MIJF: Brandee Younger – Brand New Life (USA)
The premier harpist of her generation celebrating the music of Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby.
Celebrated as the premier harpist of her generation, Brandee Younger was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2022 for Best Instrumental Composition, and continues to pioneer the role of the harp across genres such as jazz, R&B and hip-hop.
Ever-expanding as an artist, Younger’s artistic evolution is marked by an impressive roster of collaborations, including Pharoah Sanders, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Drake, Robert Glasper, Charlie Haden, Makaya McCraven and The Roots. She also shined in a spotlight feature in Beyoncé’s Homecoming documentary in 2019.
Over two nights at The JazzLab, Younger will honour the life and music of jazz legend Alice Coltrane (Wed 23 Oct) and perform music from her 2023 album Brand New Life (Thurs 24 Oct), at once a stunning testament to Younger’s power as a composer and a remarkable tribute to trailblazing harpist, Dorothy Ashby.
Like the pioneering jazz harpists before her, Brandee Younger tests the instrument’s limitations, blurs genre lines and embraces a daringly modern approach that is shaping the future of jazz.
“Many post-bop jazz records look to standards for inspiration, but few breathe such life into the legacy they inherit.” – Pitchfork
Performing material from her spellbinding 2023 album Brand New Life, Younger celebrates legendary harpist, Dorothy Ashby—who established the instrument’s place in post-bop jazz. Across the album, Younger pays tribute to Ashby’s achievements, covering her songs and tracing her influence on contemporary hip-hop.
Brandee Younger – Harp
Rashaan Carter – Double bass
Allan Mednard – Drums