The Lynne Arriale Trio - Gala Performance

Overview

International jazz superstar pianist/composer LYNNE ARRIALE makes a rare Twin Cities appearance in support of The MetroNOME Foundation. Tickets onsale Friday, 1 March.

Lynne Arriale has been a major force in the jazz world over a career spanning three decades. “One of the most exciting pianists in contemporary jazz” (The Guardian, UK),she has performed on the most prestigious international concert stages and won the Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Her 16 critically acclaimed albums have topped the Jazzweek Radio Charts and “Best of” honors in major publications. Lynne is dynamic and progressive in her compositions and she continues to bring energy and freshness to all her albums. Often spoken about in the same breath as jazz legends, Keith Jarrett and McCoy Tyner, Lynne has been recognized as having her own distinctive musical voice.

On her upcoming release, available March 22, 2024 via Challenge Records International, pianist Lynne Arriale and her trio mates address a troubled, divided world with an exquisite suite of optimistic, deeply felt compositions.

Being Human, pianist-composer Lynne Arriale’s 17th release as a leader—and fourth for Challenge Records International—is a suite of 10 original compositions that celebrates some of the ways that all of our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, conviction, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. Featuring simpatico bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta throughout, many of the songs are dedicated to people who’ve inspired Arriale, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

“I wrote this suite in response to the division and turmoil in our world,” Arriale says. “The music focuses on qualities we all share, that define our humanity. I hope this album will be uplifting and convey a sense of unity and optimism. The dedications reflect my admiration for those who I feel personify the traits that inspired the music.”

In many ways, Being Human is a continuation of the albums that Arriale has released in recent years, such as 2020’s Chimes of Freedom, which addressed the worldwide immigration crisis and the experiences of refugees who risk everything to find a better life for themselves and their families, and 2022’s The Lights Are Always On, which examined the life-changing events wrought by COVID-19. On Being Human, Arriale affirms the preeminence of love, hope and unity in a world torn by the negative effects of political and cultural polarization.

Renowned pianist and composer Richie Beirach characterizes Being Human as “an important, stunningly beautiful, powerful musical and spiritual statement from Lynne Arriale.” Continuing on, Beirach says, ”Her compositions are masterpieces that reveal the pain, love, joy, suffering and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. Lynne is so much more than a jazz pianist. She, like the heroes she celebrates, exudes the wonderful essence of humanity. I don't know anyone more empathetic, big-hearted or generous of spirit.”