Adam Blackstone has made a career of supporting the best in the business as a musical director and curator for tours, awards shows and major events like this year's Super Bowl (which just won him an Emmy). Surprisingly enough, though, the multi-talented musician has never released an album. He's looking to rectify that with his upcoming release Legacy, for which he's recruited a who's who of artists to help him bring his artistic vision to life. He introduces the set with its lead single "'Round Midnight" featuring none other than his Philly soul sister Jazmine Sullivan.
"'Round Midnight," of course, is the unforgettable song first written by the legendary Thelonious Monk in 1943 that has since gone on to become a jazz standard. Jazmine Sullivan even has a version of the track that's been floating on the internet for years now. Linking with Adam, she finally gives us a proper recorded take that further shows her incredible range.
Adam and Jazmine's new take offers a bluesy jazz arrangement courtesy of The BBE Big Band with special guests Questlove and James Poyser thrown into the mix. It's basically a music lover's dream with the masters of their craft delivering a high-level performance of the classic that stays true to its jazz roots while incorporating flourishes of modern soul (and even a little hip-hop sensibility) to show just how timeless a tune it is.
"'Round Midnight" is just one of the gems that will be found on Legacy. With a roster of guests that includes Robert Glasper, Kirk Franklin, Cory Henry, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and many more, the album is sure to boast an embarrassment of musical riches. Best of all, our wait won't be long at all as the set, which is available for pre-order now, arrives next week on Friday, September 23rd. Enjoy Adam Blackstone and Jazmine Sullivan making musical magic on "'Round Midnight" when you play the stream and watch the lyric video below.
