September 08, 2021

The Jazz Session #565: Gretchen Parlato

Gretchen Parlato burst onto the scene in 2004, when she won the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Voice Competition. Since then, she’s been nominated for a Grammy, released five albums, performed with Wayne Shorter, Kamasi Washington, Becca Stevens and more, and massively influenced several generations of jazz vocalists. After 8 years spent exploring and enjoying motherhood, she made something of return to jazz with her album “Flor”, released on Edition Records in 2021. The album celebrates both her re-emergence, a blossoming if you will, and her love for the Brazilian sounds that shaped her. We talk about the music of Flor, her advice on dealing with criticism, and how she feels about having impacted the jazz vocal landscape with her signature understated singing and impeccable musicianship.

Show Notes:

Tracks played:

-Wonderful

-Roy Allen

-What Does A Lion Say

-Cello Suite No. 1 BWV 1007 Minuet I & II

-Same Stare, Different Thought (with David Binney)

-É Preciso Perdoar

-Sweet Love

Flor was released in March 2021 on Edition Records

Gretchen’s “Flor Stories” on Instagram

Helen McKenzie Roasts Gretchen Parlato’s “The Lost and Found”

David Binney’s Album “Graylen Epicenter” On Bandcamp

Theme music by The Respect Sextet

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