“Alongside the introspective, almost meditative singer, there lies a humorous and theatrical personality…a combination of musical refinement, vulnerability, and playfulness. Gretchen Parlato doesn’t need grand gestures to make an impression; her strength lies precisely in her subtlety. Every note feels deliberate, every phrase is given room to breathe, and her voice draws you in time and time again.” — CuttingEdge.be
There are some artists you follow for years without ever having the chance to see them perform live. For me, Gretchen Parlato is one such artist. I had heard a great deal about her, amassed a substantial collection of her music, and followed her career since her time with the vocal trio Tillery—a group that included, among others, Becca Stevens. Ever since, I have tracked her musical evolution with keen interest.
Unfortunately, I had missed every concert she had given in the Netherlands—until this evening at the BIMHUIS. My expectations were, therefore, running high—especially given her new album, *The Wise Ones*, which once again showcases the unique nature of her approach to singing and music.
Her signature soft, almost whispered vocal style is instantly recognizable. She possesses a gift for making every song her own, imbuing each piece with a deeply personal touch. Jazz, soul, and subtle funk blend together effortlessly, leaving room for moments of stillness, dreaminess, and rhythmic surprises.
The concert opened with the first three tracks from the new album, which the audience welcomed with open arms. From the very first notes, it was clear that this was going to be something special. Parlato was backed by an exceptional band: Alan Hampton on bass and vocals, Taylor Eigsti on piano, and Jonathan Barber on drums—three musicians who are not only masters of their instruments but also possess an intuitive understanding of what this music requires. They played with conviction and finesse, never drawing attention away from Parlato; on the contrary, their playing provided her with ample space to shine.
In addition to her new material, Parlato presented her own interpretations of compositions by jazz legends Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, transforming the concert into something far greater than a mere showcase for her latest album. It also became a retrospective of her musical life and the artists who have inspired her along the way.
A special moment unfolded around Wayne Shorter’s "Juju." Parlato shared that she wrote the lyrics for her adaptation of this piece when she was 25 years old. Now in her fifties, she views those words—and her younger self, as well as the path she has traveled—through a different lens. What did those lyrics mean back then, and what do they mean now? It was beautiful to hear her reflect on this; she didn’t just share her music, but also a piece of herself with the audience. With a smile, she remarked that Wayne Shorter, looking down from above, surely was listening. It was a moving moment, where respect for the past and confidence in her own musical voice came together in a wonderful way.
This personal reflection aligned perfectly with the core concept behind *The Wise Ones*: who, exactly, are the "wise ones," and what do we learn from the people we encounter along our journey? The concert felt like a dialogue between the past and the present—between the young Gretchen who once set out on her musical path and the self-assured singer she has since become. The opening line of the song "The Wise Ones" goes: "Someday this will be long ago..." Something to ponder.
And then, there was the encore. Following a standing ovation, Parlato returned in an entirely different guise: playful, theatrical, and with a wink. In the lead-up to the album’s release, she had already brought various characters to life on social media—such as Helen and the "Ladies of Landslide." During the encore, she revealed that, alongside the introspective, almost meditative singer, there lies a humorous and theatrical personality. A delightful surprise that added an extra dimension to the evening.
What stands out most for me is the combination of musical refinement, vulnerability, and playfulness. Gretchen Parlato doesn’t need grand gestures to make an impression; her strength lies precisely in her subtlety. Every note feels deliberate, every phrase is given room to breathe, and her voice draws you in time and time again. After following her music for years, the moment finally arrived: Gretchen Parlato live at the BIMHUIS. Expectations were high, yet they were more than surpassed. A beautiful concert, a special encounter with an artist I have long admired, and an evening that will resonate for a long time to come. Sometimes you have to wait a long time for a concert—but when everything falls into place, you know exactly why. An evening not to be forgotten.”
»»read article @cuttingedge.be