Award-Winning Duo to Honor Arlen
One of the exciting events for the inaugural season of Jazz at Kleinhans series is the annual celebration of Buffalo’s own, Harold Arlen. The man gave the world “Over the Rainbow,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” yet his legacy in his hometown often remains tragically underrecognized.
We’re changing that. We’re building upon the magnificent celebration that took place this past February.
On Sunday, February 15th next year, we welcome the incomparable nine-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Tierney Sutton, joined by the masterful pianist Tamir Hendelman, to the intimate Mary Seaton Room. This pairing isn’t merely a booking; it’s a profound, artistic necessity for honoring a composer as deep, complex, and significant as Arlen.
The Perfect Pairing for a Complex Genius
Tierney Sutton is not just a singer; she is a magnificent storyteller who reimagines the Great American Songbook with a delicate balance of respect and risk. Her artistry aligns perfectly with Arlen’s work, which is rooted in blues and sorrow but always reaches for a hopeful, major-key resolution.
Sutton and Hendelman, whose musical partnership spans decades, thrive in the duo setting. They don’t just play the songs; they explore the emotional architecture of the composition. In a venue like the Mary Seaton Room, their synergy promises an evening of fresh arrangements and heartfelt interpretations that go beyond mere cover versions. Hendelman’s history, working with giants like Barbra Streisand and Natalie Cole, means he brings both the classic sensibility and the improvisational wit required to complement Sutton’s luminous vocals.
Deep Roots in the Repertoire
For those who have followed Sutton’s career, Arlen’s music is already a consistent and beloved part of her soundscape. Her band’s adventurous approach to his work is documented across her discography.
Take, for example, her bold, syncopated reading of “Get Happy,” which she introduced with scat and transformed into a free-form spiritual missive. Or consider her thoughtful, whimsical arrangement of “If I Only Had A Brain” (from The Wizard of Oz) on the album ScreenPlay, where she and the band strip away the show tune brassiness to reveal the song’s vulnerable core. Arlen staples like “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” have also been mainstays, allowing Sutton to showcase her ability to navigate the complex emotional currents Arlen so expertly penned.
This is why she is the ideal messenger for Arlen’s genius: she understands that his songs are more than just melodies—they are miniature dramas.
Buffalo: It’s Time to Own Our Icon
Harold Arlen (born Hyman Arluck) began his musical journey right here in Buffalo, singing in his father’s choir at the Pine Street Synagogue and playing piano for The Snappy Trio on the S.S. Canadiana. He is one of the most significant creators in the entire American Songbook, and he is ours.
The Harold Arlen Celebration at Kleinhans is more than just a concert; it’s an annual tradition we are building to finally give our native son the permanent spotlight he deserves. I urge everyone in Buffalo to embrace this. Join us on February 15th in the beautiful Mary Seaton Room. Let’s fill the house and send a resounding message that Buffalo proudly recognizes its contribution to the world of music. Let’s celebrate the magic that began right here.
This video, “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea,” is another example of Tierney Sutton’s talent for tackling the deep catalog of the Great American Songbook, including the work of Harold Arlen.
Reserve Your Seats
Visit this link below to reserve your seats for the Harold Arlen 121st Birthday Celebration on Sunday, February 15th, at 3 pm at Kleinhans Music Hall!
