. A chance invitation from drummer Tony Williams to sit in for an ailing Herbie Hancock in the Miles Davis Quintet made Corea a fixture there for the next three years.

Corea grew in stature, when he played the electric Fender Rhodes piano on Davis' suggestion, figuring in the famed trumpeter's early experiments in fusion on Filles de Kilimanjaro in addition to jazz-rock landmarks such as `In a silent way' and `Bitches Brew'.

Corea left Davis to discover free music within an acoustic framework and formed Circle with bassist Dave Holland, drummer Barry Altschul, followed by Anthony Braxton. An introduction to Scientology saw him break free further, this time trying communication in practice for greater mass appeal.

A new combination, Return to Forever, with fellow Scientologist Stanley Clarke, Tony Williams and percussionist Airto Moreira recorded works for Stan Getz's album Captain Marvel. The outfit was revamped by the inclusion of Lenny White and guitarist Bill Connors on the lines of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, whose member John McLaughlin had been with Corea in Miles Davis' group.

After Connors made way for Al Dimeola, who subsequently left in 1976, `Return to Forever' expanded to a 13-piece ensemble. Forever innovating, Corea formed the Akoustic Band in the late 80s and the Elektric Band in the 90s.

Over the decades, his piano virtuosity has spawned many imitators but none to equal him.

A. GEORGE ANTONY

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