"Jazz and Art" is a captivating album by the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, released on August 2, 2019, under Blue Engine Records. This 55-minute journey through Latin jazz, big band, and jazz genres is a testament to the orchestra's virtuosity and their ability to blend musical storytelling with visual art.
The album opens with a trio of tracks inspired by the works of artist Stuart Davis, showcasing the orchestra's knack for translating visual art into musical compositions. "Stuart Davis for the Masses: The Mellow Pad," "Garage Lights," and "New York" set the stage for an exploration of color, form, and rhythm that echoes Davis's vibrant, dynamic style.
The album continues with "Blue Twirl" and "Bearden (The Block)," pieces that draw inspiration from the works of Romare Bearden, further emphasizing the orchestra's commitment to the intersection of jazz and visual art. The "Orisha Medley" pays homage to the Yoruba deities, blending jazz with the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora.
The second half of the album shifts its focus to the works of Winslow Homer, with "Homer's Waltz" and "Homer's Blues" offering a musical interpretation of the artist's iconic seascapes and rural scenes. The album concludes with "The Repose in All Things" and "Twilight Sounds," leaving the listener with a sense of tranquility and reflection.
Throughout "Jazz and Art," the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra demonstrates their mastery of jazz composition and performance, creating an album that is as intellectually stimulating as it is enjoyable to listen to. The orchestra's ability to weave together diverse influences and styles makes this album a standout in their discography and a testament to the enduring power of jazz as an art form.
Vinylscout