On November 5, The Sister Moon Project: Celebrating the Music of Sting & The Police comes to Wortham Center audiences. Featuring acclaimed saxophonist Grace Kelly, vocalist Chrissi Poland, and the Christian Tamburr Quartet, this dynamic ensemble reimagines Sting’s music through a contemporary jazz lens.
We recently spoke with musical director Christian Tamburr about what audiences can expect, the creative process behind the project, and why these iconic songs continue to inspire new musical discoveries.
A lot of people know every word to songs like “Fields of Gold” and “Roxanne.” What do audiences experience in The Sister Moon Project that they can’t get from listening to the original recordings at home?
“These are two perfect examples of how The Sister Moon Project allows us to showcase the individual artistry of the incredible musicians that make up this group. Whether it’s Chrissi Poland bringing her soulful interpretation to Fields of Gold or our amazing bassist Billy Thornton leading the charge on Roxanne, each song becomes a canvas for musical exploration. By reimagining these songs through the language of jazz, we give each other the freedom to tell our own stories through improvisation, harmony, and phrasing. Our goal is to always preserve the familiarity of these great songs so the audience can still sing along, while creating unexpected musical moments that make people think, ‘Wow, I never imagined hearing that song quite like that!'”
What surprised you most when you started exploring the music of Sting and The Police through a contemporary jazz lens?
“Once you move beyond the way you’ve always heard these songs, you come to really connect with Sting’s beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Grace brings these melodies to life so beautifully on the alto sax, and Chrissi offers a fresh perspective on the storytelling through a female voice… the songs take on this entirely new dimension. The biggest surprise has been discovering just how much creative freedom is hiding inside the music we all thought we knew so well.”
For someone who loves Sting but isn’t sure whether they’re a jazz fan, what would you tell them before they buy a ticket?
“Everyone in our band has tremendous respect for Sting and his music, and we feel a real responsibility to honor the spirit and intention behind these songs. ‘Jazz’ doesn’t mean everything has to fit in a box and always be swinging like the standards of the 1940s… Jazz is an expansive genre, and we draw from R&B, contemporary jazz, straight-ahead jazz, rock, fusion, and world music to create arrangements that feel both familiar and new. You don’t have to be a jazz fan to love this show. You just have to love great music!”
How did you assemble this group of musicians, and what does each artist bring to the music that makes The Sister Moon Project unique?
“When I start arranging, I imagine the specific musicians I want to hear bringing this music to life, versus the actual instruments. Sting’s melodies and lyrics carry such incredible beauty and intensity, and I wanted to surround myself with artists who bring that same level of expression and individuality to their own music.
We all share a genuine affection for these songs and grew up with them, internalized them, and now have this wonderful opportunity to tell these musical stories through our own voices.
Grace Kelly is one of the most dynamic and soulful saxophonists performing around the world today, deeply rooted in the jazz tradition while constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre and her instrument. Chrissi Poland has toured with Sting, so she brings a firsthand understanding of the artist and his music. Her incredible voice and emotional depth make her the perfect storyteller for these songs.
The combination of Dorien Dotson on drums and Billy Thornton on bass is simply electric. They lock together in a way that propels this music into an entirely new dimension, no matter what musical direction we take. At the piano, Scott Giddens makes ten fingers sound like an entire ensemble, creating beautiful textures, rhythmic patterns, and harmonic colors with an emotional depth that brings so much richness to the arrangements.
Every one of these musicians could step out front and lead this band. Each brings a distinct musical personality, but together, there’s a killer chemistry that takes these already extraordinary songs somewhere entirely new.”
When the audience leaves the theatre, what’s the feeling you hope they carry with them on the drive home?
“Jazz gives us the freedom to rediscover music we already love through a completely different lens. My hope is that audiences leave feeling like they’ve experienced something unexpected and inspiring, while still being deeply connected to the melodies, lyrics, and stories that made them fall in love with these songs in the first place. And maybe, on that drive home, they’ll turn on a familiar song and hear it just a little differently.”
Experience The Sister Moon Project at Wortham
The Sister Moon Project: Celebrating the Music of Sting & The Police comes to Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, November 5 at 7 pm. Featuring Grace Kelly, Chrissi Poland, and the Christian Tamburr Quartet, this unforgettable evening transforms iconic songs into fresh musical discoveries through the energy and spontaneity of live jazz.
Tickets are available now at worthamarts.org/events/the-sister-moon-project or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530 x1.
