March 27–April 3, 1997

critic pick|jazz

Chick Corea & Friends

By now, jazz fans are familiar with the many faces of Chick Corea. The keyboardist's career includes the groundbreaking fusion of Return to Forever in the '70s, the long-standing Elektric and Akoustic bands in the '80s as well as numerous acoustic projects with such stalwart jazzmen as Michael Brecker and Joe Henderson. These days, Corea has been busier than ever. In addition to appearances on albums by Christian McBride, Joe Henderson and Wallace Roney, Corea took a journey into the classical realm on The Mozart Sessions (Sony Classical) — a collaboration with vocalist/conductor Bobby McFerrin and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. The result was beautiful. Corea tackled Mozart admirably while managing to maintain his own identity in the process.

It may seem that there's nowhere to go after Amadeus Mozart, but Corea quickly found his next challenge — the genius of Bud Powell. Remembering Bud Powell (Stretch Records) is Corea's nod to the man whose virtuosic improvisation set the standard for bebop piano. Corea's all-star cast includes drummer Roy Haynes, whose expansive career includes work with both Powell and Corea. Haynes played on Corea's debut solo album in 1968, and again in the early '80s. Corea's current ensemble also features bassist Christian McBride, trumpeter Wallace Roney and alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett.

Remembering Bud Powell holds some of their most impressive improvisation to date. On "Oblivion," Roney's quick lyrical phrases are followed by Garrett's gutsy flurries and Corea's triplets. McBride solos beautifully, whether he's delivering deep-voiced pizzicato ("Bouncin' With Bud") or bowed lines ("Dusk In Sandi"). The album contains just one Corea composition, a catchy tune named "Bud Powell." Corea previously recorded the song 15 years ago with the group Fourtune, but Roney and Garrett give it the definitive treatment. Needless to say, Corea's heavyweight quintet brings a distinct new flavor to Bud Powell's timeless repertoire.

Chick Corea & Friends, Sat., March 29, 7 & 9:30 p.m., Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 922-1011.

— Nate Chinen