NMM SoundBytes: James and Friends Return, Including a Tribute to Chick

Armando Anthony Corea was known to most as “Chick”. As a band leader, composer, and member of many renowned jazz ensembles, Chick Corea was a huge influence on tons of musicians in the jazz world and beyond. And, it seems pretty obvious that Chick’s art was a huge influence on James McGowan and his wildly talented circle of musical friends.

Continuing to expand on the “Imagine” poem that was at the center of the previous James McGowan Ensemble album, Reaching Out is clearly meant as a sequel of-sorts to Reaching In – from its name to its progression of style and sound to virtually everything about it.

Today, we’re highlighting one specific track on this new album, a 7 and a half minute tribute to the late legend, Chick Corea. Entitled “Corean Poultry”, the Italian roots and Spanish flavor that Chick loved infusing both drip from the proverbial poultry wings in the song’s clever title. Packed with latin flavor, the piano led jazz fusion track is a true thing of beauty.

Having grown up with jazz greats like Chick, Billy Taylor, Chuck Mangione, and many others on my dad’s stereo – there’s a great comfort in the music of the James McGowan Ensemble for me. If you enjoy jazz fusion, check out McGowan and his merry band of musical miscreants… and start here with “Corean Poultry”: