At the height of the pandemic, jazz saxophonist Marcus Strickland found peace in the bigger picture: though life rapidly became difficult and unpredictable, we had Jupiter and its 79 moons protecting us. His new track "Joy for Jupiter" is an ode to this realization.
In this episode of Positive Vibes Only, Strickland performs "Joy For Jupiter" with his band, Twi-Life. Strickland trades off with his pianist while receiving support from the bassist and drummer, creating a performance as calming as the song itself.
"Joy for Jupiter" is the closing track from Strickland's latest album with Twi-Life. Titled The Universe's Wildest Dream, the project celebrates Earth's beauty and raises awareness about climate change. Written in the 2020 New York City lockdown, Strickland contemplates the power of technology, the existence of aliens and the feasibility of a sustainable lifestyle through the sound of music.
"I figure if there's any message that can recruit more Earthlings to acknowledge, comprehend and take action towards global warming and sustainability, it is the realization that we may be the only planet that harbors life, that we are probably the universe's wildest dream," Strickland revealed about the album.
On April 29, Strickland will perform a headlining show in Irvine, Calif., as a member of Christian McBride's New Jawn quartet.
Press play on the video above to watch Marcus Strickland's serene performance of "Joy for Jupiter," and check back to GRAMMY.com every Sunday for more new episodes of Positive Vibes Only.
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