Harry Connick Jr. is returning to traditional jazz for his next album, which will mark his debut on Marsalis Music, the Rounder-distributed label formed last year by saxophonist Branford Marsalis (Bulletin, Feb. 14, 2002). Connick, who was previously signed to Columbia, has in recent years experimented
with pop standards and big-band vocal songs.
The new album, the all-instrumental "Other Hours--Connick on Piano, Volume 1," is due July 15. It features tenor saxophonist Ned Goold, bassist Neal Caine, and drummer Arthur Latin II, all members of Connick's touring orchestra. Much of the material is culled from Connick's Tony-nominated score for the Broadway musical "Thou Shalt Not."
Connick's last project, "Songs I Heard," debuted at No. 2 on Top Jazz Albums in November 2001.