02/17/2021
A message from Lenny:
“It's taken me some time to process the loss of my dear friend Chick Corea. This is because of what he means to everybody else. What his status has become and how he's touched and shaped society. The world has changed, because there are so many smaller more personal worlds that have been affected. A pillar has fallen in the creative music universe. I've known Chick for 52 years. We made ground breaking music with Miles Davis, then he asked me to be in his band some 4 years later. And that's when he gave me an opportunity to grow and define myself, along with Stanley, Billy and Al. But we were all defining ourselves and each other as we negotiated Chick's new musical vehicles. Communication was Chick's goal and I was learning how to do it on many different levels. Speaking, composing, musicianship combined with how to function as a Band in society. We became men, learning about each other through this musical journey created by Chick Corea. He became part of my family, and he invited me into his. His mom and dad were so encouraging and supportive. Endless enthusiasm, boundless inspiration are qualities those that have been fortunate to work with Chick get to experience. I was fortunate to take the seeds that Chick planted in me to grow my own gardens and invite Chick to bring his personal special plants to create unique, special collaborative musical gardens. I thank you Chick Corea for giving me the opportunity to inspire friends that I never have met and to continue to inspire those that I have. You've left a musical legacy that is infinite. I'm happy to be a part of it. You are irreplaceable. Your spirit is what is will awaken us out of this sleep...”
