Sometime Ago (Live in Germany 1972) (2CD)

A long-lost treasure from one of the most creative periods of Chick Corea’s life, finally available in its entirety. Step into Radio Bremen’s legendary Sendesaal and experience an intimate, breathtaking solo performance by Chick Corea at the height of his artistic development. This newly restored double CD, recorded on October 29, 1972, captures an evening that was both musically daring and deeply personal. An evening when Corea’s warmth, imagination, and virtuosity filled one of Europe’s best acoustic halls.

This concert from the archives of Radio Bremen documents a defining moment: Corea was 31 years old and moved fluidly between different musical worlds. Fresh from Piano Improvisations, shortly before Return to Forever, and in search of new creative partnerships with artists such as Gary Burton and Stan Getz. This performance condenses all that energy into two captivating sets.

Throughout the program, Corea transforms the grand piano into a storyteller. He expands pieces like “Noon Song” far beyond their studio versions, combining rhythmic fire with lyrical beauty and shifting effortlessly from romantic introspection to Latin-infused exuberance. He revisits early gems like “Children’s Song No. 1,” explores Wayne Shorter’s “Masqualero,” and even allows himself to be inspired by a free improvisation influenced by Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

What makes this recording so extraordinary is not just the repertoire. Corea speaks to the audience, tells stories, and invites listeners into his creative world. As music journalist Arne Schumacher recalls in the liner notes: “The beauty and warmth that unfolded from the piano and filled the room was overwhelming. I was spellbound.”