From the roots of jazz to the present day, women’s creativity and artistry have played a vital role in shaping a rich jazz tradition. Whether through explicitly political songs or by fiercely claiming their place on the bandstand, jazzwomen create music to express their truth to the world.
In this program, Jane Reynolds (piano), Lynette Margulies (vocals) and Laurie Lang (bass) celebrate the artistry and spirit of women in jazz, focusing on the music of women composers and musicians throughout jazz history, e.g., Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, Mary Lou Williams and more, along with original compositions and arrangements.
The program will also include info about the history of women composers and performers within the context of their lives and times to introduce each piece. For example, Nina Simone was a civil rights activist in the sixties, which was expressed in her music. Mary Lou Williams was dismissed as a woman artist so was not given the recognition she deserved as one of the most influential jazz artists of all time.
The program will also feature the music and stories of other women whose contributions were undermined because they were women. Lynette, Laurie and Jane are musicians and educators who will respectfully tell the stories of women jazz artists through their lives, their words and their music.
