NYC based jazz pianist Steve Hudson teams up with jazz saxophonist Claire Daly for the World Premiere of “The Mary Joyce Project: Nothing to Lose” at Juneau Jazz & Classics 2011. The concert by the Claire Daly Quintet will take place on Friday, May 20 at McPhetres Hall in Juneau, Alaska. Tickets and more information here.

Award-winning baritone saxophonist Claire Daly is releasing a new CD, a musical homage to her father’s first cousin, Mary Joyce. A pioneer who made a 1,000 mile dogsled journey from Juneau to Fairbanks in 1935-36, Joyce and her three month journey tell an amazing tale of determination, adventure, risk-taking, and fortitude.

Claire Daly and pianist Steve Hudson have composed music inspired by Joyce’s written journal of the trip. They along with bassist Mary Ann McSweeney, drummer Peter Grant, and human beat box extraordinaire Napoleon Maddox, honor this legendary woman who lived life to the fullest. “Mary Joyce was a true free spirit and her life was a remarkable improvisation. The essense of her style and spirit compelled us to create these compositions. I met her as a child but only realized how amazing shewas when my cousin published her journal two years ago.” says Daly.

The CD will be available commercially in June. In conjunction with the CD release, the group will perform at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, nightly from June 21st through the 25th at 11pm in New York City.

Six time winner of the Downbeat Critic’s Poll “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” and winner of the Jazz Journalist Association “Baritone Sax of the Year ’05” category, Claire Daly travels worldwide, performing as a bandleader and sideperson. Steve Hudson is a pianist and composer based in New York City whose style embraces the history of jazz, blues, folk, and modern classical music, all with a free spirited love of improvisation. His latest release,“Galactic Diamonds,” features Hudson’s genre bending compositions for violin, cello, piano, and drums.

Full schedule of Steve Hudson/Claire Daly events at the Juneau Festival:

Sunday, May 15
2 pm- Family Concert
7:30 pm- Puttin’ on the Ritz- 2nd set of 2-set show. (1st will be classical)

Monday, May 16
7-8 pm- Lecture at City Museum (“Meet the Composers”)

Tuesday, May 17
10:30- Radio Interview- Capital Chat w/ Sharon Gaiptman- KINY Radio

Wed, May 18
8:30-10am – DZ Middle School Jazz Band

Friday, May 20
3pm- Radio Interview KTOO
8pm- “Mary Joyce Project: Nothing To Lose” at McPhetres Hall