REVIEW: Chick Corea, Béla Fleck bring musical brilliance to duet tour
PRINCETON, N.J. — Chick Corea and Béla Fleck are equal masters with their respective instruments. Corea is a legendary pianist, someone who has redefined jazz over the last few decades. Fleck plays the banjo like no other musician performing in the world. Taken together, the two offer a rare chance to see symbiotic musical brilliance, and that was on full display as they kicked off a duo tour Thursday, Sept. 24 at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, N.J.
The two musicians began at 7:30 p.m. and, except for an intermission, continued to play two hours of spirited, challenging music for the packed crowd. Corea was at the keys with Fleck sitting nearby, both looking at each other throughout the concert for cues and instigations. Both were dressed casually and allowed the performance to be an evening of discovery and unique accompaniment.
Several of the compositions were original, including “Mountain” by Fleck and a children’s song (“No. 6”) by Corea; however, the two also ventured into the work of several lesser-known composers. Before or after every song, the two musicians provided some context on where the composition originated. One highlight was “Juno,” a piece written by Fleck two-and-a-half years ago in an airport as he was waiting for a flight home to see his newborn son.
The audience, attentive and giving throughout the evening, seemed to relish the humorous banter between the two performers. There were times when Fleck and Corea worked together, and other times it appeared they were funnily competing with each other. There was a graciousness displayed by both men when each tried to master the other’s work. Sometimes Fleck would simply shake his head and smile, a clear sign that he loved Corea’s playing, but was also somewhat challenged by it. Ditto for Corea when playing Fleck’s beautiful compositions.
The two are celebrating the release of Two, a two-disc live album that includes songs from their earlier release, The Enchantment. One can find “Mountain” and “Children’s Song No. 6” on the album, although catching these compositions live, in an acoustically superior theater, is like no other treat. These musicians are great in their respective genres, and now they are trailblazing new paths.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
