A towering cultural figure throughout the second half of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein mediated between different musical worlds, borrowing freely from jazz, blues and popular music, eventually shaping a “classical” sound that became his deeply influential signature.
From his decades of working alongside Austria’s most illustrious musicians, Vienna’s JAM Music Lab University was inspired to celebrate his music and legacy.
With the addition of drumming great Peter Erskine as a visiting artist in 202 – bringing along his own decades of contributions in blending popular musics at the highest levels – they handed him the task of shaping the ambitious project.
With this live recording, Erskine, JAM students and faculty, and pianist/musical director Danny Grissett, honour Bernstein’s genius and fulfil JAM’s chief mission – inspired by the jazz masters, educate and nurture jazz’s next generation – and on this night, Peter Erskine, and Leonard Bernstein, led the charge.
Bernstein in Vienna is to be released 19 January 2024 on Origin Records.
…host of the Just Jazz radio show, writer, and occasional voice over artist.