jazz

For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education globally. Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center has brought the art form of jazz from the heart of New York City to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. Songs We Love was first presented as the 2016 season opener at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The program is a journey through the first 50 years of jazz song. Under the musical direction of trumpeter Riley Mulherkar, vocalists Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas, and Shenel Johns join Mariel Bildsten on trombone, Lucas Pino on reeds, Mathis Picard on piano, Barry Stephenson on bass, and TJ Reddick in this all-star ensemble celebrating the American art form of jazz. Combining their distinct talents, the group will sing their way through four decades of music, beginning with the early blues and jazz of the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. Iconic singers to be explored include Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.

The Los Angeles Times calls the Luckman Jazz Orchestra “one of the country’s finest musical organizations.” Under the direction of Charles Owens, the Luckman Jazz Orchestra has performed numerous concerts honoring jazz masters and has been joined on stage by some of the greatest living jazz vocalists today, including Dianne Reeves, Carmen Lundy, and Barbara Morrison. The orchestra was selected as an official cultural ambassador for Los Angeles and represented the city across the country and abroad in Sao Paolo and Berlin. This year, the LJO will present an intimate small combo session of jazz in its purest form.

Sonny Rollins is a prolific American jazz legend. Widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians, his compositions have become classic jazz standards. Rollins has collaborated and recorded with jazz masters: Charlie Parker, J.J. Johnson, and Thelonious Monk; Miles Davis said of Sonny Rollins, “He was an aggressive, innovative player.” The Luckman Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to the Grammy Award-winning jazz icon.

Dianne Reeves, today’s preeminent jazz vocalist, will join the critically acclaimed Luckman Jazz Orchestra for a stellar one-night-only performance. Undeniably one of the most important jazz vocalists in history, Dianne Reeves’ impact on the art form is deeply rooted. The four time Grammy Award-winner’s incredible artistic range is celebrated throughout the world. The New York Times says Dianne Reeves is “the vocal heir of Sarah Vaughan.” 

The Luckman Jazz Orchestra joins jazz and blues icon Barabara Morrison in a tribute to the legendary Kenny Dorham. Universally admired and respected by his peers, Dorham worked with every major figure of the modern jazz movement. Barbara Morrison, internationally revered as an incomparable vocalist, is best known for her collaborations with Buddy Guy, Santana, and Ray Charles. Under the direction of Charles Owens, the LJO is hailed by the LA Times as “one of the country’s finest musical organizations.”

The LJO will perform its homage to J.J. Johnson, one of the leading jazz musicians of the post-swing era. Regarded as one of the first trombonists to embrace bebop music, J.J. Johnson was a key player and innovator in this definitive style. Collaborating with jazz greats including Dizzy and Miles, Johnson blazed a path for himself in the bebop movement doing for the trombone what Charlie Parker did for the saxophone.

The Luckman will host an open rehearsal and two jazz workshops with the Luckman Jazz Orchestra on March 10, 2012 starting at 5pm. Participants will have the opportunity to observe a rehearsal of the Luckman Jazz Orchestra musicians, and a master class. For more information please call 323-343-6616.

Hank Mobley stands out as one of the most revered tenor saxophonist and composers of the hard-bop era in jazz. Mobley’s style was laid-back, subtle, and melodic, especially in contrast to players like Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. The outstanding musicians of the Luckman Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Charles Owens, will honor Hank Mobley’s great contributions to jazz by playing newly arranged renditions of his music.

Kicking off a season-long series honoring jazz masters, the Luckman Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to Horace Silver. One of the first pioneers of hard bop, he continues to be a major force in modern jazz music. Discovered by saxophonist Stan Getz, Horace Silver went on to record with legendary artists Clifford Brown, Lou Donaldson, and Art Blakey. Horace Silver is known for his distinctive, humorous, and funky playing style and was influenced by a wide range of musical styles including African and Latin American music.