August 28, 2020
ARTEMIS—the jazz supergroup comprised of pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, clarinetist Anat Cohen, tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, bassist Noriko Ueda, drummer Allison Miller, and vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant—has released the stirring new instrumental single “Big Top.”
Composed by Rosnes, “Big Top” is a tour de force that makes a wry allusion to the past perception of women in jazz as novelties. The composition’s carnival-inspired angularity, Rosnes says, uses a circus metaphor to “take the stereotype and rob it of its power. It’s only a matter of time before witnessing a group of women playing together – in terms of gender – will rightfully be unremarkable.”
“Big Top” is the 3rd single to be revealed from the band’s forthcoming debut album ARTEMIS, which will be released September 11 on Blue Note Records and is available for pre-order now on vinyl, CD, or download. The opening track “Goddess Of The Hunt” is a thrilling instrumental composition written by Miller that channels the band’s namesake Greek goddess. A stunning cover of Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic,” which was arranged by Rosnes, features a spellbinding vocal performance by Salvant. All three of the song visualizers feature original artwork by Salvant, as well.
