Chick Corea 75th birthday celebration in Paris

Chick Corea, one of jazz major pianists who turned 75 last June, was celebrating/celebrated in Paris Philharmonie with several concerts. I chose to attend the Chick Corea Trio featuring Avishai Cohen on double-bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums – the grandson of the legendary Roy Haynes (Haynes who played with Corea and Miroslav Vitouš in a fabulous Trio).

Corea is as brisk and smiling as ever (a certain Keith J. should learn from him on this point!), and clearly enjoys being there ; Cohen, who has regularly worked with Corea is always stunning to look at ; Gilmore is not outdone by his partners (Blood will tell!).

The Trio played  Corea’s 500 Miles High, Bill Evans’ Alice in Wonderland a wonderful tribute to Master Bill, Anna’s Tango dedicated to Chick’s Mother with a very long bass intro, Bud Powell’s Tempus Fugue-it in honour of one of his other heroes, the standard It Could Happen to You, followed by 2 other brilliant pieces including a fabulous Spain.

Then, surprise, surprise, the Trio was joined by the great saxophonist Kenny Garrett – which I had seen with Miles Davis – for 2 splendid encores!

Thank you and Happy 75th Birthday Chick!

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Marcus Gilmore

 

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Gilmore

Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Gilmore

 




Partial Setlist:

500 Miles High
Alice in Wonderland
Anna’s Tango
Tempus Fugit
It Could Happen to You
Spain

Encores with Kenny Garrett joining