Chick Corea & Stanley Clarke Pt 1: The Story Behind Return to Forever’s 'Light as a Feather'

The founding members of Return to Forever, keyboardist Chick Corea and bassist Stanley Clarke, recently hung out at Chick’s masterclass, video production studio – Mad Hatter Studios East. The occasion was to deliver a free online music workshop to musicians all over the world. In this session, the inside story behind the classic album Light as a Feather is told.

Light as a Feather was the band’s second release with Flora Purim on vocals, Joe Farrell on sax/flute and Airto Moreira on drums. The album has become a total classic and includes Chick’s most popular composition, "Spain."

The storyline in this video reveals how Stanley’s first-ever composition ends up being the title track of this timeless Return to Forever record. And a huge bonus is seeing these long-time friends and musical partners deliver a beautiful duet version of Stanley’s tune.

[wasabidrful]

This song got me through a really tough time in my life. 1979! I played this song probably every day just to cope. I hope they realize the joy and solace they provide with their music. Thank !

[jacomans]

After all these years...I just found out that was Stan’s tune...I just assumed Chick wrote it...amazing

[KevinMabryKevvekKhristien]

Brilliant. The Baddest of the Baddest Artist. I love me some Stanley Clarke.

[RaymondLohengrin]

I was very young when I first hear Light as a Feather. It is one of my favorite pieces and it always gives me a feeling of tremendous peace. Thank you for such a wonderful composition. 🙏

[Epitaph]

Wow, such a great story shared between two of my idols!

[DidierMartini]

Thank you, Thank you SO much for the english Subtitles !!! i hope they'll be available for the workshop as well (when a re-run will be available !!). Bravo and thank you !!!

[rembeadgc]

Great open moment between two musical giants! What's also fascinating is that they were just then, after all those years, having that conversation! I'm not at all shocked though. I'm a musician and have played in numerous bands. It is truly fascinating to me just how little conversation about personal musical vision actually takes place within bands. It's almost like people are afraid to be so open and vulnerable. Obviously Stanley and Chick have enough history to be secure in their relationship.

[Djibinho]

What I want is to be also taught by these masters of jazz...! Thx for sharing ! Mr Clarke.... Please.

[joksal]

Great story.

I loved all the iterations of RTF but the early Latin group and sound was my favorite. I wonder how many times “Spain” has been recorded by other artists?

[JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

This saxophone player who is now playing more piano will watch the masterclass with keen interest!

[monsterjazzlicks]

Where or how, might it be possible to ask Mr Clarke a very quick question about Light As A Feather, please? Thanks, Paul

[MattMcCarrin]

Chick - You have been an inspiration my whole life.  I bought your tutorial DVD for 50 dollars at a guitar store when I was 12.  :)  Happy to subscribe to your youtube channel.  Thank you for your interview with Stanley Clarke and look forward to checking out all your videos.  Sincerely, -Matt

[rudyzulkarnaen]

Sadly I missed the masterclass. Hope you do a re-run...

[Bassic]

RTF is one of the most ground-breaking bands in the history of music!!! Virtuosity was required to be a member!!!

[PlayYourSongz]

All I want to know is how do I take private lessons with Chick Corea? I want to learn all that I can about taking my piano playing to the next level. Oh yeah, great video.