30 years ago today, Jazz at Lincoln Center staged our very first concert. We're marking the milestone with a new series of digital singles titled All Jazz Is Modern: 30 Years of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Throughout the 2017-18 concert season, Blue Engine Records—our in-house record label—will be releasing a total of 30 previously unheard tracks that were recorded at Jazz at Lincoln Center performances over the past 30 years. Hand-picked by JALC's Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, these songs represent memorable, surprising, and unique moments from throughout the organization's history.
The first three singles from “All Jazz is Modern” were recorded more recently but are deeply symbolic of JALC's mission and identity. “The Strawberry,” for example, is a composition by guest pianist Myra Melford that was recorded with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra during the 2016-17 concert season. It demonstrates our commitment to the idea that “All Jazz Is Modern” with its bold, playful ménage of the blues, Latin rhythms, and avant-garde harmony.
“Ring Shout - 'Peace of Mind,'” a Marsalis original, was recorded during the JLCO’s history-making trip to Cuba, which also provided the material for Live in Cuba,Blue Engine’s inaugural release. And “Single Petal of a Rose” is a poignant ballad featuring Joe Temperley, a long-time member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra who occupied the JLCO’s baritone saxophone chair from the group’s inception until his passing last year at the age of 86.
We'll be rolling out new tracks throughout the year, but for now, you can listen to the first three All Jazz Is Modernsongs at Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes, or right here!
The Strawberry – by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis featuring Myra Melford 9:17
Ring Shout - ‘Peace of Mind’ – by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis 19:51
Single Petal of a Rose – by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis ft. Joe Temperley and Dan Nimmer 7:22
