Give Us These Days Lynne Arriale Trio

• 1 Woodstock 06:18
• 2 Appassionata 06:24
• 3 Finding Home 05:46
• 4 Give Us These Days 05:12
• 5 Slightly off Center 05:17
• 6 Another Sky 05:20
• 7 Let It Be 06:01
• 8 Over and Out 05:02
• 9 Take It with Me 05:06
• Total Runtime 50:26

Info for Give Us These Days

Whether as a soloist or leader of the ensembles Lynne Arriale’s artistry and influence are profound, have elevated her stature as composer, arranger and performer to a renown shared by few other jazz musicians.

Jazz, especially as played by a small ensemble such as the Lynne Arriale Trio, breaks with the tradition to speak with one voice and grants the musicians an opportunity for individual creativity and spontaneous interaction. Therefore, it may be more accurate to characterize jazz performance as a musical conversation among the players shared with an audience. Jazz, the most democratic music, charges each musician with an obligation to accompany and support the others, but it also grants each one a number of occasions to lead the band with a solo.

Group interaction as practiced by this trio is a fine blend of virtuoso playing, individual assertiveness, selflessness, cooperation and a shared commitment to fashion an ensemble sound greater than the sum of its parts.

“Give Us These Days” is ambitious in its conception and its unbridled sense of wonder. Evolved from the creative genius that foretold her reputation as an extraordinary piano poet and composer, the six original tunes and three arrangements on this CD chart a new course for the trio. It leads, ever so gently, to the chambers of the heart, there to reflect upon the precious and ephemeral nature of existence. What emerges is the theme of this record, brilliantly illuminated by the title track: Given the unpredictability and impermanence of life, savor each moment.

Her playing on these pieces is powerful; informed by rigorous classical training, prodigious technique, and seemingly boundless creativity. There is more; a quiet morality nurtured by her unflagging devotion to this music, unfettered by ego, and lifted by a palpable sense of spiritual equanimity.

Lynne’s fellow presenters are both from the Netherlands; double bassist and co-producer, Jasper Somsen and drummer Jasper van Hulten. Jasper Somsen known for his signature sound, feel and lyricism. Jasper van Hulten brings propulsive energy to the group, focused by his sensitivity to the subtleties and conventions of trio drumming.

The last word in this remarkable musical discourse is given over to Kathleen Brennan and Tom Waits’ Take It With Me, a delicate and winsome farewell lovingly sung by vocalist Kate McGarry. The masterful duet by Kate and Lynne perfectly conveys the song’s message of humility and gratitude; a most fitting end to this memorable production, and to life itself. (Lawrence Abrams)

Lynne Arriale, piano
Jasper Somsen, double bass
Jasper Van Hulten, drums

Lynne Arriale
Pianist/composer Lynne Arriale’s career is graced by a love of melody and a joy of musical discovery. Arriale has performed on international concert and festival stages over the past 25 years. The consummate storyteller, she immediately connects with her listeners. JazzTimes wrote, "She achieves a special, deep connection with her audience, and the energy flows both ways. Arriale’s emotional authenticity allows her audience to feel and think along with her… Lynne Arriale’s music lies at the synaptic intersection where brain meets heart, where body meets soul. She is one of jazzdom’s most intensely unique voices."

At the core of Arriale’s appeal is her ability to communicate with her band and listeners. She has been called "The poet laureate of her generation" by Jazz Police and has been consistently praised as having a singular voice as a pianist, leader, composer, and arranger. "I really can't compare her to anyone," said recent collaborator and multi-Grammy winner Randy Brecker. "Her music transcends the word 'jazz' - it is just pure music."

Arriale was the first prize winner of the 1993 International Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and soon launched her touring and recording career. Her 14 albums as a leader have topped the Jazzweek Radio Charts; Inspiration and Arise- #1, Come Together #3, Nuance #4 and were included on numerous "Best Of" lists, including The New Yorker and United Press International. LIVE (CD/DVD) was named one of UPI’s Best Jazz CDs and among The New Yorker Magazine’s Best CDs of the year. Solo was named one of the top CDs of 2012 by JAZZIZ Magazine, and Convergence was named one of the top 50 CDs of 2011 by JazzTimes. Arriale was #13, #17 and #18 in the piano category for the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Downbeat Reader's Poll.

Arriale toured Japan with “100 Golden Fingers”, a group that included iconic jazz pianists Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Monty Alexander, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Harold Mabern, Roger Kellaway, Junior Mance and Ray Bryant. Arriale has performed and/or recorded with jazz greats Randy Brecker, George Mraz, Benny Golson, Rufus Reid, Larry Coyell and Marian McPartland, to name a few.

The world's great jazz festivals and concert stages have invited Lynne to perform, including five performances at the Kennedy Center and additional performances at Lincoln Center, Montreux, Burghausen, Gilmore, Spoleto Arts, Montreal, Monterey, North Sea, Stuttgart, Pori, San Francisco, Ottawa, Zagreb, Perth, Brisbane, Rouen, Cannes MIDEM, Sardinia, Rochester, Wigan, Poznan, Estoril, Palermo, Inverness, Cork and San Javier.

Arriale’s tours have taken her to Brazil, Germany, Austria, Serbia, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, France, Belgium,The Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Australia, Japan, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, China, South Africa and the U.S.

Her live TV and radio appearances and concert performances include Profile of a Recording Artist, NPR’s Weekend Edition, Jazz Set, Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland, NPR’s Jazz Piano Christmas, CNN/FN Biz, the BBC, Radio France and German National Television. Press features include Billboard, Downbeat, JazzTimes, JAZZIZ, BBC Magazine, The London Times and cover stories for JazzEd, One Way and M Magazines.

A devoted educator and Yamaha artist, Arriale is currently Professor of Jazz Studies and Director of Small Ensembles at The University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She has served as a faculty member of the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops, the Centrum Port Townsend Jazz Workshop, the Thelonious Monk Institute in Aspen and numerous clinics and workshops worldwide, including the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Brazil and South Africa. She is a member and piano pedagogy representative of The Jazz Education Network and has adjudicated the Montreux Jazz Competition, American Pianists Association Fellowship Awards, The Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Competition and the Jacksonville Piano Competition. With jazz icon Toshiko Akiyoshi, she was a featured mentor at The Mary Lou Williams Emerging Artist Workshop at the Kennedy Center.

This album contains no booklet.