The Wise Ones

Description

The Wise Ones is the new album by Gretchen Parlato, one of the iconic singers of her generation, whose phrasing, tone, and rhythmic instinct have transformed the language of modern jazz. Fifteen years after In a Dream helped redefine the role of the voice in contemporary jazz, Parlato returns to the sound that sparked this change. Bringing together Robert Glasper, Gerald Clayton, Mark Guiliana, and her longtime collaborator Alan Hampton, The Wise Ones gathers songs written over two decades – new reflections alongside earlier compositions, shaped into a coherent narrative. At 50, Parlato writes from a place of balance, gratitude, and presence, with a clear perspective between youth and old age. Featuring Becca Stevens, Amber Navran, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Josh Mease, the album traces a generational circle – artists influenced by Parlato who are now creating alongside her. The Wise Ones poses a calm yet resonant question: how do we honor what we were while embracing what we become? The answer unfolds through space, groove, restraint, and emotional clarity, marking a definitive statement from one of the most influential voices of her time.