Chick Corea Elektric Band
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Chick Corea |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Jazz fusion music, albums |
Chick Corea Elektric Band was a jazz fusion ensemble spearheaded by keyboardist and pianist Chick Corea, established in 1986 in New York City. The group received two Grammy Awards nominations, one of which honored their sixth release, the 1993 tribute album Chick Corea Elektric Band II - Paint the World. The band reunited in 2003; Corea passed away in 2021.
Formation and initial albums
Originating in 1985, the band's first lineup included Dave Weckl on drums and John Patitucci on bass alongside Corea.[1] Their debut album, self-titled and released in 1986, featured guitarists Carlos Rios and Scott Henderson.
The definitive lineup emerged with the 1987 album Light Years, which introduced guitarist Frank Gambale replacing Henderson and welcomed saxophonist Eric Marienthal.[2]
Third and fourth releases
Their third studio effort, Eye of the Beholder, came out in 1988. The follow-up, Inside Out (1990), showcased original compositions by Corea. The final album featuring the classic lineup was Beneath the Mask from 1991.
Fifth album and revised ensemble
By the time of the 1993 release Elektric Band II: Paint the World, only Corea and Marienthal remained from the original members. They were joined by drummer Gary Novak, bassist Jimmy Earl, and guitarist Mike Miller. This album continued to emphasize a jazz-focused approach.
Tribute project and reunion of original members
In 1996, the band participated with a rendition of "Rumble" from West Side Story on the tribute compilation The Songs of West Side Story, featuring returns from Weckl and Gambale. The original lineup was fully restored in 2004 when John Patitucci rejoined for the album To the Stars.
Final tour and Chick Corea’s passing
Their last tour took place in 2018.
Corea died at age 79 from cancer on February 9, 2021, at his residence near Tampa Bay; his illness had been recently diagnosed.
Studio albums
- The Chick Corea Elektric Band (1986)
- Light Years (1987)
- Eye of the Beholder (1988)
- Inside Out (1990)
- Beneath the Mask (1991)
- Elektric Band II: Paint the World (1993)
- To the Stars (2004)
Live recordings
- Live from Elario's (The First Gig) (recorded 1985, released 1996)
- Live in Tokyo 1987 (recorded 1987, released 2017)
- The Future Is Now (2023)