
If anyone is paying close enough attention to the entertainment world, they might see a bit of a trend: black women in the spotlight. Beyoncé's new single 'Run The World (Girls)' is all about women taking over ... basically everything. Queen Latifah is set to executive produce a newly scripted series on VH1 called 'Single Ladies' starring Lisa Raye and Stacey Dash. And Maya Rudolph, late of 'Saturday Night Live,' is getting shine with her starring role in the box-office hit 'Bridesmaids.' And now comes another notable addition -- drummer Terri Lyne Carrington's new project, 'Mosaic.'
Yesterday the jazz drummer announced the release of her fifth album, a special 14-song project featuring some of the most prominent female jazz artists playing today. Guests include Esperanza Spalding, the gifted vocalist/bassist who beat out Justin Bieber for Best New Artist at this year's Grammys, singers Cassandra Wilson and Dee Dee Bridgewater, and pianist Geri Allen.
In the male-dominated jazz world, Carrington has amassed a stellar reputation as one of the best drummers in the genre. For 25 years, the Berklee College of Music alumn and now professor has worked with a number of well-known musicians, most notably Herbie Hancock, who she played behind for 10 years. Carrington received a scholarship to Berklee at the age of 11, and her illustrious career since has included a broad range of collaborative efforts. She was drummer for the house band on the 1990's late-night talk show, 'The Arsenio Hall Show,' and teamed with the singer Peabo Bryson on the 1996 Summer Olympic Games anthem, "Always Reach For Your Dreams."
For Carrington, 'Mosaic' is not so much a politicized social statement about gender equality in the jazz world as it is a testament to the wealth of talented female jazz musicians. "When I started playing 25 years ago, I might have felt limited by the pool of available musicians," said Carringon in a recent statement. "But now there are so many talented women [out there]."
'Mosaic' is scheduled for a July 19 release.


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By: Robin on 5/20/2011 10:29AM
Wow, sorry to say I've majorly lost touch with Terri Lyne's stuff. I'm actually a little ashamed. My boyfriend at the time bought me her first album "Real Life Story". What a phenomenal piece of work. That album is one of my all time favorites, timeless. I’ll have gaps of time in between listening to it and it always feels like something new, lot of smooth sexy cuts on that piece. “Real Life Story” has been food for my soul and my spirit. Still have it on tape and later could not find it in print so life went on and apparently I’ve been missing out on some great stuff! Got some catching up to do and looking forward to it. Been wanting to add some new music to my collection and Terry Lyne Carrington is just the right one!! Absolutely LOVE her.
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