Take 5 — Andromeda Turre

Did you ever wonder what your favorite musicians are listening to, or the recordings that influenced them? “Take Five” is a look at the music that inspires and excites them. It’s difficult to choose ONLY five recordings!

Andromeda Turre was destined for a career in music and the arts. The daughter of trombonist Steve Turre and cellist Akua Dixon grew up surrounded and mentored by jazz royalty: Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, and Wynton Marsalis among others.  In addition to hosting Sirius XM’s Real Jazz, Turre is a gifted composer and vocalist.  She has also enjoyed a successful career in theater as a composer and supervisor for “Lena: Lessons From A Lady,” and the Aquila Theater’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.”

Her recording “From The Earth” was inspired by a recent trip to Iceland and the effects of climate change on the earth and in marginalized communities. Like many artists in previous generations, she continues the tradition of using jazz as a tool for activism.

Fun Fact: “With the exception of Abbey Lincoln, I am so grateful to have grown up around all the musicians in my Take 5,” says Turre. “However, I only got to discover their genius as musicians in my adult life

McCoy Tyner – Sama Layuca (Milestone Records)
“This might be my favorite album of all time. The energy, the chemistry between the musicians, the compositions, the power, spirit, and freedom in the improvisations. Just, perfection!”

Abbey Lincoln – Wholly Earth (Verve Records)
“Abbey Lincoln is my favorite jazz vocalist, one of the few vocal jazz masters that did a lot of original songs, and her voice is so passionate and unique. Those features really shine on this album, plus the connection to the earth and environment resonates with me deeply.”

Geri Allen – The Life of a Song (Telarc)
“Ms. Allen really had a gift for crafting melodies and evoking emotion. On this record, the stunning piano lines in both her compositions and improvisations as well as the musical conversations with the band are top-notch. For me, this album has served as a model on how to embrace and lead from a feminine type of power.”

Max Roach – It’s Time (Impulse!)
“It’s Time is peak jazz protest music as well as being a musical masterpiece. Mr. Roach’s use of his music as both a documentation of his generation as well as for the advancement of humanity is forever inspiring. Also, adding a choir to a jazz band is epic!”

Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band – Rumba Buhaina (Random Chance)
“What’s not to like? It’s got a lot of hits from Art Blakey albums that have been Rhumba-ized by the Gonzalez brothers and other incredible musicians. It’s my go-to when I want to dance and smile big. The bass line Andy Gonzalez plays on “United” is one of the hottest bass lines I’ve ever heard!”

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