Terence Blanchard, E-Collective, Turtle Island Quartet reflect on ‘Absence’

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Absolute saxophone legend Wayne Shorter made an indelible mark on the jazz scene, including with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis and Weather Report. In tribute to Shorter, acclaimed trumpeter Terence Blanchard composed and recorded a collection of works. Blanchard, featuring The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet, will perform “Absence” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Call 814-863-0255 or visit Terence Blanchard online for more information about the performance and about a new pre-concert social experience at The Place.

“Absence” celebrates Shorter’s legacy and how it inspired Blanchard’s ever-evolving fusion of music and storytelling. With the bandleader’s passing in March 2023, Blanchard honors his mentor by performing this music and commemorating the elder artist’s impact on the world. The recording received Grammy nominations in November 2021 for Best Instrumental Jazz Album, and a Best Improvised Jazz Solo for Blanchard.

The repertoire will include arrangements of Shorter’s music along with an array of original work including by Blanchard and “Second Wave,” written by Turtle Island Quartet founder David Balakrishnan.

Blanchard is a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, a two-time Oscar Award nominee, and a seven-time Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer. His collection of works for the Metropolitan Opera include “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” which opened the 2021-22 season of The Metropolitan Opera; and “Champion,” which received a 2024 Grammy for Best Opera Recording.

He has recorded more than 20 film scores for director Spike Lee, including “When the Levees Broke” and “BlacKkKlansman.” He also is the new executive artistic director of SFJazz.

Accompanying Blanchard for this performance will be The E-Collective, featuring Charles Altura on guitar; Taylor Eigsti on piano and synthesizers; Oscar Seaton on drums; and David “DJ” Ginyard on bass.

Joining the ensemble of jazz musicians will be the Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island Quartet. The ensemble fuses the classical quartet esthetic with contemporary American musical styles. The musicians are Naseem Alatrash on cello; David Balakrishnan and Gabriel Terracciano on violins; and Benjamin Von Gutzeit on viola.

'The Place'

For the ultimate night out, get access to "The Place" at Eisenhower Auditorium. Those with tickets to see Terence Blanchard are invited to purchase an upgrade for an exclusive social hour starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, on the Balcony Level.

Each add-on ticket for "The Place" includes light snacks and up to two beverages, including wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic varieties.

Visit Terence Blanchard online for details on the add-on experience.

Acknowledgments

The event is sponsored by Charlotte Zmyslo, with support provided by the Gerald B.M. Stein Memorial Endowment. Support for accessibility services is provided by William E. McTurk Endowment for Program Support and Gerald B. M. Stein Memorial Endowment. A grant from the University Park Student Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.

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