Syndee Winters, a celebrated Broadway star and rising jazz vocalist, is set to release a tribute album titled 'Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne' on June 30, marking what would have been Lena Horne's 108th birthday. This project, distributed worldwide by The Orchard/Sony Music, is a 10-track homage to the legendary singer, actress, and activist, showcasing Winters' ability to merge Broadway polish with deep jazz roots.
The album features reimagined classics such as 'Stormy Weather' and 'If You Believe,' alongside 'Alive,' an original composition by Andromeda Turre that explores resilience, serving as a spiritual companion to Horne's defiant artistry. Winters, the 2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition 1st Runner-Up, brings her vocal control and interpretive nuance to the forefront, supported by this generation's renowned jazz musicians.
Winters' tribute is not just a musical endeavor but a personal and historic project. 'Lena Horne helped me believe in my own voice,' Winters shares, highlighting the significance of Horne's legacy in her artistic journey. Known for her roles in 'Hamilton,' 'Motown,' and 'The Lion King' on Broadway, Winters' eclectic experience adds a unique dimension to this tribute, embodying the elegance, excellence, and evolution Horne stood for.
As a Caribbean American artist, Winters also brings a cultural perspective to the album, further enriching the tribute to Horne's legacy. Fans can experience Winters' homage live at LACMA's Jazz Fridays Series in Los Angeles on July 25 and at the NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison's Second Annual Quantum Leap Music Festival from August 14-17 in Cutchogue, NY.
This album is a testament to the enduring influence of Lena Horne and the vibrant future of jazz, as interpreted by Syndee Winters. It not only revisits jazz standards but breathes new life into them, marking Winters as a vital new voice in the lineage of great vocalists.
