Great Jazz on the Great Hill

Lezlie Harrison is a regular curator and on-air host on WBGO 88.3 FM and is widely known as an accomplished vocalist. Whether it’s jazz, blues, gospel, soul, the American song form, or original compositions, Lezlie imbues her singing with her own distinctive stamp. Through her childhood in New York and North Carolina, and her performances on stages across Asia, Europe, and beyond, Lezlie exemplifies the dignity, integrity, and grace taught to her by her elders and refined by her own experiences. She is a co-founder of New York's world-renowned Jazz Gallery along with the late Dale Fitzgerald and trumpeter Roy Hargrove.

Matthew Whitaker, a highly accomplished young composer, pianist, and Hammond-B3 organ musician, is set to return to the Jazzmobile stage. Introduced to the piano at the age of three by his grandfather, Matthew has grown into a touring and recording artist, captivating global audiences and making appearances on notable TV shows like Showtime at The Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and 60 Minutes. He has performed with the greats, namely Christian McBride, Regina Carter, and Jon Batiste. His fourth recording, On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute, debuted on June 14.

Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands continues to win over audiences with his impressive credentials. His piano skills align perfectly with his artistic vision, leading to a fresh perspective on jazz music. He began formal lessons at age 4 and composed his first piece by the time he was 10. By then, he had already caught the eye of Jazzmobile co-founder, NEA Jazz Master Dr. Billy Taylor. An accomplished musician, composer, band leader, and educator, Christian has collaborated with jazz legends such as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Christian McBride. Most recently, he received the prestigious title of Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) from the French Minister of Culture.

Founded in late 2009, Captain Black Big Band was conceived as a vehicle for acclaimed pianist Orrin Evans to combine the power and scale of a big band with the freedom and spontaneity of a small group. The band’s membership ranges from elders to rising stars. The Grammy-nominated band has rapidly seized the attention of the jazz world to become one of the most vital big bands on the modern scene. Downbeat magazine called their premiere album, Mother’s Touch, “extraordinary… a sweet summertime powerhouse of a record that slips and slides with breathtaking compositions, arrangements, solos, and grandeur.”