Corea, Mackrosoft and some others

I've become a big fan of Chick Corea of the past few months even though I've known about him for years. I discovered him at a gig I was playing in a few years ago with the UYJO. It was a special year for the UYJO, an anniversary I think. There was a band put together of all the former members of the band to make a scratch super band, and I must say, it was amazing. The drum teacher from my old school, Pete Comfort, was on kit, and he was just savage! They played a tune called Spain, and I loved it from start to finish. Just really tight tutti stuff, with awesome solos and just really funky and rhythmical. I went home and immediately typed this into Youtube, and found hundreds of versions of the song.

The thing I love about jazz is with guys like Corea, Hancock, Pastorius, whoever, they've played with anyone and everyone worth knowing. Hancock has, and still is, playing with the remaining legends of jazz. Chick Corea has performed Spain countless times, and every single performance is like gold dust! Acoustic, electric, it all just really grooves! I would regularly listen to Corea on Spotify, and I came across a fantastic album by the group he led 'Return to Forever'. The album in question in their anthology, and I love anthologies. And Best-of discs. Here it is -> Return To Forever – Hymn Of The 7th Galaxy - Remixed/Remastered.

Corea has led some of the tightest bands and ensembles out there, especially his trios, like this album -> Chick Corea – On Green Dolphin Street - Live. If you've ever seen this set-up on youtube, you'll know what I'm talking about! Vinnie Colaiuta on kit and John Pattitucci on bass just rip up for 15-20 minute just on the one track, it's unreal!

Chick has always just been a pure improviser. I remember listening to Radio 3 and hearing an interview with him where he said about a group he played with, a trio I think, where nothing was prepared, they just went on stage and played something, and they all communicated and were able to make something of it. I'm hoping while here in Manchester I'll get to hear him at some point.

Whilst trying to find more versions of Three Views of a Secret, I came across just a funky artist with no relevance to the Pastorius classic whatsoever; The Mackrosoft have some really groovy tracks out. I started at the top of their Spotify list, and went all the way through, just having it as background music! It's described as some sort of fusion between funk, soul, disco, jazz, everything, and it really works. I would check it out, if you just wanna chill out -> The Mackrosoft – April Showers.

Another gem I found a few months back was an album I stumbled across when trying to find a definitive version of Someday My Prince Will Come; I found an absolute gold mine album by Oscar Peterson, the legendary jazz pianist who needs no introduction, and Nelson Riddle, the extremely accomplished arranger and band leader. They collaborate on this album to take some slightly less known standards, and really making something of them. The album is here -> Oscar Peterson – My Foolish Heart. It's a good old-fashioned feel-good jazz album.

Lastly, I thought I'd share one of my favourite tracks of all time; Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good. My brother showed me this track about a year ago, and it still brings a tear to my eye! It's also what's started my obsession with flugelhorns as well... but I'll not go into that.

So, there's a good few things for you to enjoy, keep you occupied over Christmas, as well as A Jazzbone Christmas!

'til next time...

Thanks ~ The Jazzbone