National Public Radio released the latest edition of its popular Tiny Desk YouTube series today, featuring GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. McLorin Salvant, who won the 2010 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Vocals Competition, performed a four-song live set accompanied by pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Reviewing the performance, NPR Music Producer Suraya Mohamed called McLorin Salvant “a seasoned jazz singer with a vast vocal range, meticulous technical execution and a superb classical vocal foundation, which actually began when she was just 8. Her background in classical piano is evident in the inventive harmonic and melodic construction of the first three songs heard here; all are romantically themed McLorin Salvant compositions from her third album, For One to Love.”
Watch the whole concert here:
Established in 1987, the Institute’s International Competition is the most prestigious of its kind, recognized for discovering the next generation of jazz masters. The competition focuses on a different instrument each year and features an all-star judging panel. This high-profile annual event has launched the careers of (in addition to McLorin Salvant) Marcus Roberts, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Jacky Terrasson, Joey De Francesco, Ambrose Akinmusire, Ben Williams, Jane Monheit and Melissa Aldana, to name a few.