A TRIBUTE TO DAVID SANBORN

It was with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of David Sanborn.

One of the world’s greatest musicians – and a very special person.

We are so fortunate to have worked with him over many years and have fond memories  of his amazing talent and inspiring concerts. 

He was respected and revered by so many great Artistes, whose recordings and performances he enhanced. 

At Marshall Arts,  we often reflect on a spectacular musical night at Wembley Arena when David Sanborn and Al Jarreau appeared on the same night.   One of those moments of magic which will remain forever.

David will be deeply missed, but his music will keep the legacy of his excellence alive for all time.

Our condolences to his family – and to our dear friend, Pat Rains,  – who introduced us to David at the very beginning  – for which we will always be grateful.

A Tribute to Chick Corea

Marshall Arts were saddened to learn earlier today that the composer, keyboardist and bandleader passed away on Tuesday (9 February 2021).

As a member of Miles Davies's band in the late 1960's Chick Corea participated in the birth of Jazz Fusion.

In the 1970's he formed the innovative band Return to Forever with an amazing line up of musicians, which grew and expanded over the years.

In 1978 Chick toured alongside Herbie Hancock. It was the first time these two greats of contemporary jazz had performed together in such a way. This led to the release of two albums, 'An Evening with Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea: In Concert' and 'Corea Hancock’.

Thirty-seven years later, Marshal Arts were extremely proud to be involved when Chick and Herbie recreated this memorable tour and went on to play a series of shows in the US and Europe.

With a career spanning five decades, Chick Corea is currently the artist with the most jazz GRAMMY wins, with a staggering 23 Awards.

Chick left a touching message on his website to those who knew and loved him:

“I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.

And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve know you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire dearly - this has been the richness of my life.”

— Chick Corea

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, including from Al Di Meola who posted this message on his Instagram:

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A post shared by Al Di Meola (@official_aldimeola)

“The great Chick Corea has left this life but the incredible music he gave us and the meaningful memories will live on in my mind forever.

Joining Return to Forever was for me a dream come true. Chick was my favorite musician and RTF was my favorite band when I was 19 years old. It was a non stop groundbreaking musical journey. We were at the forefront of a new idiom called Jazz-Rock Fusion along with WEATHER REPORT and MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.

An extremely exciting time the mid 70’s were! Thank you, dear Chick for the legacy you gave to the world and for believing in me and giving me the chance to play with you, my hero! Rest In Peace @chickcorea”

— instagram.com/official_aldimeola

The world is so fortunate to have so much of Chick’s music to uplift and inspire, and his legacy will be there forever.

A Tribute to Mary Wilson

Photo: ABC / Mary Wilson

We were deeply saddened to hear Mary Wilson passed away suddenly on Monday (8 February 2021). She has been in our lives for many years and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

As an original and founding member of The Supremes, she helped change the face of pop music to become a trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers.

The Supremes were Motown’s most successful act of the 1960s. They scored 12 No. 1 singles, the first of which ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ came in 1964. This was quickly followed by ‘Baby Love’, ‘Come See About Me’ and ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’.

The world-renowned performer and best-selling author was also an advocate for social and economic challenges globally. She used her fame and flair to promote a diversity of humanitarian efforts including ending hunger, raising HIV/AIDS awareness, and encouraging world peace.

We were privileged to work with her in the early days of Marshall Arts – when she was establishing her own identity after the original group, whilst continuing to perform to maintain and honour the legacy of The Supremes.

She was a wonderful performer, a total professional and an absolute pleasure to be with.

Mary was incredibly glamorous – but totally down to earth and fun!

She was always so vibrant – and losing her is a great shock.

She blazed a proud path for many to follow and all of us at Marshall Arts are grateful and blessed that she remained our friend throughout all these decades.