Béla Fleck & Chick Corea’s ‘Remembrance’: A Final Symphony of Friendship and Innovation

In an era where true musical connections seem as rare as they are precious, the announcement of “Remembrance,” the latest and last album from 18-time Grammy Award-winning banjoist Béla Fleck and the late, legendary pianist Chick Corea , resonates with a profound sense of musical communion and exploration. Scheduled for release on May 10th by Thirty Tigers, this album stands as a moving homage and a vibrant celebration of a friendship that blossomed through rhythm and melody. Recorded in the poignant backdrop of the duo’s final tour dates in 2019, and amidst the solitude of the Covid pandemic through traded sound files, “Remembrance” encapsulates a spectrum of musical genres. It unveils three unreleased compositions by Corea, including the ingeniously titled “Enut Nital,” alongside “Continuance,” and delves into the duo’s revisitation of older gems that had graced their setlists. Complementing these are new compositions from Fleck, including “The Otter Creek Incident” and “Juno,” a heartfelt nod to his son. The album also pays homage to the giants of music, Thelonious Monk and Scarlatti, while embracing the spirit of jazz avant-garde in Fleck’s “Small Potatoes.” Speaking of the collaboration, Béla Fleck shares, “We pushed this duo to a new place before we ran out of time. This album provides a different lens through which to view Chick Corea’s immense talent and versatility. It’s an honor to contribute to his legacy in such a meaningful way.” Chick Corea, who passed away in 2021, left behind an indelible mark on the world of jazz, remembered for his ceaseless innovation and boundless energy. His collaborations with Fleck, particularly noted in their 2015 live project “Two,” exemplified Corea’s belief in musical adventure and mutual respect. “With Béla, our duet has become so simpatico, comfortable spiritually, and yet always on the brink of new musical discoveries,” Corea reflected in 2015. Fleck, looking back on their journey together, remarks on the profound impact Corea had on him, both personally and professionally. “It was a deep shock to lose him. Our relationship was one of the special ones in my life, filled with kindness, learning, and mutual respect. I’m grateful for the time we had and thrilled to share this final piece of our journey together.” “Remembrance” serves not only as a testament to the incredible synergy between Béla Fleck and Chick Corea but also as a gift to the world, offering a glimpse into the depths of their musical explorations. It is an invitation to listeners to experience the beauty of their connection and the timeless nature of their creativity. Pre-orders for “Remembrance” are now available at https://orcd.co/belafleckremembrance.