“Solo piano is lonely,” says Chick Corea, though the legendary pianist is in good company throughout the solo performances captured on this captivating new double album. On Plays, Corea engages with several of his favorite composers, representing a wide swath of musical history - as well as with enthusiastic audiences in concert halls across Europe and the U.S., who become integral collaborators in these spirited renditions. While Corea’s solo explorations are as exploratory and inventive as ever, the tone on Plays is decidedly communal. That comes from the jazz great’s warm and witty dialogues with his audience, but also from the way he makes connections with the iconic composers whose work he celebrates.