It’s 2021 and the musical devastation continues…this time it’s one of the greatest jazz & jazz fusion pianist/composers that has ever lived.  Sadly, Chick Corea recently passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 79.  If you’re familiar with Return to Forever, you have likely appreciated his amazing talent earlier than most.  Imo, the 1970’s RTF3 iteration—Corea, Dimeola, White & Clarke—was one of the baddest jazz fusion groups on the planet, perhaps only to be rivaled by his “Elektric Band” in the 90’s.  Chick’s mind was really ahead of his time.  As a musician it was not only difficult to read and perform his charts, but to also understand the intricacy of his melodic and harmonic thinking—the causal ideology that proceeded what became a complex work of art.  Of course, his technique and music consciousness was pretty spot on as well.  A master of counterpoint, syncopation and alternate time signatures, he always kept the players in his groups on their toes.  And we’re not talking about just any players here; these are some of the best players in the world.  If you have the means, pull out some old vinyl….perhaps Romantic Warrior or The Leprechaun…sit back and enjoy.  Players like Chick don’t come around too often.  He will be missed by many.  RIP!