Jazz fathers convene at Orchestra Hall

Lawrence B. Johnson / Special to The Detroit News
At age 69, pianist Chick Corea goes back a long way in the jazz tradition. But get him started talking about the 85-year-old drummer Roy Haynes, and Corea sounds like a kid admiring a legend on a pedestal. Actually, Corea and Haynes share quite a history together, and they write another page Sunday when they play at Orchestra Hall with two younger jazz luminaries, saxophonist Kenny Garrett and bassist Christian McBride.

The foursome call themselves the Freedom Band, and technically Corea fronts it. But he makes no bones about the venerable drummer's status in the group. "It's as much Roy's band as mine," Corea says. "He's treasure, man, a legacy."

Corea and Haynes have been playing together for more than four decades. But way before that, the pianist was soaking up Haynes' art through the drummer's recordings with the likes of pianist Bud Powell and saxophonist Charlie Parker. "Roy links back to the beginning of the bebop era," says Corea.

"That was the first language of music that interested me. So when we met, we already spoke the same language. Now he brings that wonderful experience, and taste, into all our lives." Corea calls the veteran bassist McBride another link to the early history of jazz.

"Christian's musical knowledge goes back to the beginnings," the pianist says. "He knows it all -- rhythm and blues, pop, everything. And he's an uplifting guy who brings an incredible spirit to the group. He's always right there to contribute." Kenny Garrett is another longtime teammate of Corea, who calls the saxophonist "one of those creative musicians who are always probing. Who knows what he's trying to find? But I'm glad he's still looking."

Intellect and spirit are natural connections for Corea, whose personal quests are reflected even in the names he gives his groups. Before the Freedom Band, there was the Five Peace Band. "Really, it's all about music-making to me, and it's hard to put that into words," he says of the Freedom Band's name. "I'm always looking for a poetic way to express freedom of expression. In a world of rules and strictures, an artist has to have the courage to put out what he really believes in."

Speaking of connections, Corea eagerly jumped in with another one. As Sunday is Father's Day, the co-sponsoring Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit International Jazz Festival are making a gift of the Freedom Band's performance to all dads. Fathers will be admitted free.

And yes, Corea is a dad -- twice over. His son, Thad, plays percussion and guitar, daughter Liana is a pianist. "They're wonderful musicians," crows Dad.
Now that's classic.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100617/ENT04/6170344/1424/ENT04/Jazz-fathers-convene-at-Orchestra-Hall