The Week in Jazz is your roundup of new and noteworthy stories from the jazz…
Thundercat Makes Acting Debut on Star Wars Spin-Off Series: Thundercat made his acting debut in the fourth episode of the Star Wars spin-off series, The Book of Boba Fett. The bass virtuoso plays a body-modification artist with a robot hand in the fourth episode of the show, titled "The Gathering Storm." The Book of Boba Fett is currently streaming on Disney+.
Eiko Ishibashi Releases Drive My Car Soundtrack: Japanese musician/producer Eiko Ishibashi has digitally released her soundtrack to the Oscar-nominated film Drive My Car, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi and based on Haruki Murakami’s short story of the same name. Listen to it via the player below. Ishibashi’s wistful score synthesizes jazzy instrumentals with romantic strings and lush electronics. This release of the soundtrack features new songs.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5UX8iI2DhriBFsAJ7Hz8lM?si=LVj5wlWTRoKPZHg83YJcXw
Keith LaMar and Albert Marquès, Freedom First (self-released): Cleveland-born poet/writer/activist Keith LaMar has collaborated with pianist/composer Catalan Marquès, writing and performing new material from a cell at the Ohio State Penitentiary, where he has spent over 28 years in solitary confinement on death row. Originating from a concert series that took place during the Black Lives Matter protests, his first album is titled Freedom First and also features an all-star cast of musicians performing new compositions and selected John Coltrane tunes. Freedom First is due out February 25 and proceeds from the sale will go to Justice for Keith LaMar. Pre-order it HERE.
https://youtu.be/VrCv97Y-3JI
Bob Stroger and The Headcutters, That's My Name (Delmark): At 92 years old, Chicago blues veteran Bob Stroger joins forces with Brazil's The Headcutters for his new album, That's My Name. Due out February 18 via Delmark, That's My Name features 13 tracks, including five originals by Stroger and versions of some of his favorite songs by Big Big Broonzy, Ma Rainey, Eddie Taylor, Jay McShann and others. Pre-order it here.
https://youtu.be/hM7un3VxTeM
Hinda Hoffman Meets Soul Message, People (Know You Know): Vocalist Hinda Hoffman teams up with organ-led Chicago-based Soul Message Band for the first time on People, released on February 11. The record presents a program of soul-fueled jazz drawn from the vast corners of the American songbook, including well-worn standards and lesser-known gems ingeniously arranged by producer Dennis Carroll. Listen to People via the player blow.
https://open.spotify.com/album/300ZoInHTayC4jUMpplPUx?si=H2ei3x6lQqmnR2yWTCclTg
Photo by Oluwaseye Olusa.[/caption]
Twelve Musicians Encounter Bertoia at Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas: The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas, will present “Sculpting Sound: Twelve Musicians Encounter Bertoia.” This is a series of six concerts bringing together twelve musicians to explore the expressive range of Harry Bertola’s sounding sculptures. The concerts will take place on February 22-27, and complement the exhibition “Harry Bertola: Sculpting Mid-Century Modern Life.” More here.
Melissa Aldana Upcoming Tour Dates: Saxophonist/composer Melissa Aldana has announced extensive upcoming tour dates across the U.S. and Europe. These include her first-ever headlining week at the famed Village Vanguard in New York City from March 1-6. Dates here. The Santiago-born, Brooklyn-based artist is set to release her Blue Note debut album, 12 Stars, on March 3. Pre-order it here.
https://youtu.be/4n0qVXhA1hU
Vincent Peirani and Emile Parisien Announce U.S. Tour: Accordionist Vincent Peirani and saxophonist Emile Parisien will be touring the U.S. this March in support of their 2020 album, Abrazo. Tour dates here. Rooted in the tango, Abrazo finds the French experimental duo reimagining the music of South American masters Astor Piazzolla, Tomás Gubitsch and Xavier Cugat, alongside two of their favorite artists, Kate Bush and Jelly Roll Morton. Listen to it via the player below.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2yMWpP5NHaEEVWKnlAh6Sd?si=REQHVUaASJq5d_g1pVinwA
Istanbul Jazz Festival Showcases "Young Jazz" on New Album: The Istanbul Jazz Festival recently released a new album showcasing five bands who participated in its Young Jazz series, which provides a platform for amateur and emerging musicians and ensembles in Turkey. The album, Genç Caz 21, was released with support from the Mehmet Uluğ Fund, initiated to honor the memory of Turkish music professional Mehmet Uluğ, who passed away in 2013. Listen to it via the player below.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0fxj2wFPz9VQThBdwPvbb6?si=0-HmsJRfRwCk8hpnUzml0w
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents "Songs We Love," March 3-19: Jazz at Lincoln Center's "Songs We Love," a touring celebration of the first 50 years of jazz, will take place in performing art centers and concert halls throughout the U.S. on March 3-19. Nine shows have been announced, under the direction of Riley Mulherkar and featuring an all-star band of some of New York's rising stars. More here.
Like this article? Get more when you subscribe.