Record Reviews

CHICK COREA / STEFANO BOLLANI ~ ORVIETO ECM 2222 (Barcode: 602527796925) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 Pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist is obviously very fond of the great Art of piano duets; over the years he pioneered this highly demanding and difficult performing act with such piano luminaries like Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Friedrich GuldaFind albums by this artist, Nicolas EconomouFind albums by this artist, Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist and recently Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist. This live recording of the duet with the great Italian pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist is the latest chapter in this long saga. They perform twelve pieces, which include three co-composed improvisations, one original tune each and the rest are standards. The performance is stellar, from start to finish, as expected. Both players are obvious virtuosi and their mutual respect and understanding turn the two pianos into one instrument, which is grander that the sum of its parts. This album marks the return of Corea to the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label after many years – a most welcome event. There is no real need to add much more here; those familiar with Corea´s previous duo recordings will be surely delighted again, those unfamiliar with this great musical Art form should try it out – the sooner the better. Delightful stuff!

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CHICK COREA / NICOLAS ECONOMOU ~ ON TWO PIANOS DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 028947900115 (Barcode: 028947900115) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1982 Released: 2012 Pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist is well known for his amazing versatility (among other things), which is expressed by the many different settings in which he performs. His love for the piano duet is universally acclaimed, starting with his legendary duet recordings / performances with Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist in the late 1970s. Since then he repeatedly returned to the piano duet with many other pianists, like Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist and others. This album is a most welcome reissue of the 1982 recording of the piano duet performances with Corea and the great Cypriot pianist Nicolas EconomouFind albums by this artist, who died tragically at the ridiculous early age of 40 in a car accident. The live recording comprises of two improvised pieces (one of which is an extended suite 26 minutes long), two Corea compositions and six short pieces from the Bela BartokFind albums by this artist "Mikrokosmos" cycle. The performances are, as one might expect, absolutely brilliant and although Economou comes primarily from the Classical music sphere, the two musicians converse openly and quite telepathically. Considering the fact that these recordings were never previously reissued on CD and unavailable for almost 30 years, it´s great to see them back in circulation. A must to all Corea fans and people who lave piano music!

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