Pianists Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea; vocalist Dianne Reeves and bandleaders Eddie Palmieri and Wynton Marsalis are among the headliners booked for the 2014/2015 Symphony Center Presents Jazz series. Subscription tickets for the 10-concert lineup go on sale at 10 a.m. April 16 at the box office, (312) 294-3000, or online at cso.org. Single-tickets go on sale Aug. 8.
Three special non-subscription concerts also have been booked for the series, which marks its 21st season this fall. In addition, the series will present its latest commissioned work: “The Hypocrisy of Justice: Sights and Sounds From the Black Metropolis (Riffin’ and Signifyin(g) on Richard Wright’s Native Son),” written by bandleader-drummer Dana Hall, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the influential novel, whose story unfolds on Chicago’s South Side during the 1930s.
The complete lineup follows. All concerts begin at 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Ahmad Jamal, Oct. 10: A recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Living Jazz Legend Award and an NEA Jazz Master, the pianist (who turns 84 in July) returns to the city where he made his name in the 1950s.
The Django Festival All-Stars, Oct. 24: Led by guitarist-violinist Dorado Schmitt, the band celebrates the legacy of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt (1910-1953). Joining the group will be clarinetist Ken Peplowski, a master of klezmer and Benny Goodman-style swing. Vocalist Cyrille Aimée opens the program.
Kenny Barron and Dave Holland, Dec. 5: The acclaimed pianist and bassist perform as a duo. Opening the concert will be the acoustic guitar duo of jazz master Julian Lage and bluegrass specialist Chris Eldridge.
Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band, Jan. 16, 2015: Returning to Symphony Center for the first time since 1998, the legendary pianist-bandleader (and NEA Jazz Master) shows no sign of slowing down at age 77 in a career that stretches back to the 1950s. Opening the night will be bassist Carlos Henriquez (a lecturer in jazz studies at Northwestern University) leading with his own quintet.
Dianne Reeves, Jan. 30: Backed by a jazz ensemble, the vocalist will perform selections from her latest release, “Beautiful Life” (2014), her first in five years and her first on the label Concord Jazz. The disc features standards from the great American songbook, as well as contemporary ballads by pop-rock writers Stevie Nicks and Ani DiFranco and numbers co-written by Reeves herself.
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Feb. 13: The composer-trumpeter-bandleader returns for his annual visit, which will be augmented by two special non-subscription concerts Feb. 14. In the accompanying video (shot by photographer Todd Rosenberg), Marsalis discusses his longtime bond with Chicago and Symphony Center.
Butler, Bernstein and the Hot 9, Feb. 27: The musical bonds between Chicago and New Orleans will come marching in when trumpeter Steven Bernstein, pianist Henry Butler and their Hot 9 ensemble celebrate the legacy of two great cities. Chicago-based vocalist Dee Alexander opens the evening.
Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, April 17: The keyboard greats and longtime friends/collaborators will perform with their own bands — and perhaps together.
Ibrahim Maalouf Quintet, May 15: The Beirut-born, Paris-based trumpeter and world-music fusionist will perform with his American-staffed quintet and will be joined by special guest pianist Jacky Terrasson. Opening the program will be French pianist Jean-Michel Pilc.
Dana Hall Quintet in “The Hypocrisy of Justice,” June 19: Performing with his quintet, the drummer-composer will combine music, visual imagery and the spoken word for “The Hypocrisy of Justice: Sights and Sounds from the Black Metropolis (Riffin’ and Signifyin(g) on Richard Wright’s Native Son).” Commissioned by SCP Jazz, the work reflects on the changes that have shaped American society in the years since 1930, as well as changes still needed. “It ties in Wright’s sociological/philosophical ideas regarding a so-called Black Metropolis, an idea with sustained relevance in these modern times,” Hall says.
SPECIAL CONCERTS
Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette, Oct. 19:, The three jazz lions, who celebrated their 30th anniversary as a trio in 2013, return for their first Symphony Center concert in three years.
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: Along with their Feb. 13 subscription concert, the ensemble will two perform two programs on Feb. 14, a Jazz for Young People matinee and an evening concert with a special guest artist to be announced.