On June 20, DJF and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) hosted legendary jazz pianist, composer and former DSO Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair Chick Corea and his Freedom Band as part of the band’s extended tour of the United States and Europe. Chick returns to Orchestra Hall with his new all-star quartet featuring alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Christian McBride (DJF 2008 Artist in Residence), and legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who turns 85 this year.
A National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, 16-time Grammy winner, prolific composer and undisputed keyboard virtuoso, Chick Corea has attained living legend status after four decades of unparalleled creativity and staggering artistic output. From straight-ahead to avant-garde, bebop to fusion, children’s songs to chamber music, along with some far-reaching forays into symphonic works, Chick has touched an astonishing number of musical bases in his career.
Since embarking on a solo career in 1966, Chick has been at the forefront of jazz, both as a renowned pianist forging new ground with his acoustic jazz bands and as an innovative electric keyboardist with Return to Forever and the Elektric Band. His extensive discography boasts numerous essential albums, beginning with his 1968 classic, Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.
Chick continues to make a significant impact in the music world, as evidenced by 2007’s Grammy-winning The Enchantment (duets with banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck), 2008’s The New Crystal Silence (duets with longstanding collaborator Gary Burton), 2009’s Returns (documenting Return To Forever’s 2008 reunion tour), and 2009’s Grammy-winning Five Peace Band Live (with John McLaughlin, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett and Vinnie Colaiuta).
McBride and Garrett have both previously played in Chick’s Remembering Bud Powell group and the Five Peace Band. Haynes was also a member of Remembering Bud Powell and played on Chick’s landmark 1968 recording, Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. Chick is writing new music for the Freedom Band.
