Happy Friday,

Hello from D.C., where I’m preparing to sing tonight for an arts awards ceremony with Bobby Jazinski’s big, and small, bands.

Those of you who came to the rosé dinner at Market Table last Sunday can imagine why I was inspired to go that route for the wine choice, and if you made it to the Ted Nash Big Band at Dizzy’s this past Monday, you won’t be surprised to see Bill Evans featured in this week’s pairing.

I hope you enjoy this moment of libation and listening!

Juice

No wine category seems to embody spring more than rosé: it’s ephemeral – usually meant to be enjoyed in the current vintage alone – and there’s just something about pink.

Los Bermejos rosado 2023 from Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, is one of my favorite rosés, vintage in and out. Made of the indigenous grape listán negro, it is astonishing and singluar. Almost electric petal pink in the glass, it tastes of bright watermelon, an early picked strawberry, and sea-salt minerality. Even the bottle it comes in tells you this is not your ordinary wine.

I’m sharing no secrets here – wine lovers have caught onto this one, so it can be scarce.* But sometimes being late to the party can be right on time!

Jazz

“Time Remembered” by Bill Evans (from The Complete Interplay Sessions recorded in 1962) is our tune of the week. I find it breathtaking (actually, more like breath-holding.) This version is like a cherry blossom tree in the rain.

The melody holds its promises lightly as the line ascends, tumbles, and momentarily finds rest in piquant and pointed harmonic moments. It’s tender and searching, gentle and aching, and the stellar ensemble on this recording give the song all the nuance and restraint that allows it to weave its spell.

“Time Remembered” has been recorded by many and celebrated, but new to my ears just this past week. Discovering music this powerful can bring new springs of inspiration whenever its heard -- be it the first or one of countless times.

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Time Remembered Bill Evans, Zoot Sims, Jim H... PREVIEW   ​

Cheers, and enjoy the weekend!

Truly,

Kristen

*apologies for not having a link for you this week. If you're in NYC try Astor Wines or PJ's Wine to find a bottle! I'll be back with a link next edition for whatever wine is featured.

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