I’m thrilled to announce the guests for my second season as Composer-in-Residence of the Frankfurt Radio Big Band: Brad Mehldau and Walter Smith III.
I still vividly remember the first time I heard Brad Mehldau play. It was in the winter of 1994, at a huge jazz conference in Boston. He was playing with Joshua Redman’s quartet — the band from MoodSwing, although the album hadn’t yet been released. As a young aspiring jazz pianist myself, Mehldau’s playing was instantly electrifying and inspiring and left a lasting impression. Decades later, it still brings me the same full-body thrill every time I hear him play. Collaborating with Brad is quite literally a dream come true!
Walter Smith III is another musician who left an indelible first impression on me. When I was studying composition at New England Conservatory, Walter was the rising star saxophonist in Boston. Everyone at Berklee was talking about him, and with good reason. Decades later, he remains a consummate musician’s musician: ask any player in New York which living saxophonists they most admire, and I guarantee Walter’s name comes up.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to write for these magnificent artists. The Mehldau performances will take place at the hr-Sendesaal in Frankfurt on March 5 & 6, and the following week at the gorgeous ElbPhilharmonie in Hamburg on March 14, as part of Brad’s Reflektor series. The performances with Walter Smith III will take place on June 11 in Frankfurt and June 12 at Stadttheater Giessen.
Finally, a reminder that my inaugural concerts with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, featuring Warren Wolf and Aaron Diehl, are available to watch on-demand on YouTube.
