Aug 27, 2024 12:09 PM
Remembering Russell Malone, 1963-2024
Guitarist and bandleader Russell Malone died Aug. 23, while on tour in Japan, after battling end-stage kidney failure.…
Mehmet Sanlikol’s “A Vicious Murder,” from his upcoming suite, tells part of poet Rumi’s tale.
(Photo: Courtesy of Artist)Commissioned by reedist Dave Liebman and supported through grants from the New England Conservatory, The Aaron Copland Fund for Music and The American Turkish Society, Mehmet Sanlikol’s The Rise Up: Stories Of Strife, Struggle And Inspiration spans continents, cultures and genres.
The nine-piece suite, released Aug. 21, aims to tell the stories of the Sufi poet Rumi, the expulsion of the Jewish people from Spain in 1492 and the embrace of Islam by Mimar Sinan—who, during the 16th century, designed mosques across the Ottoman Empire.
A video for “A Vicious Murder,” a work from the suite that tells part of Rumi’s tale, premieres below.
“Dave could have gone to many other jazz composers, but he came to me. And I took this very seriously. In fact, I gave this composition all I got, as it truly was the greatest honor of my life to work with Dave on this one-of-a-kind project,” Sanlikol said. “He, of course, made every single note I wrote sing in the most lyrical way possible, and the ones I didn’t write were improvised beautifully with his unmistakable voice.”
Combining the histories of seemingly disparate yet intertwined people while insinuating the music and instrumentation of the Middle East into a big-band jazz setting, Sanlikol relates stories of redemption and newfound grace while poignantly arranging a unique constellation of instrumentation—one that provides Liebman ample space to help narrate the story. DB
In addition to his instrumental prowess, Malone was praised for his musical generosity and his singular sense of humor.
Aug 27, 2024 12:09 PM
Guitarist and bandleader Russell Malone died Aug. 23, while on tour in Japan, after battling end-stage kidney failure.…
Benny Golson soaks in the music during a late-career performance at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase.
Sep 24, 2024 12:02 PM
Benny Golson, one of the greatest composers and saxophonists of the bebop era, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, at his…
Harpist Brandee Younger is among the performers on the program for this year’s Hyde Park Jazz Fest in Chicago.
Sep 17, 2024 11:40 AM
The 18th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival will be held on 13 unique stages across Chicago’s Hyde Park, Kenwood and…
“I don’t focus on the harshness of the music business,” Lloyd says. “I focus on the profundity of what we’re doing because that’s the real stuff. You can change the world with that.”
Sep 4, 2024 1:29 PM
“To get this honor at this late stage, I suppose I’m blessed. I just know that this is a sacred song, and I’m in…
Hancock has a new project on the horizon but says he will not put it out until he’s ready.
Sep 10, 2024 12:25 PM
On April 12 of this year, Herbie Hancock turned 84. How many people do you know in their 80s who are still working full…
