Gretchen Parlato Returns
On September 11th, singer and composer Gretchen Parlato will release her next album “The Wise Ones” on Edition Records. Co-produced by Alan Hampton, the album is Gretchen’s way of dealing with growth, connection, and renewal. The stunning 11-song collection features Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello, Gerald Clayton, Amber Navran, Becca Stevens, and Mark Guiliana. The album also includes two fascinating covers of Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic” and “Mad World” (Tears For Fears). The LP is the follow-up to her brilliant 2023 “Lean In” with Lionel Loueke, also in Edition.
First single, “Capricorn”, is out since late May. It sounds right out of the Stevie Wonder songbook. It’s that good. Alan Hampton wrote the tune with Matt Parker coming up with the lyrics which are just gorgeous. Gerald Clayton plays a soulful, really cheerful solo and the melody sticks with you forever. The vocal arrangement is out of this world. It’s actually a little masterpiece. Look out for a full review closer to the album’s release date. And don’t miss her in Europe next month. Listen to “Capricorn” and pre-order her album on her bandcamp page. Next single off the album, “Rainbow”, will come out on June 19th. It’s a monster. Gretchen will be back in Europe in October.
07/11 London – Ronnie Scott’s
07/12 Bradford-on-Avon – Wiltshire Music Centre
07/15 Vitoria – Festival de Jazz
07/16 Nigran – Auditorio Natural do Esteiro da Foz
07/18 Poznan – Blue Summer Jazz Festival
07/21 Munich – Unterfahrt
07/22 Augsburg – Botanischer Garten
07/23 Langnau – Kupferschmiede
07/24 Cádiz – JazzCádiz Festival
07/25 Berlin – Gasometer
