Artist: Chick Corea Album: Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

Year: 1971
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

Chick Corea, one of the most creative jazz pianists of our time, has left an indelible mark in the music world with his avant-garde jazz and fusion. With more than 90 albums under his belt, Chick Corea has created a new standard for jazz enthusiasts. Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is not just another album from the master, but a manifestation of his awe-inspiring talent to improvise on the piano. This album is an amalgamation of spontaneous composition and innovation that permeates through every song. In this post, we dive deep into the world of Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations, Volume 2, exploring the history of the artist, the genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts and a critic to the album.

A brief history of Chick Corea

Chick Corea, born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was a piano prodigy even before he was a teenager. He performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 15 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the age of eight. During his teenage years, Chick Corea started exploring jazz, and he began his career as a professional piano player in one of Cab Calloway’s touring bands. Chick Corea's mammoth contributions to the jazz world include his pioneering role in the development of jazz fusion and his collaboration with Miles Davis. Chick Corea was awarded 23 Grammy awards throughout his career and passed away in 2021, leaving a void in the music world he created.

The genre of Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is an album that encompasses jazz, fusion, and new age music all in one. The album consists of improvised solo piano pieces based on classical themes, modern jazz, and pop music. Chick Corea brings his signature unique style of jazz fusion improvisation in this album, making it a masterpiece.

The best songs of Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

One of the best songs from the album is Falling Grace, which is an original Chick Corea composition. The tune has a beautiful, flowing melody, with a hint of sadness and vulnerability that is breathtakingly beautiful. Another outstanding track from the album is Stella by Starlight, a jazz standard that Chick Corea transforms with his unique improvisation style. The rhythmic piano chords and the haunting melody of Armando’s Rhumba also make it one of the best songs on the album.

The most innovative parts of the album

The album is a treasure trove of innovative musicianship. One of the most innovative tracks on Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is Bessie’s Blues, where Chick Corea's remarkable technique is on full display. In the tune, he laces fast, fluid runs and impressive use of harmonics, phrasing, and tempo shifts. Another innovative track from the album is Windows, which starts with a gentle melody and slowly builds into a complex improvisation. The dynamic variety in the song is impressive, with Chick Corea exploring the range and sonority of the piano.

A critic to Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

A critic to Piano Improvisations, Volume 2

Considered one of Chick Corea's most astonishing albums, it is hard to find flaws with this masterpiece. However, one criticism of the album is the lack of a rhythmic section, which might make it harder for fans accustomed to instruments like drums and bass. Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is solely focused on Chick Corea's ability to improvise on the piano without any backing. Still, for those who can appreciate the intricate melodies, harmonies, and technical virtuosity present in every track, this album is a perfect representation of Chick Corea's incomparable talent.

The world lost a true jazz visionary when Chick Corea passed away earlier this year. Still, his music will never die. Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is an outstanding testament to his groundbreaking music career. The album showcases his brilliance as a pianist and his innate ability to improvise and innovate. From the stunning melodies to the intricate harmonies and Chick Corea's dexterity on the instrument, this album is a must-have for any jazz fan. Whether you're a fan of jazz, fusion, or new age music, you'll find something to love in this album. Chick Corea's Piano Improvisations, Volume 2 is a timeless classic, and we are lucky to have such a beautiful piece of art to enjoy.