Mel Bay's Creative Keyboard® Webzine | Per Danielsson - The Chick Corea Experience

The Chick Corea Experience

For the last couple of years I have demonstrated a variety of musical concepts and exercises in this article. I also try to explain how to practice these concepts and why they are a valuable addition to one’s musical library. However, this month I will deviate from this concept and instead talk about a fantastic musical event that I was a part of a couple of weeks ago. The event consisted of one rehearsal and three concerts with Chick Corea.

Since 2003 I have been a member and pianist of a big band called The Jazz Surge. The band is lead by composer, arranger and educator, Chuck Owen. Mr. Owen is without a doubt one of the leading jazz composers in the world today and his music is personal, unique and challenging for the band members. Mr. Owen currently teaches at the University of South Florida and has been a vital part of the jazz education community nationwide for years. His commitment to education is also demonstrated by his upcoming appointment as the president of the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE). Make sure to check out this organization and the work it is doing for jazz education. Every year IAJE hosts a convention featuring four days of clinics, exhibitions and concerts from middle school bands all the way to the great jazz stars of today.

The Jazz Surge is made up of professional musicians from the central Florida area, some more well known than others but they all have the highest level of musical skills and musicianship. Perhaps the most well known member of the band is our drummer, Danny Gottlieb. Danny has a resume most musicians could only dream of. We usually do four to five productions every year with various guest artists. The 2006 Jazz Composers and Guest Artist Series stellar line up consisted of Gerald Wilson, Nnenna Freelon, Anita Brown, Slide Hampton, Karrin Allyson, Bob Brookmeyer and last but not least, Chick Corea. The last concert run for this season featured the amazing Chick Corea as our guest. Since I’m a piano player I can’t claim that I played with Mr. Corea. However, watching him rehearse and work with the band was a pleasure.

Besides being a virtuoso pianist, he has the ability to relate and communicate his music with the musicians in a way that makes them feel very comfortable. His amazing creative force inspires every player on stage and the positive vibe he creates then results in great music. This atmosphere is then enhanced by his superb piano performance, which is an absolute joy to listen to. Pianistically, Chick Corea is perfect, and to watch him up close is one of the best piano lessons I have ever have had.

As I mentioned earlier, we also did a concert with the legendary Bob Brookmeyer. Despite the fact that Corea and Brookmeyer have had long and successful careers, they continue to produce creative and fresh work. This constant pursuit to develop, practice and write music is something that should serve as inspiration to all musicians. Remember that individual music education never stops. There is always material that needs to be practiced and discovered, and musicians like Corea and Brookmeyer are great examples for all of us.

In conclusion: To practice old material as well as seeking out new and unfamiliar territories is essential to keeping your music fresh. When you feel you are coming close to mastering a certain musical concept or composition, move to the next challenge. You do this by listening to legendary musicians and spending time with your instrument. Seek out books, recordings, articles and anything you can get your hands on in order to come up with new ideas. Musicians like Brookmeyer and Corea are great sources of inspiration and I guarantee you, if you can adapt their approach to your music, you will experience a lifelong enjoyment of creativity.

Keep practicing,
Per Danielsson

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