US pianist Lynne Arriale, noted in the Guardian as “one of the most exciting pianists in contemporary jazz”, brings her trio with E.J. Strickland (d) and Jasper Somsen (b) to the Pizza Express, Dean Street, London for two nights, 14-15 October. The visit, part of a tour showcasing her latest release Give Us These Days, promises explorations of Arriale’s distinctive originals and individualistic jazz interpretations of classics by the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and others, combining world-music inspirations and pop and rock influences.
Give Us These Days, Arriale’s 14th album as a leader and her debut on Challenge Records, has been described as a reflection upon the precious and ephemeral nature of existence and features Somsen (b) with fellow Dutchman Jasper van Hulten (d) and a cameo performance from special guest vocalist, Kate McGarry. The album was included in the Best Jazz CDs of 2018 by Jazz History Online, Best New Jazz Releases of 2018 by Artsfuse and was #15 on the National Jazz Week Radio Charts. Jazz Police said: “Transcendent” is just one apt descriptor for the new release; Give Us These Days,… arguably her most potent release yet”.
Lynne Arriale has drawn considerable acclaim from critics and fellow musicians: All About Jazz said of her work: “Each one of (her) trio outings stands as its own distinctive work of art, unique in design and expression, yet all bear the hallmarks of a singular artistry, showcasing adept fingers and tremendous heart. As with every move in her celebrated career, Lynne Arriale remains both readily identifiable in her different pursuits and impossible to pin down in specific character. Whether given to introspection or taken by extroversion, she remains a force of nature”. Meanwhile, JazzTimes wrote “She achieves a special, deep connection with her audience, and the energy flows both ways. Arriale’s emotional authenticity allows her audience to feel and think along with her… Lynne Arriale’s music lies at the synaptic intersection where brain meets heart, where body meets soul. She is one of jazzdom’s most intensely unique voices”. Jazz Police also called her “the poet laureate of her generation”. She has been consistently praised as having a singular voice as a pianist, bandleader and composer. “I really can’t compare her to anyone”, said recent collaborator Randy Brecker. “Her music transcends the word ‘jazz’ – it is just pure music”.
In 1993, Ms. Arriale won the International Great American Jazz Piano Competition – an award which has also expedited the careers of Harry Connick, Marcus Roberts and Kenny Drew Jr. Arriale has performed and/or recorded with jazz greats such as Randy Brecker, George Mraz, Benny Golson, Rufus Reid, Larry Coryell and Marian McPartland. She was also invited to perform on the “100 Golden Fingers” tour of Japan, alongside luminaries Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Monty Alexander, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Harold Mabern, Roger Kellaway, Junior Mance and Ray Bryant.
Ms. Arriale’s 14 albums as a leader have topped the Jazzweek US Radio Charts and her records have been on numerous best-of lists, including those of The New Yorker, United Press International, Jazziz and Jazz Times. Over the past 25 years, she has performed on the world’s leading stages, including five performances at the Kennedy Center, performances at Lincoln Center, Montreux, Burghausen, Gilmore, Spoleto Arts, Montreal, Monterey, North Sea Jazz, Stuttgart, Pori and San Francisco.
Book tickets for Lynne Arriale at the Pizza Express
This article was produced with the assistance of the artist.
