Billie Holiday Tribute

Just got back from Brazil, where I served as musical director for a Billie Holiday tribute produced by the Tudo É Jazz festival in Ouro Preto. In the last months I’ve been occupied with creating a meaningful, relevant program, writing arrangements, and making sure all the incredible musicians on the bandstand get a chance to express themselves and sound their unique voice. It was rewarding to see it all come together. Here is the inspiring band: Madeleine Peyroux (voice), Ingrid Jensen (Trumpet), Anat Cohen (Clarinet), Marcus Strickland (Tenor Sax), Bucky Pizzarelli (Guitar), Mulgrew Miller (Piano), Ron Carter (Bass), Antonio Sanchez (Drums).

The great Mart’nália participated as well – if you don’t know her music you should. It seems that her participation in a Billie Holiday tribute appeared strange to some people – but I am glad I requested that she performs.

Hope to be able to share some audio or video from the shows here, I’ll post if and when they become available.