Dear Ms. Dearie - the music of Blossom Dearie

Dear, Ms. Dearie is a heartfelt tribute to the understated brilliance of Blossom Dearie, the legendary pianist-vocalist known for her distinctive swing, humor, and quiet authority at the piano. This project, shaped by time, listening, and deep affection for Dearie's music, honors the elegance of her songbook while allowing the music to breathe in the present.

Leading the tribute is Dawn Clement, a joyful and formidable voice in modern jazz whose distinctive sound bridges lyricism and invention with ease. DownBeat writes, "The revelation is Dawn Clement's piano, always ready with the lyricism or structure the moment needs." A versatile artist who has performed with Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, René Marie, and Ingrid Jensen, Clement also appears on säje's GRAMMY-nominated debut album. Her recent release Delight (2025, Origin Records) features a "legacy trio" with Buster Williams and Matt Wilson.

For this tribute, Clement is joined by an exceptional ensemble: legendary bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, artists whose sound, feel, and generosity define what it means to play this music at the highest level, alongside guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, whose warmth and clarity bring a lyrical voice to the band. The project was produced by drummer Matt Wilson and arranged with care and intention, shaped specifically for this group of musicians.

In contrast to more exploratory work often associated with Clement's output, Dear, Ms. Dearie turns toward the song itself—intimate, grounded, and quietly swinging. The performance promises both tribute and conversation: with Blossom Dearie, with the tradition, and with the artists who continue to carry it forward. This show celebrates the April 2026 release of the album of the same name.

Expect an evening of sophisticated jazz that captures Dearie's understated elegance while showcasing the masterful interplay of these accomplished musicians.