Bill Frisell: 75th Birthday Celebration with Special Guests
About This Event
Bill Frisell marks his 75th birthday with a program in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center that draws on his long-running role in jazz and American song and on a collaborative approach that favors understatement and close listening. Special guests include Africa, trumpeter Etienne Charles, bandolinist Hamilton de Holanda, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn and Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, bringing Caribbean, Brazilian, vocal and big‑band textures to the program.
About Birth of the Blues(song)
First heard in 1926, “Birth of the Blues” paired Ray Henderson’s music with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown, arriving through a Broadway revue at a moment when New York stages were absorbing and repackaging blues idioms for mass audiences. Early recordings that same year helped fix the tune in the popular-jazz repertoire. Now at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Sherman Irby, and Kenny Washington places it inside a repertory program tracing the blues lineage associated with W.C. Handy. The song’s importance lies in how it reveals Broadway’s role as a crossroads for American vernacular music.
About the Artists
Bill Frisell
Bill Frisell, a master of the jazz guitar, has captivated audiences for decades with his innovative blend of jazz, folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. A key figure in New York City's vibrant music scene, Frisell has left his mark at venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he will soon celebrate his 75th birthday with a special series of performances in the Appel Room.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, a vibrant ensemble under the artistic leadership of Wynton Marsalis, stands as a cornerstone of New York City's jazz scene. Known for their dynamic performances at iconic venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center and 92NY, this group brings the rich tradition of big band jazz to life with a modern twist.
Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis stands as a towering figure in the world of jazz, captivating audiences with his exceptional artistry and dynamic performances. As a key performer at New York City's iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marsalis infuses his music with both tradition and innovation, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Jazzmeia Horn
Jazzmeia Horn stands out as a dynamic force in the jazz world, captivating audiences with her rich, soulful voice and impressive artistry. Frequently gracing the stage at iconic venues like Smoke Jazz & Supper Club and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Horn brings a fresh take to jazz, blending timeless standards with her own original compositions.
Etienne Charles
Etienne Charles is a Trinidadian jazz trumpeter and composer known for blending Caribbean rhythms with jazz, and he has gained acclaim for his innovative performances and compositions.
Hamilton de Holanda
Hamilton de Holanda, a virtuoso on the bandolin, is a captivating force in the world of jazz, seamlessly blending the rich traditions of Brazilian choro with the free-flowing spirit of contemporary jazz.