Maarten Goetheer & Pong Nakornchai honour Chick Corea on latest jazz LP
‘Suite for Chick’ is Jazz fusion at its finest, and a heartfelt homage to a legend
Bangkok-based artist Maarten Goetheer has teamed up with Thai percussionist Pong Nakornchai to release ‘Suite for Chick’—a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Chick Corea, out now on NuNorthern Soul.
The album reimagines six of Corea’s most iconic tracks, weaving a blend of electronic and jazz influences that honour his indelible mark on the genre.
Chick Corea, often underappreciated in broader jazz conversations, played a pivotal role in the evolution of jazz, especially within Miles Davis’s electric fusion era. His innovative spirit helped define the sound of the ’70s and beyond, making him an irreplaceable figure in modern jazz history.
‘Suite for Chick’ not only celebrates Corea’s legacy but also brings it into the present day, with Maarten and Pong’s creative partnership blending a vast array of musical influences.
The collaboration between Maarten and Pong is seamless, with the duo drawing on a rich palette of sounds—from the smooth, atmospheric Wurlitzer chords to Moog basslines, ARP leads, and signature Rhodes phasings.
Read this next: Maarten Goetheer's Poy-Sian edits is an ode to Thailand's folk music culture
Maarten, known for his genre-defying approach, infused the project with his deep fascination for modern music, incorporating elements of techno, Italo disco, cosmic disco, dub, acid, boogie, proto-house, and ambient music.
This fusion of old and new is where 'Suite for Chick' truly shines, with electronic elements intricately woven into the jazz renditions, creating a stunning and forward-thinking homage to Corea’s genius.
The result is six tracks of pure jazz fusion bliss. From start to finish, the album is an exhilarating ride, effortlessly blending the world of jazz with electronic textures to create something uniquely captivating.
Read this next: Meltmode’s latest EP encapsulates why you should care about the new wave of Thai house
In a conversation with Mixmag Asia, Maarten shared his thoughts on Thailand’s growing jazz scene: "The scene is experiencing amazing growth for sure. Thailand's link to jazz music is undeniable stemming from the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's (Rama IX) passion for the music. The late King formed a royal jazz band, established a local jazz radio station in 1952, and collaborated with legends such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong."
He continues, "My collaborator Pong is a Mahidol University alumni and I believe the link and relationship with young talent could propel the scene even further. I hope that this project will inspire them for the music to cross borders too, there is so much talent here in Thailand, they deserve to be heard!"
With ‘Suite for Chick’, Maarten and Pong not only pay tribute to a musical icon but also shine a spotlight on the burgeoning jazz scene in Thailand, one that is rich with potential and poised for the world to take notice.
Listen to ‘Suite for Chick’ here.
Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.
Cut through the noise—sign up for our weekly Scene Report or follow us on Instagram to get the latest from Asia and the Asian diaspora!
