Mar 24, 2020
A common thread runs through the next few podcasts that will appear on Straight No Chaser. Each has a talented jazz composer and performer who found creative inspiration from sources other than music itself. In the next few days you will hear conversations with Jason Palmer, whose latest album was inspired by works of art stolen from the Isabella Gardner Museum 30 years ago. You can also hear from Daniel Kelly and Frederick Johnson, who compose and perform tunes based on the works of William Shakespeare.
Vibraphonist and composer Christian Tamburr’s latest project is The Awakening, which he touts as “Sounds for Sculpture”. The project features 10 original compositions by Tamburr inspired by 10 bronze sculptures by renowned sculptor Seward Johnson. After collaborating with Johnson’s wife on a project, Tamburr became aware of Johnson’s large public works. Inspiration struck, and he began to create a new experiential dimension through music to accompany these pieces, while maintaining openness for individual interpretation.
The music premiered for three nights and six shows in August of 2019 at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center in New York to full houses and rave reviews. The ensemble, which recorded the album prior to the premier in July, features Double-Grammy nominated vocalist Clint Holmes and Tony Award nominated sound designer/percussionist Michael Dobson.
A 6-time Downbeat Magazine “Critics Choice” Top Rising Star recipient, Tamburr has led his own critically acclaimed ensemble around the globe with headline performances at such venues as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Newport Jazz Festival and many more. Christian’s work as a composer and creative development consultant has resulted in multiple large-scale stage productions for clients such as Cirque du Soleil, The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Penn & Teller, GOOGLE and many more.
Podcast 734 is my conversation with Christian Tamburr, as we discuss several of the pieces that make up The Awakening, including the title track and “Jazz Dreams.”