Theo Bleckmann - Elegy

Beyond being a vocalist of rare purity and daring, Theo Bleckmann is a sound painter who creates what JazzTimes has described aptly as luminous webs in music. The German-born New Yorker - after appearing on two ECM albums by Meredith Monk and another (A Clear Midnight: Kurt Weill and America) by Julia H�lsmann - makes his striking label debut as a leader with Elegy.

This album showcases Bleckmann as a composer as much as a singer, with several instrumental pieces voiced by what he calls his ambient band of kindred-spirit guitarist Ben Monder, keyboardist Shai Maestro and the subtle rhythm team of Chris Tordini and John Hollenbeck.

Highlights include Bleckmann's sublime rendition of Stephen Sondheim's Comedy Tonight (tragedy tomorrow� comedy tonight), as well as the mellifluous vocalise of Little Elegy and achingly poetic To Be Shown to Monks at a Certain Temple.

A jazz singer and new music composer of eclectic tastes, GRAMMY nominated and ECHO award recipient Theo Bleckmann has collaborated with musicians and composers, including Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Michael Tilson Thomas, John Zorn, the Bang on a Can All-stars, and, most prominently, Meredith Monk.

Personnel: Theo Bleckmann (voice), Shai Maestro (piano), Ben Monder (guitar), Chris Tordini (double-bass), John Hollenbeck (drums)