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If there was one place in the jazz world to be in December 2001, it was at the Blue Note in New
York, where in a three-week long celebration of his 60th birthday, pianist Chick Corea performed in
multiple configurations with vocalist extraordinaire Bobby McFerrin, vibraphone legend Gary Burton,
drummer Roy Haynes and many other world-class musicians. The extraordinary music that resulted
was recorded on some 60 hours of tape, from which Mr. Corea chose 12 performances now
released as Rendezvous in New York, a two-CD set. For those who were not at the Blue
Note, take heart. This recording is not just the next best thing - it is Corea's distillation of the best of a
series of very good performances.
As such, Rendevous in New York looks back at Chick Corea's career and marks the
point of
departure for his future endeavors. Historical context aside, the music here stands on its own
formidable merits. The mood of the recording ranges from quiet and contemplative to
fiery and energetic, and the album begins with a musical joke that I won't reveal here. Throughout,
the joy, frank spirituality, and eloquence that have always graced Chick Corea's
playing are front and center. It is pretty clear that Mr. Corea's collaborators viewed the opportunity to
play with him as an extraordinary opportunity, and all are at or near their best. Of the 12 selections
on this album, nine are standouts. Among other treats, there are contrasting takes of the classic
"Concierto de Aranjuez/Spain," one with Bobby McFerrin and the other with Cuban born
pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, very different in mood, both beautiful.
Those new to Chick Corea's music will find this album a very sound starting point for exploring
his enormous discography. However, Rendezvous in New York, true to its name, does not
contain a solo
performance by Corea. As a complement to performances by this great artist in units from duos
to sextets, an
appropriate solo piece would have been a
worthy addition. That said, because Mr. Corea brought out the best in his collaborators, the appeal
of this recording goes well beyond piano jazz
aficionados. Rendezvous in New York may have been Chick Corea's birthday party, but the
gifts were for us.
This review originally appeared in
All About Jazz-New York June 2003.
~ Steven Robinson
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Track Listing: 1. Armando's Rhumba performed by Corea / Bobby McFerrin - 4:58
2. Blue Monk performed by Corea / Bobby McFerrin - 5:34
3. Concierto de Aranjuez/Spain performed by Corea / Bobby McFerrin - 8:14
4. Matrix performed by Now He Sings, Now He Sobs Trio - 10:47
5. Glass Enclosure/Tempus Fugit performed by Remembering Bud Powell Band - 16:10
6. Crystal Silence performed by Corea / Gary Burton - 10:01
7. Bessie's Blues performed by Corea, Chick Akoustic Band - 8:37
8. Autumn Leaves performed by Corea, Chick Akoustic Band - 11:35
9. Armando's Tango performed by Origin - 12:10
10. Concierto de Aranjuez performed by Corea / Gonzalo Rubalcaba - 13:25
11. Lifeline performed by Corea, Chick New Trio - 12:02
12. Quartet No. 2, Pt. 1 performed by Three Quarters Band - 11:42
Personnel: Michael Brecker,
Gary Burton,
Eddie Gomez,
Bobby McFerrin,
John Patitucci,
Gonzalo Rubalcaba,
Miroslav Vitous,
Steve Wilson,
Joshua Redman,
Terence Blanchard,
Chaka Khan,
Chick Corea,
Béla Fleck,
Steve Gadd,
Isaac Hayes,
Chris Hayes,
Roy Haynes,
Christian McBride,
Dave Weckl,
Tim Garland,
Peter Schickele,
Avishai Cohen,
Jeff Ballard,
Steve Davis
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