Jazz harpist Brandee Younger expands her repertoire on 'Gadabout Season', exploring a diverse spectrum of jazz music.
In the realm of contemporary jazz, Brandee Younger's latest release, "Gadabout Season", stands as a significant new pinnacle. The track "New Pinnacle" from this album is not a retro revival, but rather a reflection of the current moment.
Younger, a renowned contemporary jazz harpist, has crafted a recording that creates a safe space for reconsideration, much like Alice Coltrane's late '60s and early '70s recordings. Interestingly, Younger plays Coltrane's very instrument on her new recording.
Brandee Younger's style uses the full range of the harp, giving it an assertive weight similar to a guitar or an austere reserve that mimics electronic instruments. This versatility is evident throughout "Gadabout Season", where the music is elegantly minimal, inviting contemplation.
The music on this album has been praised by critics, with John Johnson of The Wall Street Journal and DownBeat giving it a positive review. The album features collaborations with Shabaka, Makaya McCraven, and Joel Ross, particularly on the title track.
Brandee Younger is not alone among contemporary jazz harpists. Other notable players in this genre include Edmar Castaneda, Destiny Muhammad, and Isabelle Olivier.
FRESH AIR, a popular radio show, has also recognised Younger's talent. The executive producer of FRESH AIR is Danny Miller, and today's show was directed by Therese Madden. The interviews and reviews produced and edited by a team including Phyllis Myers, Roberta Shorrock, Ann Marie Baldonado, Lauren Krenzel, Monique Nazareth, Thea Chaloner, Susan Nyakundi, Anna Bauman, and John Sheehan.
In recent years, Brandee Younger has worked with a diverse range of musicians such as Kamasi Washington, Lauryn Hill, Robert Glasper, and Mos Def. This broad range of collaborations is reflected in her music, which encompasses a broad range of jazz and jazz-adjacent styles.
Interestingly, "Gadabout Season" delves deeply into the spiritual side of jazz, showcasing a style that is spiritually focused and contemporary, much like "New Pinnacle".
As we look forward, FRESH AIR's tomorrow's guest will be Rob Reiner, and the show will discuss his new sequel to "Spinal Tap". We can't wait to hear more from Brandee Younger and the exciting world of contemporary jazz.
