I discovered Lynne Arriale — one of the greatest pianists alive — at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1999. In compositions such as her original “With Words Unspoken”, she offers a unique, ethereal side. An interpretation can be found on the homonymous 1996 album as well as on Lynne Arriale: Live At the Montreux Jazz Festival, released in 2000 (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de).
In the following years, I witnessed and reviewed several of her concerts, e.g. in Zurich, Häggenschwil and elsewhere. Lynne continued touring and recording but, for some reason, I lost track of her. After roughly a decade, during the pandemic, I wondered what had happened to her and found her on Twitter. On October 28, 2021 she posted: ‘My husband, Don, passed away. He was the love of my life. “Take It With Me” (Tom Waits) was, for us, the song of a lifetime. I recorded it with Kate McGarry, who sang it with such heart and beauty.’
I was shocked by the news and hoped for her that, as an artist, she would be able to overcome the loss by creating new music, which is often the fruit of tragic events. And indeed, in April 2022, Lynne Arriale released her 16th album as a leader: Lynne Arriale Trio: The Lights Are Always On (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de).
The Lights Are Always On is a largely lyrical, but not necessarily sad album. If offers upbeat moments and contains ten originals written by Lynne Arriale. The pianist recorded it together with the drummer E.J. Strickland and the bassist and co-producer Jasper Somsen. The compositions were inspired by and are named after caregivers on the front lines of the COVID pandemic as well as after defenders of democracy during Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the free and fair 2020 election which he clearly lost.
Lynne Arriale said that this album was inspired by Dr. Prakash Gatta, an esophageal and robotic surgeon in Tacoma, Washington: “This collection was inspired by the doctor and all front-line health care workers. For me, Dr. Gatta crystallized the workers’ heroism; each day bearing the risk of personal infection, and enduring the emotional toll of staggering caseloads presented by this global crisis. Nevertheless, the doctor said, ‘Here I am back at work after COVID…I fled Kuwait after the invasion. No matter what happens, no one works at home. The lights are always on. Babies are being born; bones are being set. This hospital, this profession…..we are in a league of our own; we’ll take care of you, I promise. I stand next to the most fearless people I have ever seen.’ ”
Lynne Arriale explained: “Dr. Gatta’s words deeply moved me and evoked memories of 9/11. In the aftermath of that attack, I remembered the rescue workers who ran into the towers without hesitation or concern for their personal safety, and thought, ‘Who are these angels?’ Clearly, the angels of our time are Dr. Gatta and all health care workers, professionals and volunteers alike, who battle COVID-19.”
The pianist underlined: “Dr. Gatta’s ‘lights’ illuminate hospitals and emergency care facilities. But there is also spiritual light in the humanity, compassion, and courage of Dr. Gatta and all our angels; shining brightly and eternally, even in the midst of devastation and loss.”
Lynne Arriale has an optimistic message: “There is always reason to believe in that light; the inherent goodness of people. It shines in those leaders who spoke truth to power and stood up for what is right. They changed the world, often jeopardizing their careers, and in some cases, their lives.”
“In appreciation of these heroes I offer this musical tribute. It is dedicated to our loved ones, and to our better angels; those who embrace truth, compassion, and inclusivity, and reject selfishness, lies, and hatred. It also acknowledges the marchers, my beautiful sisters worldwide, and the heroes of science and medicine who have sacrificed so much.”
Lynne Arriale. Photo Copyright: Carlos Villarroel. Lynne Arriale: The Light Are Always On. Challenge Records International, April 2022. Order the album (Audio CD, MP3, Streaming) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de.
The first track on her new album The Lights Are Always On is entitled “March On”. The uplifting tribute celebrates activists worldwide. The title song “The Lights Are Always On” offers a more introspective side of the composer. It features a lyrical melody in perpetual motion.
“Sister” is inspired by blues and gospel music without sadness dominating a composition which honors “courageous women around the world working to end gender inequity, oppression and abuse, often at the expense of their own welfare.”
“Honor” is another lyrical, calm tune, the melding of two melodic ideas. It is dedicated to Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, a man born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and notably President Trump’s former Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council (NSC). Alexander Vindman testified before Congress in the Trump–Ukraine scandal.
“Loved Ones” is a quiet tribute to… the loved ones, the people precious to us. “Sounds Like America” is a quiet but upbeat composition, which culminates in a celebratory chordal finish. Lynne Arriale transmits the (over-?) optimistic idea of a nation in the midst of a healing process.
“The Notorious RBG” is an elegant tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “Into The Breach” is Lynne’s remembrance of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, a tribute to the women and men who where there to defend democracy against a mob, incited by Donald Trump himself.
“Walk In My Shoes” is Lynne’s is a composition dedicated to the late civil rights activist John Lewis. After a powerful, asserting start, echoing the strength and tenacity of this leader, the pianist explores two motives, which she brings together. A great performance by the trio.
The album The Lights Are Always On ends with the lyrical “Heroes”, a ballad composed in recognition of those who offered light in dark times, be it during the pandemic or Trump’s attempts to overturn a free and fair election.
Don’t worry: you can enjoy this delightful album without any political knowledge. It is a subtle form of art that speaks to the heart with an optimistic, upbeat undertone.
In total, Lynne Arriale has released 16 albums as a leader:
Her latest album: Lynne Arriale Trio: The Lights Are Always On. Challenge Records International, April 2022. Order the album (Audio CD, MP3, Streaming) from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de.
Important recent albums: Chimes of Freedom (2020; Amazon.com) and Give Us These Days (2018; Amazon.com), both by Challenge Records.
My favorite album: Lynne Arriale Trio: Live At the Montreux Jazz Festival, concert in 1999, released in 2000 by TCB—The Montreux Jazz Label (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de).
Another of her early albums: The Lynne Arriale Trio: With Words Unspoken. Order the 1996 Dmp album from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk.
Have a look at our concert review and interview from the year 2000.
Lynne Arriale Trio: The Lights Are Always On album photo copyright: Joseph Montezinos.
CD / Album review added on June 27, 2022 at 19:50 Paris time. Updated at 21:35.
