You Will Return

He has worked with Miles Davis, he founded the pioneering group Return to Forever whose pieces are now regarded as jazz standards, he has recorded over 70 albums solo and jointly with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock… Just these few facts undoubtedly make the American pianist Chick Corea a living legend.

The pioneer of fusion music fondly recalls his first visit to Poland in 1980: “When I performed here with Gary Burton, our concert at the Academy of Music in Katowice was a revelation. Everything was different; I saw a strange city, people who were grey and sad. But I also saw enthusiasm in the concert hall.” Joined by Big Band Katowice, Corea performed the standard La Fiesta. Make sure you watch the recording on YouTube – you should be able to spot a few familiar faces!

Although the American pianist has visited Kraków before, until now he has always played solo or alongside the Return to Forever ensemble (in 2011). On 8 May, he comes to ICE Kraków with his trio featuring the star of double-bass Eddie Gómez and the outstanding percussionist Brian Blade. The concert is the latest instalment of the World of Great Music series as part of the ICE Jazz cycle.

The winner of 22 Grammies is a rather ascetic artist: modest and softly-spoken yet hugely charismatic and with an incredible creative passion. His musical visage has changed many times over the last fifty years, evolving from the avant-garde through fusion jazz, classical modern jazz and jazz standards to classical music. He once said in an interview, “I have always been described as a jazz artist, although I have recorded many albums which aren’t strictly speaking jazz.” Prick up your ears! (Artur Jackowski, "Karnet" magazine)