playlist #4 | Chick Corea: Jazz Maestro, Fusion Pioneer

Let’s discover the musical brilliance of Chick Corea by embarking on a journey through seven remarkable tracks. These selections, from different stages of his career, illuminate his groundbreaking contributions to jazz, fusion, and Latin music. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or new to Corea’s world, this list offers an exhilarating and immersive experience.

Spain (Light as a Feather, 1972)

This timeless masterpiece skillfully weaves together a compelling melody, Latin rhythms, and virtuosic solos. With Corea leading on the keyboards, Flora Purim belts out an enchanting wordless vocal line, while Joe Farrell, Stanley Clarke, and Airto Moreira dance between intricate accompaniments and improvisations.

Windows (Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, 1968)

This mesmerizing track showcases Corea’s sensitive touch and striking compositional prowess. Alongside bassist Miroslav Vitous and drummer Roy Haynes, Corea’s piano cascades over hypnotic harmonies and a lilting ostinato. “Windows” offers a window into the formation of modern jazz and its timeless appeal.

Armando’s Rhumba (My Spanish Heart, 1976)

This vivacious composition marries Corea’s signature Latin-inspired rhythms with fiery improvisations from a star-studded band. The electrifying chemistry between Corea, Clarke, Ponty, and Gadd results in an exhilarating auditory experience that will have you dancing into the night.
If you are a big fan of “Armando’s Rhumba”, check out and enjoy Eliane Elias feat. Chick Corea - Armando’s Rhumba (Official Video) !

500 Miles High (Light as a Feather, 1972)

A shining example of Corea’s prowess in crafting ethereal melodies, “500 Miles High” transports listeners to another realm. Purim’s dreamy, evocative vocals and Farrell’s soaring saxophone lines meld with the mesmerizing rhythm section of Clarke and Moreira, leaving an indelible impression of sonic excellence.

Crystal Silence (Crystal Silence, 1972)

In this enchanting duet, Corea and Burton evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection. With Chick Corea on piano and Gary Burton on vibraphone, the delicate interplay between the instruments creates a sonic tapestry that captivates the listener, revealing deep emotional resonance.

La Fiesta (Return to Forever, 1972)

“La Fiesta” demonstrates Corea’s unique style combining Latin and Afro-Cuban elements characterized by his unique musical arrangement with an expansive cyclic structure. Stanley Clarke’s bassline adds a delicate touch and creates tension, while Airto Moreira’s ever-changing rhythm forms an amazing harmony, and Farrell’s vivacious saxophone and flute solos frolics in their rhythm. All these combinations allow you to experience the marvelous range of emotions within the track standing as a masterpiece of jazz and Latin fusion music to this day.

Humpty Dumpty (The Mad Hatter, 1978)

In a testament to Corea’s pioneering spirit, “Humpty Dumpty” fuses innovative techniques and eclectic influences. A pantheon of talent, including Corea, Farrell, Gómez, and Gadd, crafts an audacious harmony that transcends conventions and emboldens listeners to embrace the unexpected.

Also, don’t miss out on listening to the recent live Chick Corea Akoustic Band - “Humpty-Dumpty”

From transcendent piano trios to scintillating fusion and Latin-infused tunes, this collection of Chick Corea songs uncovers the extraordinary gifts that propelled him to global acclaim. These recommendations promise to delight those who cherish Corea’s legacy and those eager to explore the captivating universe of his musical creations.

(header image credit: chickcorea.com, npr.org)