Beautiful music

As a teenager (now a vague memory in the deepest past), I was heavily influenced by friends with jazz rock influences, National Health, BrandX, King Crimson and so on. There was one group that really caught my attention being Return To Forever. Four virtuoso musicians including pianist Chick Corea, guitar hero Al Di Meola, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer extraordinaire, Lenny White, all of whom I have seen play together and in their respective bands many times. Check out the Romantic Warrior album for a taster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_Warrior

I still listen and see Stanley and Al from time to time but sadly not Chick (RIP) so its now down to Spotify. One of my Chick favourites is Spain not just to listen to, but also as piece to learn. Like many Chick numbers, it’s fast, complex and with difficult phrasing and timing, making it a challenge to say the least. But a few weeks back I stumbled on a cover track of Chick’s Spain by Wolfgang Haffner playing with five exemplary jazz musicians and it is just the most beautiful piece of music, perhaps ever….

Check out the original Spain on Spotify (this version played with Return to Forever band) and then listen to Wolfgang’s version. Oh and if you want the sheet music for Spain, just shout…