Smithsonian Magazine From October 2016

Legendary composer Leonard Bernstein once called jazz the ultimate common denominator of the American musical style. The music made a profound impact on Bernstein s work, not only in the more explicit jazziness of his work in musical theater, but throughout his serious orchestral music as well. Jazz artists in turn felt the influence of Bernstein s innovations, with interpretations of his work recorded by such icons as Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Wes Montgomery, Wayne Shorter and countless others. With the stunning new album Bernstein Reimagined, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra mines the composer s vast repertoire for a vibrantly diverse new set of music that delves into pieces rarely if ever performed in a jazz context. Due out January 29, 2021 via MCG Jazz, this dazzling music was originally commissioned as part of the worldwide celebration of Bernstein s centennial year in 2018.