Let's Talk: Alan Broadbent

Air Date: 8/29/2021 

With the release of his latest CD Broadbent Plays Brubeck, pianist, arranger, and composer Alan Broadbent solidifies his place as the foremost creator of orchestral jazz today. 
 
Wow, that is a big statement, but it is true. I am not sure of the label, however. "Orchestral jazz" seems too narrow for Mr. Broadbent's expansive vision that melds string orchestra with piano trio into a jazzy but classical kind of sound. I guess if you like comparisons, you might consider George Gershwin. But his music also calls to mind Charles Ives, maybe Aaron Copeland. Now you can add Dave Brubeck to the list.
 
The only way to understand my inadequate words is to listen to the music. Join me on 8/29/2021 as Mr. Broadbent takes us on a tour of his new release.
 
The show kicks off with a gorgeous track from Hélio Alves. Then the orchestral focus begins.

It's All About The Strings

The next few songs feature string or full orchestra, including the new release from guitarist Chris Standring.

These recordings should get you in the mood for Mr. Broadbent's string-based material. But you may notice a difference in the way that he uses the string orchestra. 

In particular, during Strange Meadowlark - a popular Brubeck original - you'll hear violinist/concertmaster David Juritz perform a magnificent solo. 
 
Names like Jascha Heifetz and Itzhak Perlman (Schindler's List) popped in to my head while listening to Mr Jurist.

I was surprised to find a Bossa Nova on this recording, as I was unaware of the 1963 Brubeck release Bossa Nova U.S.A, intended to feed the desire for the newly-discovered idiom. 
 
Mr. Broadbent explains how Bossa Nova was and is more interesting to him than the popular music of the time.

Home at Last

The CD ends with Brubeck's Home at Last, at which point we end our time with Alan Broadbent, listening to the strings and piano trio of Broadbent Plays Brubeck. 

Photos of Alan Broadbent by Juan Carlos Hernandez.
 

Best,

Marty 

 

HOUR ONE: Contemplative Morning

Hélio Alves-Musica-05 Flor Das Estradas-2010
Chris Standring\Wonderful World 2021\Sunrise
George Benson-Inspiration- A Tribute to Nat King Cole-07 Nature Boy 2013
Harry Connick, Jr.-To See You-02 To See You 1997
Alan Broadbent Trio-Personal Standards-02 Ballad Impromptu
Alan Broadbent\Broadbent Plays Brubeck 2021\One Moment Worth Years
Alan Broadbent\Broadbent Plays Brubeck 2021\Strange Meadowlark
Alan Broadbent\Broadbent Plays Brubeck 2021\Theme for June
Alan Broadbent\Broadbent Plays Brubeck 2021\Bossa Nova USA
Dave Brubeck-So What's New-07 Her Name is Nancy-1998.wav
Brubeck, Bennett-The White House Sessions, Live 1962-15 Chicago (That Toddlin' Town) 2013

HOUR TWO: New For You

Alan Broadbent\Broadbent Plays Brubeck 2021\Home at Last
Alan Broadbent-'Round Midnight-05 Journey Home 2005
Lauren White\Ever Since The World Ended 2021\Remembering the Rain
Out To Dinner-Play On-10 Visions-2021
Dianne Reeves-Quiet After The Storm-10 When Morning Comes (Jasmine) 1995
Tanya Dennis-White Sails Blue Skies 2021-01 Chiaroscura
Kendall Carter-Introducing Kendall Carter 2021-05 Lawns
Harvie S Trio\Going for It 2021\Peace (recorded 1985)
Rebecca Kilgore\Trio Volume  2021\There's a Small Hotel
Lauren White\Ever Since The World Ended 2021\Some of That Sunshine
Gregory Porter-Liquid Spirit-03 Lonesome Lover

HOUR THREE: Brazil/World

Zoe Scott\Shades of Love\Once I Loved 2021
The Brazilian Trio-Aguas Brasileiras-06 Baden-2020
Hendrik Meurkens\Manhattan Samba\Bonita 2020
Veronneau-Jazz Samba-04 Mas Que Nada (2012)
Sergio Mendes-Celebration- A Musical Journey (Disc 2)-14 Só Tinha De Ser Com Você 2011
Rosa Passos-Amorosa-09 Essa É Pr'o João 2004
Ricardo Peixoto-Scary Beautiful-09 Noturna 2018
Ray Obiedo-Carousel-06 Cho's Cha 2019
Matt Bianco-Matt's Mood-01 Ordinary Day-2004 Feat Basia
Mark Sherman-Family First-04 With Hope 2007
Kristine Mills-Bossanovafied-07 You Are 2009
Marco Figueira-Brazilliance-13 Romance (Instrumental Version) 2004

HOUR FOUR: Groove, Baby

Andrew Neu-Everything Happens for a Reason-09 Bring It On 2013
Richard Elliot\Authentic Life\Authentic Life 2021
Zoe Scott\Shades of Love\My Cherie Amour 2021
Chris Standring\soul-express\Constellation
Brian Simpson-Out of a Dream-05 Just One Wish (2015)
Zoe Scott\Shades of Love\I'll Stand By You 2021
Najee-Center of the Heart-07 One Note Love 2019
Molly Johnson-Another Day-07 Melody 2002
Richard Elliot - Authentic Life - Move Ahead - 2021
Andrew Neu-Inspire-Mystic Days-2000
Spyro Gyra-Morning Dance-05 Starburst 1979
Rick Braun-Crossroads-07 Family 2019

Comments

Hello from Natick said…
The interview with Alan Broadbent along with the playing of his Brubeck album was wonderful. I’ve known some of his piano work. I had no idea what a talent he is! Thank you for making me aware of my next favorite artist. You made our Sunday morning.
August 29, 2021 at 9:32 AM
Unknown said…
Thanks so much for the feedback. I am really glad you enjoyed it. Best, Marty
August 29, 2021 at 10:04 AM
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