Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band

Named for Corea’s milestone 1976 Polydor double album My Spanish Heart, this new 8-piece ensemble brings together a virtuoso group of Spanish and American musicians and flamenco dancer Nino de los Reyes, built around the backbone of drummer Marcus Gilmore and bassist Carlitos Del Puerto — the telepathic rhythm section from Corea’s recent Vigil and Vigilette projects.

The roots of Corea’s fascination with the blend of Spanish music and jazz go back to the composition of his signature Rodrigo-influenced 1972 piece “Spain” and his work in collaboration with supreme flamenco guitar deity Paco de Lucía. With the possibilities afforded by its expanded lineup and multi-cultural makeup, this new ensemble takes these explorations to their furthest level of expression, as heard on Corea’s new Concord Jazz album, Antidote. The title track and classic Corea composition “My Spanish Heart” feature the great Panamanian vocalist Blades, who joins the ensemble for this performance.