Cécile in Hamburg, Lizz in Berlin

We have returned to Berlin yesterday. Just in time to see Lizz Wright tonight at Columbia Theater where she will perform songs from her new album “Shadow”, to be released on her own Blue & Greens label on April 12th. Last Saturday, singer Cécile McLorin Salvant graced the stage at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. Joined by a 13-piece chamber orchestra, she performed the fairytale “Ogresse”, both dark and tender, at times a bit harsh, and then caressing again. It is a sort of Jazz meets theater performance which was very demanding and commanding your utmost attention. It featured the excellent work of vibraphonist Warren Wolf, Darcy James Argue as conductor and arranger, and Helen Sung on piano and organ.

In terms of new LPs, we’re happy to learn that one of our favorite pianists, Fred Hersch, will have another solo piano record coming out on April 19th. “Akrasia”, a first track off his ECM LP “Silent, Listening”, is part of Gina’s latest weekly playlist which she published last Friday.