Musical legacies

OTEPÄÄ SLIM

It was the recent death of groundbreaking jazz/fusion pianist Chick Corea that got the slimster to thinking. (Dangerous practice, that. Avoid it at all costs.) On how many great musicians are no longer with us, but remain alive in their discographies, our vinyl, and tape and CD collections.

Most vividly, though, in our memories, having seen, more precisely heard them live. In venues ranging from Massey Hall – or other classy such – to dingy dives. As in bars, good or bad, many no longer in existence. Albert’s Hall and the Hotel Izzy, to name but two. Missed, but not forgotten, just as with the musicians.

There was a time when the lean machine hoped to master the 88 keys. Tickling the ivories, however, proved more of a challenge than expected. So did drumming. And strumming six strings. The only four-stringer that was somewhat mastered proved to be the ukulele. Go figure. Don Ho did not need to look out.

(Full story available via link below)

Chick Corea.

Photo: Ice Boy Tell, Wikimedia Commons