NYO Jazz Albums
NYO Jazz, comprising outstanding young musicians ages 16–19 from across the US, showcases the legacy and bright future of American jazz. Led by artistic director Sean Jones, these remarkable musicians come together each summer to engage in a rigorous training residency in New York, a concert at Carnegie Hall with a celebrated guest artist, and a tour to some of the world’s great music capitals. To date, NYO Jazz has recorded two full-length albums to share with the world. Find out more below.
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Live in Johannesburg
Sophomore Album from NYO Jazz
NYO Jazz’s first live album and its second full-length album, Live in Johannesburg, will be available on all digital streaming platforms on June 20.
The album—recorded at The Market Theatre—features 22 top young US musicians led by Sean Jones, joined by Alicia Olatuja, with special guests Romy Brauteseth and Linda Sikhakhane.
The first single from the album, “ISIGQI SUITE,” will be available on all streaming platforms Friday, April 18.
NYO Jazz
Live in Johannesburg
Sean Jones, Artistic Director, Bandleader, and Trumpet
Featuring Alicia Olatuja
With Special Guests Romy Brauteseth and Linda Sikhakhane
- Theme from The Asphalt Jungle by Duke Ellington
- Evidence by Thelonious Monk, arr. John Clayton
- ISIGQI SUITE by Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (Commissioned by Carnegie Hall)
- Trane by Lakecia Benjamin, arr. Jhoely Garay
- A Time for Love by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster, arr. Todd Bashore
- Rejoice by Billy Childs
- New Musical Express by Mary Lou Williams
- Shiny Stockings by Frank Foster
- The Confession by Laura Nyro, arr. Billy Childs, orch. Jim McNeely
- Kadara by Alicia Olatuja and Michael Olatuja, arr. Etienne Charles
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, arr. Christian Sands, adapt. Kyle Athayde
- Under the Moon and Over the Sky by Angela Bofill, arr. Michael Olatuja, adapt. Jim Pugh
- We’re Still Here / He’s Alright by Wycliffe Gordon
Produced by Sean Jones
Co-produced by Paul Boothe
Recorded live at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 26, 27, and 28, 2024
Live audio and recording engineered by Paul Boothe with Abdul Burton, Vusumzi Keith Nakiwe, Kamohelo Tlou, and Sichumile Tutu Duna
Mixed by David Boothe at Boothe Bros. Sound Solutions
Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound
Mastered for Dolby Atmos by Adam Grover at Sterling Sound
Linda Sikhakhane appears courtesy of Universal Music Group.
We’re Still Here
Debut Album from NYO Jazz
NYO Jazz’s first full-length studio album, We’re Still Here, is now available for digital download and on all streaming platforms.
The album—recorded during the ensemble’s summer 2021 training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—features Carnegie Hall–commissioned works, a range of classic and contemporary jazz repertoire, and works exploring themes that include social justice, resilience, and the power of music to spark joy.
The CD is also available at the Carnegie Hall Shop.
NYO Jazz
We’re Still Here
Sean Jones, Artistic Director
with Special Guest Melissa Aldana
Featuring Wycliffe Gordon
- A Taste of Honey (Duke Pearson)*
- Pleasingly Plump (Quincy Jones)*
- Oyelo (Miguel Zenón)
- Mr. Jones and Co. (Ayn Inserto; 2019 NYO Jazz commission)
- Bedouin (Duke Pearson)
- We’re Still Here / He’s Alright (Wycliffe Gordon)
- Fête dans la tête (John Beasley; 2020 NYO Jazz commission)
- Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool (Duke Ellington and Laura Rembert, arr. Reginald Thomas)
- RPM’s (Igmar Thomas; 2021 NYO Jazz commission)
- Run with Jones (Miguel Zenón; 2018 NYO Jazz commission)
- Cute (Neal Hefti)
- I Be Serious ‘Bout Dem Blues (John Clayton)*
- The Art of War (Ralph Peterson)
- Transitions (Sean Jones)
*Digital exclusive