The Old is New Once Again: Jazz in Review – 2013
For me, the 2013 year of Jazz continues where 2012 left off – it’s an amazing "space" to be in to experience an ever-changing kaleidoscope of sound. One of the aspects of Jazz that I truly love is its ability to embrace the old and the new, avant-garde and mainstream projects that a wide swath of music lovers can embrace.
A number of debut releases resonated with fans everywhere this year – on the radio, via downloads, and on Twitter and Facebook. People wanted to know who the “new guy” was, the one that played the piano with such dexterity and charm? That turned out to be pianist and composer Aaron Diehl, who had his debut release with Indie record label powerhouse, Mack Avenue, this year entitled, The Bespoke Man’s Narrative.
Many aficionados did double-takes when they first heard the expressiveness and range of GRAMMY-nominated Cécile McLorin Salvant’s aurally satisfying debut WomanChild. She channels the best of vocalists from a bygone era but is definitely a modern singer with a 21st century vibe.