The influence of people who helped shape Lisa Thorson’s transition from a musical theater vocalist to a powerful jazz singer is a notable theme of her interview in “Brilliant Corners.” Thorson also discusses her most recent project titled “Without Words: Discovery, Inspiration, and Practice,” which explores the art of communicating without language. The interview is the anchor story to the journal’s unique compendium of literature about jazz compiled by Sascha Feinstein, Ph.D., professor of English and creative writing at Lycoming College.
Thorson is a popular Boston-based jazz vocalist, actress and music educator. She has performed at jazz clubs, on radio, on stage, in film and on television for more than 35 years. She has toured throughout the U.S., Canada and Italy as a concert artist and jazz vocal clinician. Her recordings include “Out to Sea,” a duo setting with pianist Cho Yoon Seung, which received unanimous critical acclaim and international airplay, and “Resonance,” which highlights her quintet.
Thorson is a professor in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music where she received the 2013 Distinguished Faculty Award and has taught at New England Conservatory, Longy School of Music and Wellesley College. The National Endowment for the Arts, Berklee College of Music and numerous public and private foundations have supported her creative performance and educational projects.
Other highlights of the Winter 2016 issue of “Brilliant Corners” are verses by Brazilian poet Ricardo Aleixo and Mexican poet Luis David Palacios. Their poems are included in their native language and in English; Aleixo’s translated by Dan Hanrahan and Palacios’ by Sandra Kingery, Ph.D., professor of Spanish at Lycoming College. Long-time contributor, William Ford, who passed away this spring, opens the journal with his poem “Jazz Autobio.” Two short stories capture the essence of people who bring jazz to a waiting world.
Another highlight of the publication is the cover image “Sarah Vaughan” by Brazilian painter BRUNI Sablan. Praised by jazz musicians world-wide for capturing the souls of individuals, BRUNI has painted more than 16,000 portraits in her project titled, “The Jazz Masters.”
Founded in 1996, “Brilliant Corners” is edited by Feinstein and published biannually. A subscription costs $12 a year ($18 for international orders). Send check or money to Brilliant Corners, Lycoming College, 700 College Place, Williamsport, Pa. 17701. More information can be found at www.lycoming.edu/BrilliantCorners. Learn more about jazz in America by following Brilliant Corners on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Brilliant-Corners-327635610067/.
Published at Lycoming College, “Brilliant Corners” is funded in part by Lycoming College, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and private endowments.