Last month The Soraya (Valley Performing Arts Center) introduced “Onstage Sessions” with two performances by jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant. These sessions put the audience on stage with the artist in a more club-like setting – complete with two bars on the stage. The second in the “Onstage Sessions” series take place this week with a pair of performances by jazz musician Terence Blanchard. He’ll be joined by his band, The E-Collective, in the first complete performance of their new work, Live. The performances are on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This is Blanchard and The E-Collective’s second recording. Their first was entitled Breathless and was inspired by the death of Eric Garner in New York when he was put in a stranglehold by police. Live continues that conversation in hopes of leading to positive social change. It was recorded in several cities that have all had inflamed racial tensions.
When I spoke with Blanchard in 2014, he explained his goal with The E-Collective. “It’s a groove-based band. That in itself makes for a different approach. It’s been an interesting journey because I’ve been trying to find the balance between groove-based music and interesting stuff for musicians to play. It’s hard to put into words. You have to hear the music for yourself.”
Blanchard, whether he’s doing his jazz albums, film scores or working with The E-Collective, has always been an innovator and someone who not only raises important questions through his work, but makes attempts to offer healing along the way. He’s one of our most important artists and these two nights will be special indeed.
Photos by Henry Adebonojo