New York, NY (September 18, 2023) – Roy Hargrove, named “the most impactful trumpeter of his generation” by The New York Times, left behind a remarkable legacy when he passed in 2018. Now, Blue Engine Records, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s (JALC) in-house record label, celebratesHargrove’s legacy with therelease of an unearthed gem from the JALC archives: Roy Hargrove’s The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center, a live performance of a JALC-commissioned suite that Hargrove never played in full again.
The live album will be available on all major streaming platforms on Oct. 13, 2023, just in advance of what would have been the trumpeter’s 54th birthday (October 16).
New York, NY (September 18, 2023) – Roy Hargrove, named “the most impactful trumpeter of his generation” by The New York Times, left behind a remarkable legacy when he passed in 2018. Now, Blue Engine Records, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s (JALC) in-house record label, celebratesHargrove’s legacy with therelease of an unearthed gem from the JALC archives: Roy Hargrove’s The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center, a live performance of a JALC-commissioned suite that Hargrove never played in full again.
The live album will be available on all major streaming platforms on Oct. 13, 2023, just in advance of what would have been the trumpeter’s 54th birthday (October 16).
Commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center to compose and perform The Love Suite: In Mahogany,a then-23-year-oldHargrove demonstrates a remarkably mature approach to his craft. For the first time, this historic concert—captured at Alice Tully Hall in 1993 during one of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s earliest seasons—is available via digital streaming platforms. The Love Suite: In Mahoganyshowcases the trumpet virtuosity and soulful songwriting for which Hargrove continues to be celebrated.
According to Pitchfork, Hargrove was “not simply one of the most dazzling jazz talents of his generation,” but also “a visionary who worked to fully integrate jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.” On Nov. 2, 2018, Hargrove passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transcended jazz, serving and influencing Black music across generations. “Unlike his genre-bending forbearer, the brooding Prince of Darkness Miles Davis, Hargrove possessed a lightness of spirit that permeated every note he played,” says Pitchfork. “The late trumpeter’s innovative work with D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, and the RH Factor helped shape the modern musical landscape as we know it.”
Celebrating the release of The Love Suite: In Mahogany, Dizzy’s Club presents a week of performances celebrating Hargrove, a true champion of the music.
On Oct. 11-13, Jones & Cannon makes its performance debut. Co-led by drummer-composer Willie Jones III and bassist-composer Gerald Cannon, the inventive and hard swinging septet features alumni and current members of Roy Hargrove’s pivotal big band, who interpret fresh arrangements, new material, and beloved favorites. Experience what Hargrove has handed down as part of his enduring legacy: beautiful melodies, syncopated grooves, swinging improvisation, and a lustrous virtuosity. The three-night event features Camèrahn Alforque, Justin Robinson, Frank Lacy, and Marc Cary.
On Oct. 14-16, Roy Hargrove Big Band demonstrates how the legendary trumpeter generously passed on his legacy to each new generation of artists. This week, the Roy Hargrove Big Band celebrates what would have been his 54th birthday — and the magnitude of his contribution — by sharing his expression with new listeners and longtime fans. Always energetic, always swinging, the outfit’s repertoire includes Hargrove originals, standards, and new music from current band members.
Jazz at Lincoln Center launches the fall term of Swing University—JALC’s continuing education program—with The Music of Roy Hargrove, led by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist Sherman Irby presenting aside of Roy Hargrove you’ve never heard. For three nights, join the saxophonist and composer as he delves into the trumpet master’s sublime musical works. Sharing insights from his own experiences working with Roy, Irby will share an intimate portrait of a colossal figure. These jazz appreciation courses will take place at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Oct. 30, Nov. 6, and Nov. 13.
The Love Suite: In Mahogany
TRACKLISTING:
1. The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Young Daydreams (Beauteous Visions)
2. The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Obviously Destined
3. The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Stability
4. The Love Suite: In Mahogany – The Trial
5. The Love Suite: In Mahogany – Into the Outcome
PERSONNEL:
Roy Hargrove (trumpet)
Jesse Davis (alto saxophone)
Ron Blake (tenor saxophone)
Andre Hayward (trombone)
Marc Cary (piano)
Rodney Whitaker (bass)
Gregory Hutchinson (drums)