Gretchen Parlato Quartet

Description

When talking about the most influential jazz voices of the 21st century, her name inevitably comes up: Gretchen Parlato. With her distinctive, intimate sound language, the singer from Los Angeles has sustainably changed modern vocal jazz. Her singing is never an end in itself, but part of a finely woven musical dialogue – subtle, rhythmically sophisticated, and of extraordinary emotional depth. Musig im Pflegidach is all the more pleased to welcome Gretchen Parlato back to Muri in the anniversary year – and this with a quartet that belongs to the most fascinating line-ups of the current international jazz scene. The event falls into a particularly exciting phase of her career. Just a few weeks before her performance, her new album "The Wise Ones" will be released on September 22, 2026, by Edition Records. The work was created together with her long-time musical companion Alan Hampton, with whom Parlato has been working closely for about twenty years. They met at the renowned Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now Herbie Hancock Institute), from which numerous world stars of modern jazz have emerged. Over the years, joint compositions such as Still or It Will Be, countless tours around the globe, and finally this new album have emerged, which poetically connects themes such as time, friendship, family, loss, and personal growth. The album was produced by Gretchen Parlato and Alan Hampton themselves – a musical document of two artists who have grown together over two decades. With Alan Hampton, there is far more than just a bassist on stage. He is a singer, guitarist, composer, and producer and is one of the most versatile musicians in the American scene. Hampton has worked with Rufus Wainwright and Andrew Bird, composed film music, and has become one of Gretchen Parlato's most important creative partners. At the piano sits Taylor Eigsti, one of the outstanding pianists of his generation. Already celebrated as a prodigy, he released his first album at the age of twelve and is now one of the most internationally sought-after jazz musicians. His collaborations range from Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, and Chris Botti to John Mayer and many other greats. For the audience of Musig im Pflegidach, Eigsti is already a familiar face: In spring 2027, he will return to Muri for three concerts as part of "MiP goes Caspar" together with the legendary Lisa Fischer. His renewed presence underlines the close connection between Musig im Pflegidach and the most important musicians of the international jazz scene. On drums is Mark Guiliana, whose influence on modern jazz is hard to overestimate. With his distinctive combination of acoustic jazz, electronic music, and complex grooves, he is one of the most influential drummers of our time. He gained worldwide fame not least through his participation in David Bowie's last masterpiece "Blackstar." In addition, Guiliana has played with artists such as Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Meshell Ndegeocello, and countless other personalities of the international music scene. The history between Gretchen Parlato and Musig im Pflegidach also goes back many years. Her earlier concerts in Muri are still among the unforgettable highlights of the concert cycle. That she now returns with a brand-new album and such a high-caliber band makes this evening a special event in the anniversary program. The new album also unites some of Parlato's closest musical companions. In addition to Alan Hampton, artists such as Robert Glasper, Gerald Clayton, and Mark Guiliana can be heard – musicians who today themselves belong to the most important voices of contemporary jazz and have already played a decisive role in Parlato's early recordings. It is an album about friendship, trust, and shared musical maturation – values that can also be felt directly on stage. Anyone who has experienced Gretchen Parlato live knows that her concerts go far beyond classic jazz evenings. Intimate musical spaces full of subtlety, depth, and surprising moments arise, in which voice and instruments merge into a common language. It is precisely this quality that has made her one of the most important artists of international jazz for years. Gretchen Parlato, vocals
Alan Hampton, bass, guitar
Taylor Eigsti, piano, keys
Jonathan Barber, drums

Highlights

• Gretchen Parlato in the anniversary year
• New album "The Wise Ones" released on September 22, 2026
• Fascinating quartet from the international jazz scene

General Information

The concert by Gretchen Parlato takes place at Pflegi Muri and promises an unforgettable experience in modern jazz. The singer brings her unique sound language and emotional depth, supported by a talented quartet.

Location

Nordklosterrain 1, 5630 Muri AG, Switzerland

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