Home Away From Home: Back at Umbria Jazz

As I write this from Italy, friends and family back home are celebrating the Fourth of July. Watching America celebrate its independence from across the Atlantic always gives me pause. For Black Americans, Independence Day has always carried two stories: one of extraordinary ideals, liberty, equality, and self-determination, and another that reminds us those promises were not extended to everyone when they were first written. Our ancestors continued to fight for freedoms they were denied, and their courage helped bring our nation closer to its highest aspirations.

Perhaps that’s why Cross That River has become such an important part of my life. It tells the story of a man searching for freedom and dignity, but it also reflects a much larger American journey. That history doesn’t lessen my love for this country, it deepens it. Patriotism isn’t believing America is perfect; it’s believing that we can continue striving to become the nation our founders imagined and that generations of Americans have worked so hard to achieve.

There are certain places in the world that begin to feel like home, and for me, Umbria Jazz in Perugia is one of them.

We’ve been coming to this extraordinary festival since the early 2000s, building friendships and musical memories that have lasted decades. Like so many things, COVID interrupted that rhythm, and it’s taken us a few years to find our way back. That made this return especially sweet.

Opening night reminded us why this festival is so beloved around the world. Sting headlined the Arena Santa Giuliana, drawing thousands of music lovers together under the Umbrian sky. We had the privilege of performing on the beautiful Giardini Carducci Stage, where Harlem After Dark made its Italian debut. Looking out at the audience, surrounded by the history and beauty of Perugia, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that music continues to build bridges across cultures and generations.

One of the greatest gifts of returning to Umbria has been reconnecting with friends we’ve known for years.

After our ten-day residency here in Italy, we’ll head straight back to New York for six performances at Birdland Jazz Club on July 17, 18, and 19. There isn’t much time to catch our breath, but that’s exactly how we like it. We’ll be warmed up, inspired, and ready to fly.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary artists who share the stage with me. Rick Germanson’s masterful piano playing, Rico Jones’ soulful saxophone, Maya Azucena’s beautiful vocals, A.C. Lincoln’s electrifying tap dancing, Damon DueWhite’s impeccable drumming, and Nimrod Speaks’ rock-solid bass make every performance a joy. They don’t just accompany the music, they elevate it every single night. Their musicianship, professionalism, and friendship make the road feel a little more like home.

From there, it’s directly into rehearsals for the International Black Theatre Festival, where Cross That River has been selected for four performances on one of the festival’s main stages. It is a tremendous honor to have been invited by the festival’s board to present this work. After years of writing, revising, producing, and believing in this story, every opportunity to share it with new audiences feels like a blessing.

I wrote the closing song for Cross That River as a reflection on what it means to be an American. This live performance, recorded in Houston with the full cast, captures those feelings in a way words alone never could. I hope you enjoy it.

Travel has a way of giving us perspective. Being outside the United States during Independence Day reminds me how fortunate I am to represent American music around the world. Jazz is one of this country’s greatest gifts to humanity, born from struggle, resilience, hope, and joy. Every time I step onto a stage overseas, I feel a responsibility to honor that legacy.

Wherever you are this holiday weekend, I hope you’re surrounded by family, friends, good music, and a little time to reflect on what freedom means—not only as an ideal, but as something each generation has the privilege and responsibility to protect and expand.

Happy Fourth of July.

Until next week,

Allan