LEGENDARY PIANIST, KEYBOARDIST AND COMPOSER CHICK COREA RECEIVES GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM
The Spanish Heart Band – Antidote, released June 28 on Concord Jazz, revisits songs from Corea’s classic albums My Spanish Heart and Touchstone with a multi-cultural octet, plus new compositions and guest appearances by vocalists Rubén Blades, Gayle Moran Corea and Maria Bianca
For Immediate Release – Iconic pianist/keyboardist Chick Corea’s new album, The Spanish Heart Band – Antidote, has been nominated for a GRAMMY Award® in the category of Best Latin Jazz Album. Delving deeply into the Latin side of his musical heritage, his debut recording with the Spanish Heart Band, released June 28, 2019 on Concord Jazz,revisits classic pieces from two of the bandleader’s most beloved works, My Spanish Heart and Touchstone, along with new compositions and favorites by revered composers like Antônio Carlos Jobim, Paco de Lucía and Igor Stravinsky. The album also features guest appearances by Panamanian vocalist Rubén Blades and singers Gayle Moran Corea and Maria Bianca.
To embark on this vibrant exploration, the legendary keyboard virtuoso assembled a brilliant eight-piece band: Flamenco guitarist Niño Josele and saxophonist/flutist Jorge Pardo both hail from Spain and have both worked with the late flamenco master Paco de Lucía. Bassist Carlitos Del Puerto was born in Havana, Cuba and played on Chinese Butterfly, Corea’s 2017 collaboration with legendary drummer Steve Gadd – as did Venezuelan percussionist Luisito Quintero.
Trumpeter Michael Rodriguez and trombonist Steve Davis form an unstoppable horn front line, while Marcus Gilmore follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, the great Roy Haynes, as a master drummer (and close collaborator with Corea). The band is augmented by the fiery footwork of rising star flamenco dancer Nino de los Reyes.
“One of Chick Corea’s many gifts is his ability to cast an incredible band, and compose songs and arrangements that create synergies which uplift and celebrate the talent within the group,” John Burk, Concord Records President says, “This Spanish Heart Band album is a stellar example.”
Winners will be announced at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards® airing live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 26th, 2020.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE SPANISH HEART BAND – ANTIDOTE:
“With his new multi-cultural octet, the Spanish Heart Band, the 77-year-old jazz legend delves deeply into his roots in re-investigating epic, flamenco-fueled pieces like ‘Duende’ and ‘Yellow Nimbus’ (from Touchstone), as well as showcasing flamenco guitar star Niño Josele and Spanish flutist Jorge Pardo on dynamic new arrangements of Corea favorites like ‘Armando’s Rhumba’.” – Paste
“At the core of the eight-piece band is a sterling rhythm team: bassist Carlitos Del Puerto, originally from Cuba, and drummer Marcus Gilmore, the grandson of longtime Corea associate Roy Haynes…the album’s title track is a new original that Corea composed for the charismatic Panamanian singer Rubén Blades, who turns it into a depth charge.” – WBGO.org
“On his new album, Antidote, Chick Corea revisits the celebratory vibe and some of the repertoire from My Spanish Heart, his 1976 love letter to the traditional sounds of Spain: classical, flamenco and Afro-Latin music.” – The New York Times
“Chick Corea is never less than stimulating as musician and bandleader, one who is always willing to challenge himself.” – Relix
“Corea has been on a near-prolific roll over the past decade, but Antidote, his 99th album, stands with the finest recordings in his entire career.” – All Music
“Pianist Chick Corea is impossible to pin down; from the acoustic jazz of his quartet with vibraphonist Gary Burton to the wild fusion of Return To Forever and the Elektric Band, he’s always trying something new. On this album, he returns to the music of his albums My Spanish Heart and Touchstone, combining old pieces with new ones that blend jazz, rhumba, flamenco and more.” – Stereogum
“Corea, like most masters, believes that music can be a healing force. This music flows beautifully, carries a special spirit, has its totally enthralling soaring moments, all played with democracy and finesse. What a band! This can stand with Corea’s best work, quite an accomplishment.” – Glide
“Antidote is a thrilling fusion of grooves and soul, further cementing Chick Corea as one of the most innovative voices in jazz history…a phenomenal record, destined to be one of the best jazz albums released this year.” – PopMatters
“Everything works throughout this delightful and highly recommended tribute to the ageless Corea’s love of Spanish music.” – New York City Jazz Record
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mike Wilpizeski/Concord Records – 718-459-2117
TOUR PRESS:
Mike Farley – Michael J. Media Group – 608-848-9707