Concord Music Group Plays (3LP) [VINYL]

The latest addition to Chick Corea's remarkable discography is 'Plays', a captivating and intimate double album of solo performances. While he claims that, "Solo piano is lonely," Chick finds himself in good company throughout these stellar performances, engaging with several of his favorite composers. The list of icons represents a wide swath of musical history, from the classical repertoire of Mozart and Chopin to formative jazz influences like Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, on to the Great American Songbook classics, the bossa nova beauty of Jobim, and the modern pop sensibility of Stevie Wonder. With countless classics having become standards over the last half century, Corea himself deserves to take his place in that pantheon, and 'Plays' includes a number of pieces - reprised from past albums or spontaneously improvised - from his own estimable songbook. The album also showcases his charming rapport with enthusiastic audiences in concert halls across Europe and the U.S., who become integral collaborators in these spirited renditions. Press: "Plays is a one-word title that speaks volumes. Yes, Corea plays brilliantly and with the gift of music in his heart. The mood is also playful. An artist with over half a century of extraordinary work under his belt, Corea continues to push it forward with seemingly more ideas in his head then there is time to accomplish them. Over the past few years Corea has sought the fun aspect more than ever. He is enjoying the ride, and joyfully taking us along with him." - ****1/2 All About Jazz "The breadth of Corea's vision is confirmed by a second CD that follows Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" with two freely improvised "Portraits", spontaneous duets with audience volunteers and examples of the pianist's "Children's Songs". But whatever the source, Corea's integrity shines through, heightened, perhaps, by being captured live." - **** Financial Times