modern jazz

Aaron Myers: “If It Only Took Love”

Ever since its official UNESCO designation in 2011, International Jazz Day has invited a bit of extra joy into April 30th. And doing his share is D.C. pianist-vocalist (not to mention published author, radio host, and more) Aaron Myers, who does a stellar job of recreating mid-century styles with a vocal delivery reminiscent of Nat King Cole.

Today Myers released his fourth studio project, The Pride Album, featuring a dozen tracks (both standards and originals) that, along with its stunning visual counterpart, tackle the facets of life as a BIPOC artist amidst the oppression prevalent in the US. The subject matter, though, tends to teeter towards a lighter side, which when coupled with Myers’ incandescent singing on tracks like “If It Only Took Love”, is guaranteed to make your mind smile through the weekend.