Birth of the Blues
The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis

ABOUT THE CONCERT

Take a soulful journey through the story of the blues with JLCO saxophonist Sherman Irby, tracing its path from its origins in the Mississippi Delta to its influence on jazz and beyond. Featuring the music of W.C. Handy (1873-1958), the “Father of the Blues,” this concert explores how a regional folk tradition grew into a powerful force that shaped American culture and transformed modern music.

Born in Alabama, Handy is credited with transforming the blues from a regional folk tradition into a commercially successful genre. His compositions introduced the blues to a broader audience and laid the foundation for modern American music. Irby, also an Alabama native and acclaimed composer, brings the rich history of the blues to life with passion and artistry. He is joined by longtime JLCO collaborator and vocalist Kenny Washington, celebrated by Wynton Marsalis as “a real improviser who brings depth to everything he does.” Together with an outstanding lineup of special guests, they create an evening that honors the enduring legacy of the blues in shaping modern music.