by Shawn Nowlin
Carrying traditions forward and pushing boundaries is what jazz is all about and saxophonist Sarah Hanahan does just that. On March 22, the popular genre made its way to Roanoke with some really driving New York City flare.
The Sarah Hanahan Quartet, featuring Hanahan, a young sax virtuoso, pianist Caelan Cardello, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Sam Bolduc, amazed all in attendance during an evening of high energy jazz last Saturday (3/22) at the Jefferson Center’s cozy jazz club setting.
Considering her hard-driving style Hanahan began the set with John Coltrane’s “Welcome” an over-the-top opener flooded with long drawn-out expansively lilting notes that perfectly set the stage for what would follow – a night of hard-driving straight-ahead jazz.
Hanahan has an incredibly uplifting spirit and it was quite evident that her exuberance was not just about the music as she graciously gushed over each member of her band while introducing them.
“I am really proud to be up here with these incredible guys and musicians. If I touch the piano, my hand may burn off because Caelan is playing his butt off,” Hanahan said. “Growing with Matt on and off the stage has been such an incredible time. We always have fun together, whether we are just hanging out or performing. Eric brings so much energy to the stage and I am so lucky to have him in my life.”
She continued, “I remember someone once asking me, ‘How can you develop your own voice on the saxophone?’ I say that you have to walk before you run, and you have to study the masters. Because even the masters study the masters.”
Hanahan, 28, didn’t become a brilliant music mind overnight. A rising star based in New York City, Hanahan is a graduate of The Juilliard School and the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. NPR honored Hanahan by featuring her in their “Jazz Night in America’s Youngbloods” series.
Studying under the likes of Abraham Burton and Billy Drummond, among other jazz luminaries, gave Hanahan the confidence to tour nationally and internationally, which she regularly does.
Being a fearless performer who isn’t afraid to show her personality on stage is a natural talent of Hanahan.
Discussing her depth and love of jazz, Hanahan told the Jefferson Center audience, “Your support allows me to live out my dream. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the support and words of encouragement. We are excited for what the future awaits.”
The Sarah Hanahan Quartet performance demonstrated why their star is going to shine bright for many years to come.
Before the concert concluded, Hanahah made sure to plug her studio album, Among Giants. In the coming weeks her upcoming album will be released on Blue Engine, the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s label.
For additional information, visit https://www.sarahhanahan.com.
