As noted on our website, Chick Corea was a learner until the very end. In the Autumn of 2015 Chick came to the Yamaha Studios in New York to learn and burn with master banjoist Bela Fleck. Their shared inspiration was a a marvel to witness. Sometimes intense, sometimes light as a feather, we share that afternoon for your enjoyment and engagement with one of our recently departed masters - Chick Corea.
Here's the first or four segments of that special day.
Chick and Bela were a constant and delightful challenge for one another. Hear how they came together, and how Chick inspired a romantic enchantment out of an unlikely instrument - the banjo.
Chick Corea’s creativity in the duo setting is legendary - with Gary Burton, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, and here, Bela Fleck. Each with an exclusivity in spirit, never a tension convention for what’s happening next. Rather, as you’ll hear, more of a relaxed ride down a road at sunset.
That New York afternoon at the Yamaha Studios was at its brightest as Chick chatted about Bela’s introducing him to the world of Bluegrass music. Two disparate musical souls came together, seamlessly merging jazz and bluegrass for a trip up the mountain. When they reached the peak, I was left with eager anticipation of their next exploration together.
