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| April 23 – June 7: Lynne Arriale tours her "beautiful and mysterious” music to WA, CA, NC, NYC & FL Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Lynne Arriale performs music from Being Human, her 17th album as a leader, with US performances April 23 – June 7, 2025. Joining her are her trio with Alon Near (bass) and Alon Benjamini (drums). A suite of 10 original compositions, Being Human celebrates the ways that our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. Many of the songs are dedicated to people who've inspired Arriale, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. As Mike Jurkovic wrote in All About Jazz: "★★★★ In need of some serious uplift? Try Being Human, a sure high-water mark for pianist/composer Lynne Arriale. ... 'Being Human' throws a warm light upon the gamut of the pianist's innumerable powers." Wed, Thurs April 23 & 24 – Mainstage Theater, The Triple Door, 216 Union St, Seattle, WA. 7:30 PM. $30/$38. https://www.thetripledoor.net/ Friday, April 25 – Piedmont Piano Company, 1728 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA. 5:30 PM. $30/$35. https://piedmontpiano.com Saturday April 26 - The Grape House of Jazz and Spirits,, 2733 E Main St, Ventura, CA. 8:00 PM. $30-$45 https://thegrapeventura.com/event/lynne-arriale-trio-ft-alon-near-and-alon-benjamini/ Friday, Saturday, May 2 & 3 - Durham Jazz Workshop, 4608 Industry Ln, Durham, NC. $35. https://www.durhamjazzworkshop.org/concerts.html Tuesday May 6 - Klavierhaus, 790 11th Ave, New York, NY. 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM. $30/$35 https://decibelpresents.com/event/piano-jazz-series-lynne-arriale-2/ Saturday June 7 - Solo Performance at Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL Part of the Swan City Piano Festival. 7:00 PM. Free. https://www.swancitypianofestival.com/ "I wrote this suite in response to the division and turmoil in our world, " Arriale says. "The music focuses on qualities we all share, that define our humanity. I hope this album will be uplifting and convey a sense of unity and optimism. The dedications reflect my admiration for those who I feel personify the traits that inspired the music." Hailed as "the poet laureate of her generation" (Jazz Police), Arriale has performed on the most prestigious international concert stages over the past 30 years. JazzTimes said of 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." She has been consistently praised as having a "singular voice" as a pianist, bandleader, and composer. Following the release of The Lights Are Always On, Jazzthing observed, "Lynne Arriale has been one of the great poets on the piano for decades." Jazz Journal commented, "On her 16th album, [Arriale] demonstrates that she is clearly one of the best contemporary jazz pianists." Lynne won the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and her albums have topped the JazzWeek Radio Charts and received "best of" honors in major publications. She toured Japan with "100 Golden Fingers" with Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Monty Alexander, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Harold Mabern, Roger Kellaway, Junior Mance and Ray Bryant. She has performed at major international festivals including Montreux, Burghausen, Gilmore, Spoleto Arts, Montreal, Monterey, North Sea, Stuttgart, Pori, San Francisco, Ottawa, Zagreb, Perth, Brisbane, Rouen, Sardinia, Rochester, Wigan, Poznan, Estoril, Inverness, Cork, and San Javier, and has given five performances at the Kennedy Center. In recent years, Lynne's compositions and albums have reflected current social issues. Chimes of Freedom (2020) highlights the worldwide immigration crisis and the experiences of refugees who risk everything to find a better life for themselves and their families. The Lights Are Always On (2022) examines the life-changing events wrought by COVID-19. Some compositions are named in honor of heroes, including those who served as caregivers on the front lines of the pandemic and those who defended American democracy. In Being Human, Arriale affirms the need for love, hope and unity in a world torn by the negative effects of political and cultural polarization. It is a musical inspiration to fully appreciate the incredible potential in each of us, and to best express what it means to be human. Iconic pianist and composer Richie Beirach calls Being Human "an important, stunningly beautiful, powerful musical and spiritual statement. Lynne recognizes the tough realities of the world we live in, but she chooses to highlight the positive in us. Her compositions are masterpieces that reveal the pain, love, joy, suffering and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. Lynne is so much more than a jazz pianist. She, like the heroes she celebrates, exudes the wonderful essence of humanity. I don't know anyone more empathetic, big-hearted or generous of spirit." Esteemed pianist, composer and author Andy LaVerne says, "Lynne has crafted a superb selection of music which is closely tied to a thought-provoking storyline. Each of her original compositions is a well-crafted musical statement of depth and gravitas, balanced by a spirit of invention and freedom. The members of the trio interact with telepathic communication and provide the listener with a truly visceral experience. With Being Human, Lynne once again demonstrates her ability to assemble the finest players, write the most compelling compositions and weave melodic phrases of great emotion, clarity and creativity, all while conveying a captivating narrative. The blend of opposing elements, such as intensity and sensitivity, drive and restraint, strength and gentleness, consonance and dissonance, jubilance and poignancy, serve to make this music uniquely Arriale. Lynne Arriale exemplifies being human." l write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |