Chick Returns to Forever

 Until this year, I'd been slowly exploring Chick Corea's discography.  He was one of Hiromi Uehara's influences and mentors, so a year ago I began exploring his fusion supergroup Return to Forever as part of a larger exploration of 1970s jazz fusion groups (including The Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra).  I stepped it up in the New Year and spent more mornings than not listening to one of his albums while I showered, made breakfast and got ready before class.  Some of them were very long, and I continued them while making lunch.  His works spanned traditional jazz classics, far out fusion, and expert covers of classical pieces.  I got up to 2006, The Ultimate Adventure, but was saving it for a special session.  Yesterday morning I listened to his most recent record, "Plays," which covers an eclectic variety of classical and jazz.  Unbeknownst to the public, he had left the day before. I hope his spirit is soaring through the universe as I write.