31.01.2020
Text: Cem Kayıran
Translated: Yetkin Nural
We have been sharing our various evaluations on 2019. But how about the upcoming events from 2020? Here is some exciting news!
Avishai Cohen touring 50 countries for his 50th birthday
Israeli musician and composer Avishai Cohen, who is one of the names in Downbeat Magazine’s “100 inspiring bass players of 20th Century”, has worked with names such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Alicia Keys. And now he has a special plan for his upcoming 50th birthday: a giant tour of 50 concert in 50 countries. Cohen also has an open call for the musicians from all around the world on the tour’s website. You can check the details of 50:50:50 project here.
New Carla Bley album: “Life Goes On”
One of the most prolific names of fusion and free jazz since the 1960’s, American pianist and composer Carla Bley is releasing a new album with her trio with Steve Swallow and Andy Sheppard. The trio has been making music together for 25 years and the new album, Life Goes On, which was produced by Manfred Eicher and recorded in 2019 spring, will be released on 14th of February.
Jimmy Katz’s photography book “Closed Session”
Jimmy Katz, who is known for documenting the New York jazz scene’s recent past in his photography, is releasing the photobook of his world-touring Closed Session exhibition from Milano based publishing house Silvana Editoriale. Closed Session is visualising jazz music, one of the most important cultural treasures of the city, and offering photos of legends such as Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Ray Charles captured by Katz’s lens.
Akbank Jazz Festival is celebrating its 30 years
Turkey’s longest running jazz festival, Akbank Jazz Festival will be organized for the 30th time in 2020. Festival has been expanding into various corners of Istanbul in the past years, and is going to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a programme filled with special guests. Festival’s 2019 programme included names from various genres and generations such as Louis Sclavis Quartet, KOKOROKO, Charles Lloyd Sky Trio and Maisha.
24 Blue Note classics are going to be reissued on vinyl
Inspiring label Blue Note celebrated its 80th year in 2019, and has recently announced that they will continue Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series project in 2020 as well. The reissue series aim to resurface some of the classics and underrated albums from the Blue Note discography in vinyl form, and will continue to release two albums every month throughout this year. Some highlights from the 24 albums that will come out in 2020 are, Duke Ellington’s 1962 album Money Jungle, Donald Byrd’s Byrd In Flight, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and one of the most special bands of jazz history, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers’ Roots & Herbs.
Pixar’s much anticipated jazz film “Soul”
Inspired by New York’s deep-rooted jazz culture, new Pixar animation film Soul is one of the exciting upcoming jazz films of 2020. Coming to theatres in this summer, the fantastic film focuses on a music teacher who dreams to become a jazz musician. The films voice-acting cast includes names like Jamie Foxx, Questlove and Tina Fey; while one of the film’s major venues will be New York’s famous Half Note Club.
Gregory Porter is back
With his 2014 and 2017 Grammy wins, Gregory Porter has been influential not only in the jazz scene but also in the global music scene. And with his upcoming 6th studio album, it looks like he will be one of the names we will talk about a lot throughout 2020. Named All Rise, the album will be co-released by Decca Records and Blue Note. Featuring a ten-member chorus and London Symphony Orchestra string quartet alongside Porter and his orchestra, All Rise will be available by 17th of April. We should also note that Porter is a guest curator in England’s prestigious jazz festival Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which will take place between May 5 – May 10.