Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon will return to New York City’s Iridium stage, bringing with her more than music. The evening is set to showcase her artistry not only as a singer but also as a songwriter and author, entering a new creative era.
Freelon has long been known for her ability to turn standards into deeply personal experiences. But with her latest release, Beneath the Skin, she has shifted into original storytelling. The album, which arrived in March on Origin Records, is a collection of mostly new songs that weave together themes of love, grief, and resilience. Tracks such as “Journey of the Heart” and the title song reveal an artist writing from the inside out, offering listeners a vulnerable but uplifting space.
Her live shows often balance intimacy with power, and The Iridium’s close setting is the ideal backdrop for this chapter of her work. Fans can expect selections from the new album alongside interpretations that highlight her decades of craft and improvisation.
The performance also comes as Freelon prepares for her debut as an author. In October, Duke University Press will publish Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss, a collection of essays, poems, and reflections. The book traces her personal journey through grief, following the loss of her husband, her sister, and her family dog in close succession. Like her music, it is both candid and healing, using the language of improvisation to navigate sorrow.
For audiences in New York, the event offers a rare chance to witness an artist who is not only singing but also reshaping her story in real time—through melody, words, and the courage to share both.
Don’t miss her legendary performance! It’s on September 17th at 8:30 PM, and the venue is The Iridium, located at 1650 Broadway, New York.
