We have a lot of crossover music today, combinig jazz, classical music, ethno and pop, you already did all that half a century ago? Is these kind of fusion the music of tomorrow? Can we expect that jazz and classical music will gradualy loose their structure?
The one thing we can be totally sure of is that all things will continue to change. This of course is true for music. Musicians and artists are always searching for the right “combination.” You could probably take any artist and evaluate his music to discover how it is a “fusion” of elements.
The other variable thing is the listener. There will always be new music and, every so often there will be new terms to describe it. The artist’s job is to make the music – the writer’s job is to describe it. The listener’s “job” is to be true to what he likes.
Kind of Blue was Miles Davis’ most influential album, how did it influence you? How do you remember Miles Davis when you were playing with him?
Miles Davis was the pivot point to the second half of the 20th century in music through to today. He made so much change in music and so much change happened through his musicians.
I remember him as a freedom fighter and one who never asked for a “license” to create what he wanted to create with his music.
The other exceptional musician that inspired you was John McLaughlin.
Yes, John is one of my favorite all-time musicians. I look forward to our next collaboration.
What can we expect from your trio with Christian McBride and Brian Blade?
The three of us always have a lot of fun playing together – always trying new things and improvising our way to find new music.
In the time of your avant garde period in the late ’60s, jazz was becoming more and more hermetic, but Latin jazz saved the day? In recent years you have composed piano concerto for a full symphony orchestra and a string quartet. Going back to the roots?
I enjoy making music of all kinds and styles. I love to learn new ways to make music. When many musicians play together, like in a string quartet or a full symphony, it’s a great joy to experience this kind of aesthetic coordination.
Does it trouble you, that you’ve made so many different type of music, with so many musicians, that today it’s hard to say who Chick Corea really is?
The music never defines the musician. The musician always defines the music. We are all free to be whatever we choose to be – and see in the world around us whatever we choose to see.
Thank you for your questions.
Chick Corea
