In The Spirit of Connection
““In the Spirit of Connection: Songs of Freedom, Love and Community” is an evening — or a set — that moves. It opens with a declaration, deepens through songs of longing and belonging drawn from the legacies of Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, and Randy Weston, peaks with an unexpected electric moment, and closes with an audience participation number that turns a crowd into a community. It’s the kind of performance people talk about after.”
“Marianne brings to the stage a rare combination: deep jazz tradition, original voice, and the kind of natural warmth and humor that plays to any room. The press has called her “a national treasure in the making” and praised her “stage presence, sense of humor, and flair for both nuance and the dramatic.” She performs with her working quartet — Brandon McCune, Steve Wood, and Jay Sawyer — a tight, cohesive unit that delivers every time.”
In the Spirit of Connection
Songs of Freedom, Love and Community
“In the Spirit of Connection” is an evening of jazz vocal artistry that moves through the full terrain of human longing — freedom, love, and community. Drawing on the visionary lineage of Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, and Randy Weston while centering her own original voice, Marianne Solivan reminds us what jazz has always known: that music is not just heard, it’s shared — leaving audiences with the unexpected joy and deep sense of community that only live jazz can bring.
REPERTOIRE
Something Big — Richard Adler
I Got Thunder — Abbey Lincoln
I’m in Love — Joan Griffe
First Desire — Music: Marianne Solivan / Lyric adapted from Federico García Lorca
Down Here Below — Abbey Lincoln
Sounds (Movin’ On) — Betty Carter
Before It’s Time — Music: Kenny Garrett / Lyric: Marianne Solivan
We Must Love (Little Niles) — Music: Randy Weston / Lyric: Marianne Solivan
My Dream — Carla Bley / Marianne Solivan / Brandon McCune
Why & How — Mark Murphy & Jimmy Deucher — with audience participation
AVAILABLE FORMATS
75-Minute Concert Set Ideal for performing arts centers, concert series, and festivals. A single unified arc from declaration to dream.
Two 50-Minute Sets — Connected For seated club concerts and presenter events where audiences remain for both sets. Structured as “Roots” and “Flight.”
Two 50-Minute Sets — Standalone Traditional jazz club format with audience turnover. Each set delivers a complete, self-contained experience.
PRESS
“Solivan is well on her way to being a national treasure.” — Midwest Jazz Record
“Her vocal quality is one of those that immediately touches the listener.” — Jazz in Lyon, France
“Great stage presence, a sense of humor, and a flair for both nuance and the dramatic.” — Jim Hynes, Making A Scene
“Audiences respond to her sincerity, and rightly so.” — Tim Wilkins, WBGO
ABOUT
Marianne Solivan is a jazz vocalist and bandleader known for her rich tone, fearless improvisation, and emotionally direct storytelling. A Berklee College of Music graduate and consistent presence in the New York jazz scene, she has performed at The Blue Note, Smalls, and Dizzy’s Club, and worked alongside Christian McBride, Buster Williams, Peter Bernstein, and Jeremy Pelt. Whether delivering a quiet ballad or driving a swinging groove, she treats each performance as a shared experience — alive, spontaneous, and grounded in feeling. She is joined by her working quartet: Brandon McCune (piano), Steve Wood (bass), and Jay Sawyer (drums).
The Band
Marianne Solivan
Vocalist/Bandleader
Marianne Solivan is a jazz vocalist and bandleader known for her energetic, expressive performance style and deeply story-driven approach to song. Her singing balances vulnerability, passion, and joy, drawing audiences in with emotional honesty, warmth, and humor. Whether delivering an intimate ballad or driving a swinging groove, she treats each performance as a shared, living experience.
A respected presence in the jazz community, Solivan has built her reputation through consistency — staying on the scene, learning from mentors, and growing through collaboration. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, she developed her voice in Boston before becoming a constant presence on the New York City jazz circuit. As a bandleader, she takes pride in shaping a cohesive sound and fostering genuine musical conversation, bringing jazz tradition forward through an honest, contemporary lens.
Brandon McCune
Pianist/Arranger
Brandon McCune is a distinguished jazz pianist whose rich musicality and versatility have made him a sought-after figure in the jazz world. Born in Chicago and based in Newark, NJ, McCune began his musical journey at age three, studying classical piano through the Suzuki Method. His early promise led to his selection as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa in 1998–1999, where he represented the United States through performances and educational outreach.
McCune's dynamic playing has graced stages alongside jazz luminaries such as Abbey Lincoln, Terence Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis, and Betty Carter. He has performed at premier venues including Birdland Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, and Mezzrow, and has led his own ensembles, such as the Brandon McCune Quintet. His recorded work includes contributions to acclaimed albums by Nnenna Freelon and Miki Howard, as well as his own release, Tell the Story.
Educated at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts, McCune has also studied under jazz greats like Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller. His artistry reflects a deep commitment to the jazz tradition, infused with a personal touch that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Steve Wood
Bass
Steve Wood is a masterful jazz bassist whose deep groove, impeccable time, and rich tone have made him a go-to presence on stages and in studios alike. Known for his sensitivity, adaptability, and creative voice on the instrument, Wood brings both power and nuance to every performance, whether anchoring a hard-swinging quartet or exploring modern textures in more contemporary settings. Over the course of his career, he has performed with a wide range of acclaimed artists, contributing to projects that span traditional jazz, modern improvisation, and genre-blending collaborations. His work with musicians such as saxophonist Stéphane Spira and others has earned praise for its musical integrity and inspired interplay. A consummate ensemble player, Wood’s ability to listen, support, and elevate the music around him has made him a favorite among bandleaders and fellow musicians. With an unshakable sense of rhythm and a deep love for the tradition of jazz, Steve Wood continues to be an integral part of the jazz community, bringing depth, clarity, and soul to every note he plays.
Jay Sawyer
Drums
Jay Sawyer is a dynamic jazz drummer whose rhythmic mastery and expressive touch have made him a standout voice in New York City's vibrant music scene. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sawyer has become a first-call collaborator for both established jazz legends and rising stars. His performances are marked by a deep sense of swing, nuanced sensitivity, and a modern creative edge that elevates every ensemble he joins.
Sawyer has shared the stage with a diverse array of artists, including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Donny McCaslin, Freddy Cole, and Shai Maestro. He is also a key contributor to projects led by Itamar Borochov, Caroline Davis, Tomoko Omura, and John Raymond. His extensive touring has taken him across the U.S. and Europe, with appearances at major festivals such as the Montreal, Detroit, and Chicago Jazz Festivals, as well as Festival Éclats d’Email in France and the Leopolis Jazz Festival in Ukraine.
With over 25 recordings to his name and performances in more than 20 countries across five continents, Sawyer brings a global perspective to his craft. Whether driving a hard-swinging trio or exploring experimental textures, his drumming is always rooted in deep musicality and an unwavering commitment to the moment.