I wanted to make you all aware of what I think is one of the most interesting jazz compositions and jazz statements in recent years. Ted Nash, longtime member of Wynton Marsalis’ "Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra" is one of the most creative musicians on the jazz scene today. He composed this work as an eight movement work titled "Presidential Suite" / Eight Variations On Freedom. The inspiration for the work, and each of the movements (variations), was eight addresses or speeches by important US and world leaders.
Besides the subject, particularly significant on this US presidential election year, one of the things that makes the work so interesting is that each movement reflects the cadence of each president or world leader’s speaking voice, that leader’s personality and the time in history when the speech was given. The composer is very effective in reflecting these things in the music while remaining true to the spirit and tradition of jazz. Great compositions with some smoking jazz solos by some notable guest soloists. The second of this two disc set features readings by well known actors of excerpts from these speeches. The recording has been nominated for two Grammy awards this year. Highly recommended; especially for anyone who still thinks there isn’t really great and creative new things happening in the jazz world today.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGZ850dD0XW7C82HUemCpGzQsy342jf9T
(Btw, what was that strange noise? I thought I heard a strange noise in the room next door...) 😳
Besides the subject, particularly significant on this US presidential election year, one of the things that makes the work so interesting is that each movement reflects the cadence of each president or world leader’s speaking voice, that leader’s personality and the time in history when the speech was given. The composer is very effective in reflecting these things in the music while remaining true to the spirit and tradition of jazz. Great compositions with some smoking jazz solos by some notable guest soloists. The second of this two disc set features readings by well known actors of excerpts from these speeches. The recording has been nominated for two Grammy awards this year. Highly recommended; especially for anyone who still thinks there isn’t really great and creative new things happening in the jazz world today.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGZ850dD0XW7C82HUemCpGzQsy342jf9T
(Btw, what was that strange noise? I thought I heard a strange noise in the room next door...) 😳