Tanglewood’s new Tanglewood Learning Institute (TLI) Jazz series will launch its inaugural season with a performance by acclaimed Mexican vocalist Lucía on September 12, 2025. The artist, celebrated for her unique fusion of traditional jazz with global influences and her rich cultural heritage, is set to bring her distinctive musical artistry to the Linde Center for Music and Learning.
A Journey from Veracruz to the Global Stage
Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, is more than just a jazz singer; she is an artist whose career trajectory is marked by innovation and a deep connection to her roots. Her musical journey began at the tender age of two, performing and dancing in her parents’ renowned son jarocho ensemble, ‘Son de Madera’. Son jarocho, a vibrant style blending Spanish, African, and indigenous Mexican influences, provided an early foundation that would later inform her approach to jazz.
After formal voice studies at the Universidad Veracruzana, where she also earned a degree in Jazz Studies, Lucía emerged as a singular talent. Her artistry is characterized by its seamless integration of jazz standards with the warmth of Latin folk, elements of pop, and even contemporary chart-toppers, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. This distinctive personal approach has set her apart in the music world.
Accolades and Critical Acclaim
Lucía’s talent gained significant national and international attention when she became the first artist from Mexico to compete in, and subsequently win, the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2022. Her winning rendition of ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’—a song originally a bolero by María Grever—masterfully showcased her ability to imbue a jazz standard with her unique multicultural sensibility, singing it in both English and Spanish and incorporating traditional dance. This triumph served as a powerful launchpad for her career.
Debut Album ‘Lucía’ Showcases Global Musical Vision
Her debut album, titled ‘Lucía’ and released in May 2025, is a testament to her evolving artistic vision. Produced by Grammy-winner Matt Pierson, the album features an extraordinary ensemble of musicians, including Venezuelan pianist Edward Simon, bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Antonio Sánchez, and saxophonist David Sánchez. ‘Lucía’ traverses a diverse repertoire, featuring interpretations of American jazz classics, beloved Spanish songs, and modern pop hits, all filtered through her unique lens. The album has been praised for its exquisite versatility and superb technique, solidifying her status as a promising artist.
Tanglewood’s Expanding Jazz Horizon
The Tanglewood Learning Institute’s new jazz series marks a significant expansion of its year-round programming, aiming to present diverse talent to audiences in the Berkshires. Lucía’s inclusion in this series highlights Tanglewood’s commitment to showcasing innovative artists who push the boundaries of their genres. Her performance is poised to be a cornerstone event, embodying the series’ mission to celebrate a wide spectrum of musical expression. This news represents a key event in the contemporary music calendar.
Lucía’s upcoming concert at Tanglewood promises an evening where the intricate harmonies of jazz meet the vibrant rhythms of global music, offering a compelling glimpse into the future of the genre and solidifying her place as a groundbreaking artist.
