BY LAURA BIEMMI, TRENDS EDITOR
Few artists dare to navigate the terrain spanning hip-hop and orchestral music; soul and spoken word; drum ‘n’ bass and jazz.
José James is game.
It’s no wonder the New York City soloist is celebrated for “his own unique brand of vocal jazz”. It’s also no wonder he’s been selected to join composer-conductor Troy Miller and Nina Simone-channeling singer Laura Mvula for the world-renowned Gershwin Reimagined project.
After performances with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Gershwin Reimagined is about to hit Australia. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra will light up the Perth Concert Hall this 7 June.
So what is it about Gershwin’s music that warrants reimagining, anyway?
For José, it’s all about respecting Gershwin as a master of song, while cultivating a new perspective on his music. “Gershwin’s songs are classics. They are masterpieces,” José states.
“Songs like Embraceable You will live forever. Gershwin exists outside of trends, and will always be important, [but] I hope that audiences leave with a new appreciation for the timeless craft of these songs.”
The event will offer much-loved classics including Summertime (Porgy and Bess), I Got Rhythm, and others from the Gershwin songbook.
For all the musical innovation required to recreate Gershwin’s music, the concept makes complete sense: born in Brooklyn in 1898, Gershwin absorbed the music of New York, and composed works that incorporated both classical and jazz traditions, spanning genres from song to full-blown orchestral music.
Exploring the relationship between classical and jazz, and between song and orchestra, is an endeavour that finds plenty of inspiration in this source material – and José is no stranger to it.
“I’ve been singing Gershwin’s songs since I was in high school!” he says.
“Students of jazz, Broadway, or the Great American Songbook must spend time with the Great Master, Gershwin.
“Being a great jazz musician requires some familiarity with all forms of music, including classical and opera. I’ve worked with several great orchestras in the past, such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. It’s so much fun!”
José is keenly aware of the similarities between classical music and jazz, and their evolving places in the world, which he believes “are changing”.
“Every artform has its moment, and the issue today is more to do with repertoire than a genre’s ‘label’. At one point, jazz and classical music largely celebrated living composers and bandleaders, which made it more modern.
“The idea that the best and most innovative composers are in the past leads to our modern society deciding that these expressions could be old or outdated.”
Indeed, there is something new that jazz is capable of bringing to this particular Gershwin-laden table in its own unique way: the personalities of the performers. And, to José, “jazz is about being yourself; expressing your personality to the fullest”.
“Every soloist and musician has their own interpretation regardless of style, and can bring about a completely different emotional weight and perspective.”
Perth audiences would rightly be thrilled that such an exciting project is coming to our shores. José is similarly enthused: “I haven’t met Troy before! I’m really excited to finally meet him. So far we’ve had a few chats over the phone; he is an incredible artist and talent.”
“I’ll be performing S’Wonderful as a duo with just Troy on drums; that will be pretty special. Laura and I have done shows together in the past; I can’t wait to hear her on this material. To share the stage with Laura is an honour.”
What does José hope Perth audiences take away from his performance? “Timeless music and expression will always exist in our society because it touches upon a truth we need to be reminded of.”
Such music, expression, and truth can surely be found in Gershwin Reimagined.
Head along to Gershwin Reimagined at 8pm June 7 in the Perth Concert Hall. Troy Miller will conduct WASO, featuring José James with Laura Mvula.
We teamed up with WASO to bring you this story about the Gershwin Reimagined project in Australia! Stay tuned for more Australian arts news 🙂
Images supplied.
