Super-Sonic Jazz Festival 2024: Brandee Younger & Sophye Soliveau

Brandee Younger

Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger is known as the most sonically innovative harpist working today. For the past 15 years, she has consistently worked to push the boundaries and limitations for harpists. In 2022, she made history as the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. As an artist, Brandee continues to grow, having collaborated with icons such as Beyoncé, Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, and Moses Sumney. Her latest album, Brand New Life, is about forging new paths—artistically, personally, politically, and spiritually. On it, Younger honors her musical predecessor Dorothy Ashby while also speaking to the sensibilities of new generations.

Sophye Soliveau

Sophye Soliveau is a singer, harpist and choir director. Passionate since childhood for African-American music, from R&B to soul and including gospel, she has honed her skills through classical training. From the creative twists that fuel her improvisations to the search for healing and the pursuit of freedom, INITIATION , her debut album, was born. A vibrant celebration of lush R&B, the album is distinguished by its refined orchestration. Sophye’s vocal chords blend seamlessly with her harp, soaring over ethereal choirs and a bass-drum rhythm with a precious and subtle groove that elevates an original repertoire that is deeply inspired by soul.