Such sad news. Chick was one of the greatest jazz pianists and composers ever. What a legacy he leaves behind!

Sadly, I only got to see him one time live with Gary Burton, but front and center at the NOLA Jazzfest.

One of my heroes. Same day, Zoe Zawinul at another tent. I thought I had died and gone to Heaven! Now I suppose I will have to... 😢

Lucky you got to see Chick, and I've seen videos of him and Gary Burton. What a great duo!

Something that amazed me about Chick Corea was his ability to go so seamlessly into such different musical directions. Weather it was acoustic piano, Rhodes, or synth, straight ahead jazz, Latin jazz, funk/rock fusion it always sounded like Chick. Although his music was complex, it always sounded joyful and has soul.

I had seen him recently doing online workshops, and thought how great and fit he looked for some close to 80. So sad...

The last concert by Return to Forever (Chick, Al DiMeola, Stanly Clark...can't remember the drummer's name) was at Memorial Hall in Lexington on the University of Kentucky campus. The warm-up act was Ramsey Louis, who was trying to make a crossover into synths (really sucked). Return to Forever KILLED!

Later that night the band showed up at the all night restaurant I played (1:00 to 4:00 AM...then went to work at 7:30 AM).

Al played my Howard Roberts with me.

Years later, a young friend, Zak Brock from Lexington played violin with Chick in downtown NY, subbing for Jon Luke.

In the late 80's, with a different group, Chick returned to the Campus, playing the Singletary Center. I sent him up a note, recalling our breakfast years earlier.

He graciously acknowledged me from the piano,saying I was one of the few keeping the jazz flame alive.

Pure class. He just was a bad judge of other "jazzers" (LOL).

He was a significant contributor to the wonderful school of music.

I'm so fortunate to have met him.


Russ

Sad News indeed. Yes he was one of the greatest. RIP Chick