#SONGS IN AMERICAN UTOPIA SERIES#

Just this month I saw Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Adrienne Warren’s Tony-winning turn as the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll is a tidal wave, but what jukebox musicals often stifle, ironically, is the music itself. In watching American Utopia ’s exuberant execution and enjoyment of its own music, I couldn’t help but think of other Broadway shows-jukebox musicals-where beloved, Grammy-winning songs are similarly the main draw. Triumphant as those performances were, what David Byrne and his American Utopia -with choreography and musical staging by Annie-B Parson-is offering is more unique, at least on Broadway: a near-nonstop concert that’s also an invitation. Of course, Broadway is occasionally blessed with titanic performances from older performers-Glenda Jackson in King Lear and Jane Alexander in Grand Horizons are two recent examples. It’s a rare treat to see a performer of Byrne’s age get to lead and command a Broadway show-at almost 70, he exudes a youthful, idealistic charm takes lead vocals on every song and buzzes around the theater like a bee on the first day of spring. James Theatre, American Utopia is an infectious showcase of Byrne’s decades-long career. See the as-yet-announced itinerary below and grab tickets here.Ġ3/03 – Red Bank, NJ Count Basie TheatreĠ3/04 – Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M.Now at the St. Many of the songs were co-written by Byrne’s longtime collaborator Brian Eno, including the lead single “Everybody’s Coming to My House”.īyrne is set to support his new effort with a world tour he calls “the most ambitious show I’ve done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense.” Several dates have already been announced, including a leg of warmup shows along the East Coast in March, as well as festival appearances at Coachella, Shaky Knees in Atlanta, and XPoNential in Camden, NJ, with many more dates still to be announced. Vincent producer Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman), and Jack Peñate. Guest contributors include Daniel Lopatin ( Oneohtrix Point Never), Jam City, St. Produced by Rodaidh McDonald (The xx, King Krule, Savages), the album was recorded at Byrne’s home studio as well as XL Studios, Oscilloscope, and London’s Livingston Studio 1, among other locations. “The description, the discontent and the desire-I have a feeling that is what these songs touch on.”

“The title refers not to a specific utopia, but rather to our longing, frustration, aspirations, fears, and hopes regarding what could be possible, what else is possible,” Byrne said in a statement.

(The event will also be live-streamed on Facebook.) As befitting of the series’ name and the LP title, the record is said to focus on the ever-prevalent search for a better way of living.

#SONGS IN AMERICAN UTOPIA SERIES#

Vincent, Love This Giant, and is his first solo effort since 2004’s Grown Backwards.īyrne will formally detail American Utopia during the latest presentation of his “Reasons to be Cheerful” series today at 12:30 pm EST at New York City’s New School. The full-length marks the art-rock auteur’s first release since his 2012 collaboration with St.

David Byrne has announced his forthcoming new album, American Utopia, due out March 9th via Todomundo/Nonesuch Records.

Songs in american utopia