Gretchen Parlato

There are many, many gifted musicians and artists in the world - in fact there is an artist in all of us. The raw skill necessary to learn a craft is achievable, however what sets a great artist apart is clarity to put it simply: when somebody has command of the raw skill of their art and is then able to draw upon only the necessary components relevant to get the idea across. Gretchen Parlato has a that command of her voice and that magical sensibility that makes what she does sound so easy. Her voice is very personal, warm and deliberate and her phrasing is laid-back without being smooth.

Parlato got her start as a Californian entering the Thelonious Monk Competition along with Ottawa's very own Kellylee Evans (featured on Valley Giants 2012), they ended up as the 1st and 2nd prize winners, respectively. Since then, she has recorded with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Kenny Barron, Terri Lynn Carrington and Esperanza Spalding. She is also a contemporary of Becca Stevens (also featured in the festival), a great video of the two of them below. Her last record entitled "The Lost and Found" was co-produced by Robert Glasper, whose name has appeared all over the place these days, notably as working with the Roots drummer Quest Love. Glasper's aesthetic sensibility adds a hip-hop feel both in the amount of space, production and musical approach.

She will perform at the NAC Studio with an incredible band:
Taylor Eigsti - piano
Burniss Travis II - bass
Kendrick Scott - drums

Gretchen Parlato will be appearing at the NAC Studio
June 23rd 7pm show and 9pm show
Buy Tickets at $34 for that show alone
or get in with a day/festival pass

www.ottawajazzfestival.com