Wed Sep 17
Brandee Younger • Indy Jazz Fest Sunset Series
6PM / $30 - $60 | $5.50 Fees Get Tickets
Brandee Younger
SPONSORED BY LIN FRAUENHOFF & MARK SHELDON
6P SHOW | DOORS @ 5P
8:30P SHOW | DOORS @ 8P
“No harpist thus far has been more capable of combining all of the modern harp traditions — from Salzedo, through Dorothy Ashby, through Alice Coltrane — with such strength, grace and commitment.” – The New York Times
Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp for the digital era. She seamlessly blends genres from classical to R&B to jazz, drawing inspiration from pioneering jazz harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, while forging her own distinct sound.
In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award and later, the winner of the 2024 NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Jazz Album for her latest album Brand New Life.
Ever-expanding as an artist, she has worked with cultural icons including Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Pharoah Sanders, and Christian McBride. Her live shows are a testament to her love for the instrument and her cross-reaching ability as a musician, making for a captivating and unforgettable performance.
Why see Brandee Younger?
- Pioneering the Jazz Harp : Younger is widely recognized as a leading figure in contemporary jazz harp. She has picked up the torch from jazz harp pioneers like Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, bringing the instrument into the 21st century and carving out a unique and influential voice for it in jazz and beyond. Critics note her ability to fuse classical, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a fresh and evolving sound.
- Electrifying Live Performances : Reviewers frequently praise her live shows for their engaging and dynamic qualities. She's known for her ability to transport audiences and create a powerful, sometimes "dreamlike" or "meditative," yet often "funky" and "grooving" atmosphere. Her performances showcase both technical mastery and deep emotional connection to the music.
- Innovative Composition and Arrangement : Younger is not just an interpreter; she's a significant composer. Her original works are lauded for their ability to evoke moods, from "brooding" and "uncertainty" to "lush, soulful summer groove." She also uniquely arranges other artists' music for the harp, showcasing its versatility in unexpected contexts.
6PM / $30 - $60 | $5.50 Fees Get Tickets