Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University is proud to present the world premiere of Places of Unknowing, a new series of songs by Grammy-nominated English musician, soul singer, and music technologist Jamie Lidell. The concert will take place Thursday, March 27, 8:00 p.m., in Turner Hall, marking a unique intersection of songwriting, music technology, classical music, and collaboration between internationally renowned musicians and Vanderbilt students. Tickets are available now on the Blair Box Office site.
This performance serves as the first public unveiling of Places of Unknowing, an album to be released at a future date. The music emerged during the pandemic, when Lidell, a longtime Nashville resident, began studying piano with Blair faculty member Pascal Le Boeuf. Stepping away from digital production, Lidell immersed himself in writing at the piano, composing a deeply personal collection of songs. Blair percussionists Ji Hye Jung and Lee Vinson, inspired the use of a wider palette of tones in the music. Many of the lyrics came from his wife, artist Lindsey Rome, whose words he transformed into music. The resulting album represents one of Lidell’s most intimate and expressive works to date.
The album features performances by Blair faculty members Ji Hye Jung (percussion), Lee Vinson (percussion), Pascal Le Boeuf (piano), and Molly Barth (flute), along with Blair ’23 alum cellist Griffin Seuter. The project also includes contributions from internationally recognized Nashville musicians, such as keyboardist Rob Burger and bassist Ethan Jodziewicz. In addition to showcasing many of the original performers, the live premiere will also highlight the talents of Blair students, including Catie Brenmark, Pierce Pearson, Pierce Ruch, Milo Holcombe Pomerance, Terry Li, Lindsay Glaccum, Maya Mueller, Trenton Brink, Jonathan Jesalva, Sofia Velinzon, and Alexandra Holloway.
Presented in collaboration with Music Technology at Blair, this event underscores the school’s commitment to blending innovation with tradition in contemporary music-making. The opportunity to premiere this project in Turner Hall, rather than a conventional rock venue, is a significant moment for Lidell, as it brings the music to life with the very musicians who helped shape it. He is especially excited to work with Vanderbilt students, embracing the energy and fresh perspectives they bring to the performance.
Join us for this unique musical experience, where original compositions, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative artistry come together in an unforgettable performance.