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| SUBJECT: | Cassandra Wilson RIP Back to Subjects |
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MBPE1 Sep 02 2026 at 10:03 PM |
It was announced that acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter & producer Cassandra Wilson passed away on September 1, 2026. One of the unique & accomplished vocalists of her generation, she sang in a contralto range. She lead her own projects, bands and collaborated many artists in multiple settings. She was a Grammy & Pulitzer Prize winner. My favorite period of her work began with the release of "Blue Light ’Til Dawn" which was a breakthrough release drawing from jazz, folk & pop tunes from various artists across the African Diaspora/Americana settings with acoustic instruments being the core sound. One of her long time collaborators on albums & concerts is Pat Metheny Group alumnus Jeff Haynes (Imaginary Day tour band and concert video). I met Jeff a few years ago in Philadelphia when he accompanied the group FLOW who are connected to guitarist Will Ackerman and Will’s production team at his Imaginary Road Studio in Vermont. |
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MarcNebo Sep 09 2026 at 11:41 AM |
MBPE1, Thank you for your last post. Gregoire Maret was a force of nature when I saw him twice with Cassandra. I
am so glad I was able to see her live three times.
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MarcNebo Sep 07 2026 at 4:10 PM |
Upon further review I saw Cassandra Wilson live three times, once at a venue near my home. Two of the shows
Gregoire Maret was in the band. Cassandra’s voice was very distinct and instantly recognizable. I consider her
records jazz-based, but covered multiple genres from Americana, Delta Blues and much more. She will be missed.
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MBPE1 Sep 07 2026 at 12:08 PM |
Thank you very much for posting that. I meant to note Gregoire Maret appearing on her records and concerts. Damn insomnia. :-P
I hope everyone can see this link on CBS News. If not look up Cassandra Wilson on the CBS News webpage or streaming app. There is a profile of Cassandra Wilson by the late Dr. Billy Taylor in 1997 where she speaks on her background and influences. Plus there is a profile from 1998 where she interviews the late Robbie Robertson (The Band) at the "Big Pink" house in Woodstock NY.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/from-the-archives-jazz-artist-cassandra-wilson/
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MarcNebo Sep 05 2026 at 9:21 AM |
I consider myself very lucky to have heard Cassandra Wilson live. When I saw her, Pat Metheny alum Gregoire Maret
(The Way Up) was in her band, they were great and he was excellent. Ever since that show I have been trying to find a
video of Gregoire’s solo on St. James Infirmary. It was fast and he was using circular breathing. Best harmonica solo I
have ever heard live or on record. I thoroughly enjoyed Cassandra’s beautiful voice and phrasing. Overall, a
memorable show.
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