In his early years, one of the many lessons Chick learned from playing Latin music was the importance of communicating with an audience. He learned to immerse himself in the joy of life through his study of the principles of L. Ron Hubbard. That quality is evident in Chick's free-spirited duo partnership with Bobby McFerrin, who is a master of the art of communication and improvisation. His voice is not forceful, almost unassuming, but he creates incredible sounds. He knows how to bring an audience into his creative world. Bobby states the melody with a vocalized bass line, like creative doo wop. Then Chick takes over the melody while Bobby improvises a brief solo in the register of a flute or alto saxophone.

In an eye blink, he shifts identities. Here's a strong bass line to support Chick's statement. The dialogue continues.

A highlight comes when the entire crowd becomes one in "Smile." A woman in the audience, suddenly handed the mic by McFerrin, sings with incredible beauty. Chick descends into the audience with percussion in hand. The whole crowd joins in humming. It's rarefied stuff, and everyone digs it.

Chick on Bobby McFerrin:
Totally unique artist. Nobody spans so many musical genres with so much ease and artistry and convincing-ness than Bobby.

There's never been a "voice" like his: total control in all ranges – totally in tune pitchwise – can literally "sing" anything – vocal or instrumental.

A genius of spontaneous improvisation. And this is the area where he and I meet – Free Improvisation. This combines with an ability to communicate with any type of audience and make the furthest out "forms" entertaining to anyone. Real Communicative Magic! In this regard, I call him "Point Man."

He's a very adept pianist as well – started out as one. Had a mega hit years ago still in the public's mind – "Don't Worry, Be Happy." After he made his mark he took a long hiatus – and thereafter never performed that piece again. He shortly afterwards went seriously into conducting symphony orchestras. (His parents were professional opera singers.)

He has continued to combine his improvisational talents and his extraordinary communication abilities in the area of performing with the major orchestras of the world and has become absolutely MY favorite orchestral conductor. He continues to explore all areas of music – jazz, funk, hip-hop, blues, folk, classical and all the "cross-overs" one can imagine. He's one of my all-time favorite duet partners. We just have FUN on stage – every time.

RENDEZVOUS IN NEW YORK 
Limited Edition Autographed 10-DVD set
9 Concert DVDs PLUS Bonus Film—RENDEZVOUS IN NEW YORK: THE MOVIE, your backstage pass to the proceedings. Filmed in 24p High Definition and recorded in digital surround sound, you join the V.I.P.s for a front-row seat to the best of each legendary performance. Produced during the recording of the Grammy-winning double album, "Rendezvous In New York" over three consecutive weeks at New York's famed Blue Note jazz club.  With such a stellar cast of collaborators, and an awe-inspiring range of music, the 10-DVD box set will become a milestone in jazz history. Autographed edition available for a limited time only.
89.00 10-DVD set, autographed
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