The Week in Jazz is your roundup of new and noteworthy stories from the jazz world. It’s a one-stop destination for the music news you need to know. Let’s take it from the top.
Noteworthy
Lionel Hampton Receives Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY 2021: The GRAMMY Board of Trustees has awarded Lionel Hampton with a Lifetime Achievement Award, 112 years since the vibraphone legend’s birth and 20 years since his passing. You can watch a video of the Lionel Hampton Estate, managed by Timothy Francis, accepting the award via the player below.
Mark Isham Reimagines Tchaikovsky: Film composer and jazz artist Mark Isham released his rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from Tchaikovsky’s famed Nutcracker Suite via the Scientology Network. This beautiful rendition of the festive favorite is accompanied by a visually stunning video that you can watch via the player below.
BADBADNOTGOOD and MF DOOM Share New Collaborative Grand Theft Auto Track: BADBADNOTGOOD and MF DOOM have shared “The Chocolate Conquistadors.” The new song is included on the updated Grand Theft Auto Online radio stations, available on online streaming services. The two acts previously collaborated on “Ray Gun” from the jazz group’s Sour Soul, released in 2015.
https://youtu.be/xQsSAaRUJyU
Album Announcements
Leon Lee Dorsey, Thank You, Mr. Mabern! (Jazz Avenue): Bassist Leon Lee Dorsey will release Thank You, Mr. Mabern!, a trio recording featuring the late jazz luminary Harold Mabern, on January 20 via Jazz Avenue. The album was recorded in July 2020, two months prior to Mabern’s passing, and features masterful renditions of quintessential compositions popularized throughout the great pianist/composer’s illustrious career. Also featured on the album is former Headhunters drummer Mike Clark.
Andy James, Tu Amor (Le Coq): Andy James’ passions for jazz singing and Flamenco dance come together on her upcoming album, Tu Amor, with arrangements by Bill Cunliffe and featuring an all-star ensemble including John Patitucci, John Beasley, Vinnie Colaiuta and more. The tracklist includes jazz classics, unexpected pop hits and an original piece by percussionist Alex Acuña. Tu Amor is also the first solo release by an artist on Le Coq Records, founded by James with her husband Piero Pata.
Live Music and Festival News
Lafayette Gilchrist Solo Piano Concert Livestream Tonight: Pianist/composer/bandleader Lafayette Gilchrist will perform a live stream solo piano concert tonight, December 28, at 7 p.m. EST. The concert is presented by An Die Music in Baltimore. Click here for tickets and more info. Gilchrist’s latest album, Now, is a double-disc that marks his return to the trio format and explores race relations in America and affairs of the heart.
Jazz re:freshed Launches Livestream Series: The Jazz re:freshed organization has announced the return of its iconic weekly show, shining a spotlight on the UK Jazz scene via performances of young developing talents and established acts. The series will be presented in monthly blocs and broadcast weekly every Thursday night in January on YouTube and Facebook. The first of these broadcasts is scheduled for January 7, 2021. Donations will be invited for each band’s performance.
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