Those of you looking for a shining new record from an exciting new voice in jazz are in luck: Kieran Brown’s debut has finally hit the scene.

The songs Brown has selected for her debut are pulled from a rich history of classics that she makes her own. American Songbook Association Magazine cited her as a “performer who can present skillfully contrasting styles,” and this album is a fantastic representation of that mastery. Brown has surrounded herself with instrumentalists and arrangers with as deep a breadth of musicianship as she. Outside of Brown’s own arrangements, the album features string arrangements by Joe Block, a renowned pianist in his own right, who has arranged for the likes of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Overton, and the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Featured tenor soloist and Grammy award winner Chris Lewis boasts an expansive jazz background, playing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Internationally recognized artist Tony Glausi, celebrated as one of the most accomplished trumpet players on the planet, has performed with the United States Marine Corp All-Star Jazz Band and more, before lending his talents to this record.

However, the true beauty in this ensemble is the fresh new musicians Brown brings along with her, including rhythm section leader and pianist Tyler Henderson and bassist Joseph Raneri. The majority of musicians on Brown’s debut are coming up in New York City as well. There’s a freshness to the energy they bring to the record, a vibrancy that can only be found amongst this younger generation, hungry to keep this music alive.

by Sam Stafford (Concerts and Touring Associate - Jazz at Lincoln Center)