Music Style: Jazz
Josh Nelson returns to Boston Court with a thrilling program that combines his original compositions with pieces that have deeply influenced him, including Sondheim and others. This delightful concert will also feature vocalists Lillian Sengpiehl and Kathleen Grace.
THE PROGRAM
1. Introspection on 401- by Josh Nelson
2. A Change in the Wind- by Josh Nelson
3. Oliloqui Valley- by Herbie Hancock
4. Chega de Saudade- by Antônio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes
5. Berceuse- by George Moustaki, Antonio Pecci, Vincius de Moraes
6. Nana’s Lied- by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Bertolt Brecht
7.Medley- Del Cabello Mas Sutil (Fernando Obradors)/Tiburcio (Josh Nelson)
8. Forward Momentum- by Josh Nelson
9. Like a Radio- by Kathleen Grace
10. How You Loved Me on Mars- by Kathleen Grace and Josh Nelson
11. Tesla Coil- by Josh Nelson
12. Ah, Los Angeles!- by Josh Nelson
13. Feed the Birds- by Richard and Robert Sherman
14. Sunday- by Stephen Sondheim
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Pianist, composer and recording artist Josh Nelson maintains an active and creative schedule. He has performed and recorded with some of the most respected names in jazz and beyond, including Natalie Cole, Ivan Lins, Anthony Wilson, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Eddie Daniels, Gaby Moreno, Sinne Eeg, Richard Galliano, Michael Buble, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Greg Hutchinson, John Clayton, John Pizzarelli, and Lewis Nash.
Josh has performed around the world and contributed to numerous recordings, films and television shows. He made an impressive debut with Let it Go (2007, Native Language Music), which garnered international critical acclaim. I Hear a Rhapsody (2009), featured his original compositions, interpretations of standards, and the re-imagining of some popular repertoire. Discoveries (2011), introduced a pairing of classic science fiction film footage with new compositions for a brass and wind ensemble. Live performances of this music feature video projections in an immersive experience component, called The Discovery Project. Exploring Mars (2015) delved into musical themes about the Red Planet, augmented by spectacular NASA/JPL Martian video footage. The Sky Remains (2017) delved into musical stories and themes originating from his hometown of Los Angeles (this album was featured on NPR’s “Jazz Night in America”). A trio of live albums followed, The Discovery Project Live in Japan (2020) Live at bluewhale (2021), and LA Stories: Live at Sam First (2023).
Over the years Josh earned many awards, scholarships, and accolades including the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award. In 2006, Josh was one of the 12 semi-finalists in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Josh toured the world for six beautiful years with the legendary vocalist Natalie Cole. In June of 2023, Josh toured with vocalist/songwriter Rufus Wainwright at Disney Hall and other west coast venues. In September of 2023, Josh was part of Brazilian legend Ivan Lins’ latest album “My Heart Speaks”, which was Grammy nominated.
Kathleen Grace is a vocalist, songwriter, and educator whose artistry bridges jazz, folk, and Americana. Described by The Washington Post as an “smart, alluring and evocative,” Grace has toured worldwide appearing at venues as varied as the Montreux Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, SXSW Music Festival, the American Music Awards and the Coachella Music Festival. Grace is also a studio performer, collaborating most recently with on solo film and television projects with composers, FINNEAS, Andrew Bird and Jim James. Her latest solo release, “Tie Me To You,” is a collaboration with renowned keyboardist Larry Goldings. She is an assistant professor at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where she has mentored students of all instruments for many years.
Internationally acclaimed for her “beautiful vibrant sound and color of voice”, Lillian Sengpiehl is a consummate performer, singer, actress, and educator. Lillian received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Voice from the University of Kansas and pursued graduate work at The Manhattan School of Music. These important stepping-stones helped shape her versatility and artistry. Lillian was the recipient of the Brigit Nilsson Grant, a finalist at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and the winner of the Classical Singer Competition at Carnegie Hall.
Lillian’s unique interpretations and musicianship have lead to a varied career singing many leading roles within Opera and Musical Theatre as well as Orchestral concert works across the US and Europe. Equally dedicated to
traditional and contemporary music, she has performed many classic roles with leading and regional opera companies including New York City Opera, Opera
Bastille, Bergen Norway Opera, St. Louis Opera, Virginia Opera, and Los Angeles Opera. She has also helped invent new roles with composer Mel
Marvin, and with composer Anne Le Baron working for The Industry in Los Angeles. In addition, Lillian is a notable recording artist having worked with Philip Glass on Martin Scorcese’s “Kundoon” score, and as the soprano soloist on the “World of Warcraft” video game series. Having started her own musical journey at the tender age of 4, Lillian takes music education very seriously. Although she began teaching ‘Opera in the
Schools’ with the New York City Opera, her career as an educator blossomed when she moved to Los Angeles in 2005. She is currently the Musical Director
for All About Kids LA, a performance program for youth from across Los Angeles. In addition, she maintains a very active private studio teaching
classical music technique for singing, as well as Broadway and Pop techniques for performers in Motion Pictures, Television, and Commercials.
Continuing her push and pull at traditional musical boundaries, Lillian finds the time to perform and record despite her busy teaching schedule. You can hear her in intimate duo settings, or find her voice soaring over a large orchestra.
“Lillian Sengpiehl, (Homesick Woman), and the others were all Outstanding” – Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times
“Delivering with conviction and depth, Sengpiehl’s Susannah was a wonderful mixture of charm and ill-fated naiveté.” – Mark Estren, Washington Post
