It is not enough that this time he will be taking the stage accompanied by musicians, in the form of Christian McBride and Brian Blade, who could each fill the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall on their own. What makes this concert even more unique is the fact that Corea will be playing, in the first part, a composition that the 15-year-old Müpa Budapest has commissioned him to write.
Corea made his Müpa Budapest début in 2012, alongside vibraphonist Gary Burton. He then returned in 2015 with the group The Vigil, which favours electronic sounds. This was followed in 2018 by another foray into acoustic waters with two friends of his of three decades' standing: double bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl. The line-up this time around will once again be a classic piano trio, giving the audience the same chance to marvel at the endless flow of creative energies. Named Trilogy, the ensemble released their first record in 2013, netting themselves two Grammys, among other awards. It took five years for their second album to come out, and the concert will also include pieces from this latter release. With four Grammy Awards to his name, Christian McBride has enjoyed success after success with the big band he leads and his own trio as well. Another leading figure as an accompanying musician, Brian Blade has also been a core member of the Wayne Shorter Quartet for nearly 20 years, while also serving as the artistic compass of the Fellowship Band.
For Corea, a winner of 24 Grammy Awards, Béla Bartók is both a role model and one of his favourite composers. The piece that the pianist has composed for Müpa Budapest is a tribute to the great Hungarian musician's work.
