FOR YOUR GRAMMY CONSIDERATION:
Please also see entire album below.
Best Jazz Instrumental Album (#32): Being Human
Best Jazz Performance (#30): Curiosity
Best Instrumental Composition (#84): Love
Here is an additional version of Love played on "voices" on the Yamaha Clavinova. I submitted the trio version for Grammy consideration, but I wanted to share this with you as well.
On her latest release, pianist/composer Lynne Arriale and her trio mates address a troubled, divided world with an exquisite suite of optimistic, deeply felt compositions.
FEATURING:
Lynne Arriale (piano, Clavinova)
Alon Near (bass)
Lukasz Zyta (drums)
Produced by Lynne Arriale
Released via Challenge Records
Being Human, pianist-composer Lynne Arriale's 17th album as a leader, is her fourth for Challenge Records International. Being Human, a suite of 10 original compositions, celebrates the ways that our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, conviction, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. the album explores life-affirming facets of humankind. Many of the songs are dedicated to people who’ve inspired Arriale, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.
“I wrote this suite in response to the division and turmoil in our world,” Arriale says. “The music focuses on qualities we all share, that define our humanity. I hope this album will be uplifting and convey a sense of unity and optimism. The dedications reflect my admiration for those who I feel personify the traits that inspired the music.”
In Being Human, Arriale affirms the need for love, hope and unity in a world torn by the negative effects of political and cultural polarization. It is a musical inspiration to fully appreciate the incredible potential in each of us, and to best express what it means to be human.
On this session, Lynne is joined by bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta, both outstanding, in-demand musicians on the international jazz scene. The trio creates the sort of engrossing musical conversation that has become a trademark of Lynne’s groups.
Renowned pianist and composer Richie Beirach characterizes Being Human as “an important, stunningly beautiful, powerful musical and spiritual statement from Lynne Arriale.” Continuing on, Beirach says, ”Her compositions are masterpieces that reveal the pain, love, joy, suffering and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. Lynne is so much more than a jazz pianist. She, like the heroes she celebrates, exudes the wonderful essence of humanity. I don't know anyone more empathetic, big-hearted or generous of spirit.”
PRESS
★★★★ Downbeat
★★★★ BBC Magazine
★★★★ All About Jazz
★★★★ Jazzwise
★★★★ Marlbank, UK
“She is clearly one of the best contemporary jazz pianists.“
Jazz Journal
“This proves that Lynne Arriale is one of the great composers of today. She also knows how to perfectly blend tradition and modernity within the same album, and this is the ultimate proof… Undoubtedly, we have one of the great albums of 2024 here.”
Paris Move
“In a sense the deeply meditative music with their one-word titles makes these glorious miniatures seem like vortices of emotion… For this is music that is born of body and soul. The compositions bear the hallmark of a composer who composes not so much with pencil on staved paper, but with the proverbial nerve-endings of the very flesh of her fingers that caress the keys as she plays the music. Her glorious melodic lines lift the black dots off the paper and exhort them to sing and dance and pirouette like Apollo’s Angels in the air around you.
“Being Human…an album with so many heart-on-the sleeve moments that you will find yourself catching your breath in absolute awe of Arriale’s introspective artistry…an artist of the first order…
…the album speaks to Arriale’s humanity is the fact that it has been inspired by the epiphany that we all belong to the Human Race and if we are to survive we should allow “Love”, in directing our humanity, to be the glue that binds us.”
... we have an album to absolutely die for.”
That Canadian Magazine
“Her technical brilliance on the instrument is remarkable… Arriale has evolved into a master trio leader.”
KultKomplott
“... amazing piano talent and versatility… she invites us into her music. It’s like falling down a rabbit hole and discovering awesome and unexpected gifts along the way.”
Musicalmemoirs’s Blog
“Being Human is the remarkable pianist/composer Lynne Arriale’s 17th album as a leader, and her hard-won experience is on full display here… a rare jazz artist… every track is a highlight”
CD HotList
“[Arriale] has released a series of remarkable recordings highlighting and celebrating individual and collective responses to world events.”
Jazz Journal
“Here we have three artists in complete harmony, utilizing all their skills and extensive knowledge of classical music to bring us highly harmonized arrangements, remarkable for their poetic imprint… The quality of her compositions, the melodic and acute sound, the perfect mastery of the trio format, and the remarkable musicians who have gone above and beyond to deliver their best—madness it would be to overlook this album…
“... an optimistic and deeply felt suite of ten original compositions... virtuosic performances”
JAZZIZ
“Easily the most outstanding album we have heard recently…”
Marlbank
“Her lyrical speech is recognizable by the poetry that runs through it. It is certainly a unique voice in the world of jazz piano… This record conceals a deep coherence in which is inserted a beauty always nourished by an unvarnished authenticity.”
CultureJazz
“They are indeed small jewels… aura of almost mystical hopefulness. An exceptional interpretative skill that paints the portrait of a complete artist.”
Corriere del Ticino
“Arriale’s seventeenth artistic statement serves as a channel towards our hopes, dreams, thoughts, prayers and shared best wishes for a better world… Being Human sheds a warm light on the range of the pianist’s myriad powers….vividly emotional lyricism”
Le Strade del Jazz
“The pianist-composer has proven herself among the most socially and politically engaged jazz musicians working today. She mines in an affirmative jazz without lyrics but so full of spirit and both refined and rough-hewn musical gemstones gritted with shards of life to appreciate and feel. You can’t help but sense how far Arriale travels musically to discover the width and depth of human determination and courage in a world ever ready in defiance.”
Kevernacular
“Being Human is Arriale's Dickinson-like message to the world, one designed to encourage us to embrace optimism and hope over despair and resignation.”
Textura
“She remains a force of nature.”
All About Jazz
LINER NOTES, CREDITS
Being Human, pianist-composer Lynne Arriale’s 17th album as a leader, is her fourth for Challenge Records International. Joining Lynne are bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta in a suite of original compositions that explores life-affirming facets of humankind. Being Human is dedicated to the things that define our better nature, and to those individuals, whether celebrated or unsung, who personify them.
In recent years, Lynne’s compositions and albums have reflected current social issues. Chimes of Freedom (2020) highlights the worldwide immigration crisis and the experiences of refugees who risk everything to find a better life for themselves and their families. The Lights Are Always On (2022) examines the life-changing events wrought by COVID-19. Some compositions are named in honor of heroes, including those who served as caregivers on the front lines of the pandemic and those who defended American democracy.
In Being Human, Lynne’s compositions celebrate the ways our lives are enriched by passion, courage, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith, and joy. Responding to the negative effects of polarization in society and culture, Lynne created this album as an affirmation of love, hope, and unity. It is a musical inspiration to fully appreciate the incredible potential in each of us, and to live our lives individually and collectively as the best expression of what it means to be human.
“I wrote this suite in response to the division and turmoil in our world. The music focuses on qualities we all share; that define our humanity. I hope this album will be uplifting and convey a sense of unity and optimism. The dedications reflect my admiration for those who I feel personify the traits that inspired the music.” - Lynne Arriale
PASSION
A young Swedish environmental activist personifies passion by her unwavering determination to raise awareness about the causes and effects of climate change. Her dedication serves as a shining example of how passion can inspire meaningful action.
This performance ignites the suite with a burst of color and texture. Passion is the essence of the music, and Lynne’s energetic solo drives the narrative with beautiful lyricism. Her phrases are answered by Alon in counterpoint. Lukasz’s propulsive groove blends seamlessly with the steady heartbeat of Alon’s bassline, then expands organically into a solo that caps the performance. The overarching effect is a sense of triumph which, like the passion that created it, cannot be denied.
COURAGE
These remarkable people are the embodiment of courage as they resist Russia’s invasion of their country. Remaining unbowed while resisting a vastly more powerful enemy, they stand in solidarity with their military forces, even while enduring the horrors and hardships of war.
This powerful composition moves decisively in 6/8 time; the sound of an iron-clad, implacable will. The impression is reinforced by Lukasz’s strong backbeat that anchors the trio’s polyrhythmic interplay.
LOVE
The pinnacle of human feelings; love is the greatest force on earth. It is the best in us; it inspires the best from us. Being the heart and soul of empathy, compassion, and altruism, it has the power to nurture, uplift, and connect. Love is the most beautiful and profound part of our lives.
Love evokes the purity and pristine simplicity of a Bach chorale, where every note informs its gorgeous, melodic lyricism, and every dissonance enriches the composition’s harmonic palette. The trio creates a sense of majesty as it performs this heartfelt anthem. Lynne’s deeply expressive touch, Alon’s sympathetic responses, and Lukasz’s cymbal swells paint a sensitive musical portrait of this fundamental human emotion.
FAITH
Faith is an abiding belief in what cannot be proved, even if defiant of science. Having faith in ourselves supports the conviction that we can reach our goals, although they may appear unattainable. From faith in something greater than ourselves, we gain both a sense of our place in the universe, and the realization that our existence is the result of forces we will never fully understand.
Reflecting the essence of its subject, Lynne’s gospel composition Faith is a simple, honest work of art. Its folk-like melody blends smoothly with Lukasz’s half-time groove.
CURIOSITY
This autistic mathematician and physicist is known for his boundless curiosity and unique approach to learning. His unconventional approach has led to novel theories and new ways of interpreting our current understanding of the universe. Although he is only twenty-five years old, his contributions to theoretical physics and advocacy for embracing differences and neurodiversity have already served as an inspiration to others.
Curiosity is spontaneous, unpredictable, and surprising, like the epiphany that announces a breakthrough. The trio begins with Lynne’s spirited melody built on minor 6th intervals. What follows are the players’ free improvisations that do not follow chord progressions in the conventional manner, but instead develop the motivic theme in musical streams of consciousness. Along the way, we share in the exhilaration of discovery and invention.
SOUL
On a January morning in 2021, from the West Front of the recently besieged United States Capitol, the resolute young poet-patriot recited The Hill We Climb, a clarion call for unity. Exuding calm and dignity, she urged the dissonant factions of her country to reconcile. But equally important, she declared her unwavering commitment to preserve, and defend the U.S. Constitution and the democratic institutions that have sustained freedom in America for over two centuries.
The visceral pulse of Soul is felt as a triplet-based swing. By grouping the triplets in fours, Lynne adds polyrhythmic color. The rich history of jazz is etched into the performance, which captures Lynne’s love for this uniquely American artform.
PERSISTENCE
A young Pakistani woman exemplifies persistence while fighting for every child’s right to be educated. Having survived the Taliban’s attempt to assassinate her, she has captivated the world and become the youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize. Her speeches and creation of the Malala Fund are a powerful force for women’s equality and opportunity.
The trio’s performance reflects the persistence that drives us toward a goal and captures the tenacious, indomitable spirit of those who persevere and refuse to accept failure. As is characteristic of this trio, the performance finds the players engaged in a compelling musical dialogue. The coda is punctuated by a dramatic, ascending line that evokes Robert Browning’s observation: “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”
HEART
The Chief Nurse at Kharkiv Oblast Hospital explained, “I haven’t fled because I love my colleagues and care about our patients.” On International Nurses Day she shared her message with future nurses: “To grow and develop in this profession, it is vital to love people. Helping patients must be the core motivation. I believe that occupations and titles are fleeting, yet the most important [thing] is to stay human in any situation.
Each note of Heart’s warm, breathy melody seems an inevitable extension of the last one, and reaches out to offer the next. Lynne establishes a simple motive based on this theme, which she develops throughout her solo. Alon continues the exploration with a beautiful improvisation.
GRATITUDE
One young man suffered severe physical disability caused by DMM, a neuromuscular disorder that ravaged his nervous system and muscles. Undeterred, he remained resilient and radiated a positive spirit of gratitude. By the time this incurable disease took his life at age 13, he had published six books of poetry imbued with themes of peace, love, hope, and gratitude. His spirit continues to inspire people worldwide.
In this poignant ballad, the contours of Lynne’s melody are traced by Lukasz’s sensitive brushwork. The performance features Alon, who creates a sublimely lyrical solo.
JOY
She gained widespread recognition and popularity for her TED Talk titled, “The Power of Vulnerability.” The talk has become one of the most viewed of all time, reaching millions of people around the world. She teaches that finding joy starts with accepting ourselves as we are.
Joy is played as a calypso. The trio’s performance features exuberant solos by Lynne, Alon, and Lukasz, and abounds with happiness, energy, and celebration.
LOVE - REPRISE
“I close the album with a reprise of Love, played with ‘voices’ on the Yamaha Clavinova. This is my way of saying to our listeners, ‘I send you my love.’”- Lynne Arriale
Liner notes by Lawrence Abrams
Performance notes by Lawrence Abrams and José Valentino
THOUGHTS BY RICHIE BEIRACH
Being Human is an important, stunningly beautiful, powerful musical and spiritual statement from Lynne Arriale.
Lynne recognizes the tough realities of the world we live in, but she chooses to highlight the positive in us; the heroes who rose above the horrors of wars and oppression. Her compositions are masterpieces that reveal the pain, love, joy, suffering, and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. My favorite piece is her simple but incredibly deep composition called Love. Indeed, it sounds like that ephemeral emotion; so difficult to describe, but unmistakable when it happens. Lynne is so much more than a jazz pianist. She, like the heroes she celebrates, exudes the wonderful essence of humanity. Having the pleasure of knowing Lynne for many years, I don't know anyone more empathetic, big hearted, or generous of spirit. Be sure to check out the reprise of Love at the end, this time with voices! It's a fitting end to this important new trio album, which I wholeheartedly recommend.
THOUGHTS BY ANDY LAVERNE
Lynne Arriale, jazz pianist extraordinaire and preeminent practitioner of the jazz piano trio, is also a noted, gifted composer and a highly regarded bandleader. Lynne's many loyal listeners will be delighted to hear her new offering, Being Human. Here, Lynne has crafted a superb selection of music which is closely tied to a thought-provoking storyline. Lynne’s deft use of harmonic colors and textures, along with her soaring melodic lyricism, takes the listener on a journey of universal human emotions through the universal language of jazz. Each of her original compositions is a well-crafted musical statement of depth and gravitas, balanced by a spirit of invention and freedom. Lynne is joined on this journey by two musically like-minded, talented musicians, bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta. Together, the three paint vivid pictures of the most profound aspects of the human experience. They interact with telepathic communication of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. This highly skilled, empathetic trio is indeed a musical delight, and this performance provides the listener a truly visceral experience. With Being Human, Lynne once again demonstrates her ability to assemble the finest players, write the most compelling compositions, and weave melodic phrases of great emotion, clarity and creativity, all while conveying a captivating narrative.
The blend of opposing elements such as intensity and sensitivity, drive and restraint, strength and gentleness, consonance and dissonance, jubilance and poignancy serve to make this music uniquely Arriale. Lynne Arriale exemplifies being human.
LYNNE ARRIALE
Being recognized as “one of the most exciting pianists in contemporary jazz,”(The Guardian, UK) pianist Lynne Arriale has performed on the most prestigious international concert stages over the past 30 years. Jazz Police called her “the poet laureate of her generation.” JazzTimes said of 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.” She has been consistently praised as having a “singular voice” as a pianist, bandleader, and composer. Jazz Journal commented, “ [Arriale] is clearly one of the best contemporary jazz pianists.“
Lynne was the first prize winner of the 1993 International Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Her 16 albums as a leader have topped the JazzWeek radio charts including: Inspiration #1, Arise #1, Come Together #3, The Lights Are Always On #3, Nuance #4, Convergence #4, Being Human #5, Chimes of Freedom #8 and were recognized 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. Her release, Give Us These Days, was included in the top Jazz CDs of 2018 by Jazz History Online and the Best New Jazz Releases of 2018 by The Arts Fuse. Chimes of Freedom was named one of the Best CDs of 2020 by Downbeat and Best Jazz Instrumental Releases of 2020 by Jazz History Online. Lynne’s latest release, The Lights Are Always On ranked #19 on the JazzWeek Radio year-end charts for all 2022 airplay, #2 on Ken Franckling’s Jazz Notes “Favorite Jazz Records of 2022,” “Sounds Like America” on Ken Franckling’s “Favorite New Compositions from CDs released in 2022,” and #6 on Textura’s year end “Top 30 Jazz Releases.”
Lynne 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. She has performed and/or recorded with jazz masters, 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.
Lynne’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.
ALON NEAR
Alon Near attended Berklee College of Music and holds an Honorary Degree from the New School of Jazz. The Israeli bassist-composer has performed with multi-Grammy Award Winner Billy Childs, DownBeat award-winning saxophonist Eli Degibri, and pianist Johnny O’Neal. He has appeared at international venues including the New York Winter Jazz Festival, Red Sea Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Alon was awarded 1st prize at the Rostov International Jazz Competition, and was a finalist in The Jazz Musician Competition at the Rimon School for Contemporary Music.
LUKASZ ZYTA
Drummer Lukasz Zyta has performed, toured, and collaborated with a distinguished roster of internationally renowned artists, and has appeared on over 50 CDs. He has worked with jazz icons Lee Konitz, Bennie Maupin, Wadada Leo Smith, Dino Saluzzi, Dayna Stephens, Stephen Riley, David Murray, Chris Cheek, David Friedman, Bobby Watson, Brad Terry, and Ingrid Jensen. Based in his native Poland, Lukasz has since 2007 been a faculty member at the Academy of Music in Krakow
Lynne Arriale - Piano and Yamaha Clavinova
Alon Near - Bass
Lukasz Zyta - Drums
CREDITS:
A&R Challenge Records Marcel Landman
Produced by Lynne Arriale
Recording engineer: David Stoller at Samurai Hotel Studio, Astoria, NY, USA
Recording dates: July 27-28, 2023
Mixed and mastered by Andreas K. Meyer at Swan Studios, NYC, New York City, USA
Edited by David Stoller at Samurai Hotel Studio and Andreas K. Meyer at Swan Studios, NYC, New York City, NY, USA
Piano technician: Kaz Tsujio
Liner Notes by Lawrence Abrams
Performance notes by Lawrence Abrams and José Valentino
Thoughts on the music by Richie Beirach and Andy LaVerne
Product coordination by Jasper Somsen
Photography by Kasia Idzkowska
Styling by Julissa Lopez
Wardrobe consulting by Bit Risner
Artwork by Juan Carlos Villarroel & Natasja Wallenburg
Graphic editing by Debbie Gold
Publishing Lynne Arriale, Arriale Publishing (SESAC)