New Album: Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE, Featuring John Patitucci
John Patitucci News: Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE…
On September 24, 2021, the legendary pianist Chick Corea posthumously releases a spirited live album by his beloved Akoustic Band with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl – the first Akoustic Band outing in more than 20 years. The 2-CD set, recorded in January 2018 at SPC Music Hall in St. Petersburg, Florida, serves as a celebratory reminder of Corea’s singular genius.
Under any circumstances, Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE would be a welcome addition to Corea’s prodigious discography. With the news of his passing still so fresh in listeners’ minds, its release comes as an opportunity for fans to bid farewell while cherishing the communal energy and playful vigor that made the pianist a favorite of jazz lovers around the world for nearly 60 years. And the reunion of the Akoustic Band is emblematic of the esteem in which Corea held his fellow musicians, as he made sure to express in his final statement.
“[To] my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve known you,” he wrote. “It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life.”
Critical acclaim for Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE:
“In short, Live finds the Akoustic Band sounding as good as they always did. As it was Corea’s final album before his untimely death in February, there’s comfort in knowing he was on top of his game to the last.” – DownBeat
“A judicious mix of jazz classics, standards, and Corea compositions, Live is a blast…There’s no sign of age or illness in these sprightly performances, only the invigorating fruits of gifted musicians playing with dazzling confidence and grace.” – The Arts Fuse
“Graceful, gleeful, and in high gear from the get-go, the energy never lapses. Leaping and bounding, the trio brings new life to some of the longest-running standards in anyone’s setlist—’In a Sentimental Mood,’ ‘That Old Feeling,’ even ‘On Green Dolphin Street’—and injects them with a sinewy new invention.” **** – All About Jazz
“Chick Corea Akoustic Band LIVE is an excellent addition to any collection of Chick Corea’s amazing repertoire. We are all grateful for Chick’s time with us and may he rest in peace.” –Sounds of Timeless Jazz
Available online at amazon.com
