Chick Corea

Chick Corea is one of the most important jazz pianists in the world, and one of the most prolific composers of the last 50 years. Since his breakout 1966 album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, he has constantly been at the crux of what is new in the jazz world. On Miles Davis' Bitches Brew and with Return to Forever, he laid the groundwork for the fusion movement, then moved on to unprecedented acoustic collaborations with Gary Burton and Bela Fleck, among others. In the past two years Chick has mounted two hugely successful world tours: a reprise of RTF in 2008, and 2009's spectacular Five Peace Band, with John McLaughlin. Chick won his 15th Grammy Award this year.

Stanley Clarke

Stanley Clarke is without question one of the greatest living bass virtuosi in the world. One of the few jazz musicians and only bass player to score hit singles (‘Lopsy Lu,’ ‘Sweet Baby’) and headline world tours, he single-handedly brought the bass to the front of the stage in the early 1970s. He was a rising star when he joined the fusion collective Return to Forever, and his influence on the direction and sound of that group cannot be overstated. A winner of every major award available to him, Stanley has also composed for films, and most recently wrapped a thunderous tour in the bass trio SMV, with Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten.

Lenny White

One of the great innovators of the modern drum set, Lenny White's sonic fingerprints are all over modern jazz and funk—not many drummers can claim a first gig with Jackie McLean and a Top 10 R&B hit ten years later. The soulful edge and innovative approach he brought to Miles Davis' classic Bitches Brew and Return to Forever defined the sound of fusion; his influence has only grown since then, producing for stars like Chaka Khan and Nancy Wilson and earning a reputation as one of the most respected bandleaders and producers in any genre.