"Live at Luthjen's" is a captivating live album by the versatile and innovative Aurora Nealand, released in February 2020 under Big Whinny Records. This 11-track collection showcases Nealand's eclectic musical prowess, blending free jazz, ragtime, and swing in a dynamic and engaging performance. Collaborating with Tom McDermott, Nealand delivers a spirited and authentic rendition of classic and original pieces, recorded as part of the 2020 Luthjen's Live Music series at Marigny Recording Studios.
The album opens with the lively "Give Me a Pigfoot (Live)" and continues with a mix of well-known standards like "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry (Live)" and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (Live)," as well as lesser-known gems such as "Mazurka Number 49, Op. 68 Number 2 (Live)" and "Maple Leaf Rag (Live)." Nealand's unique approach to these songs, combined with her virtuoso skills on multiple instruments, creates a fresh and invigorating listening experience.
With a runtime of just over 52 minutes, "Live at Luthjen's" is a testament to Aurora Nealand's artistic range and her ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary compositions. The album is a must-experience for fans of jazz, ragtime, and swing, offering a glimpse into Nealand's creative genius and her ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances.
Vinylscout