The heartfelt emotional centerpiece of Marc Jordan’s new album Waiting for the Sun To Rise is “Rio Grande,” a sweeping anthem which artfully blends sociopolitical commentary about America’s loss of innocence with personal lovelorn yearning. Featuring trumpet great Randy Brecker, and piano by co-produce Lou Pomanti, the song was co-written with Steven MacKinnon from the Art of Time jazz ensemble.
Lyrically the song addresses the view from an experienced age, marvelling at how time passes quickly while many things stay the same: multiple tragedies of modern life with its gun violence, environmental disaster, and a sense of impending doom over the lack of clear solutions. But throughout there’s always hints of optimism and nostalgia to keep us sustained through challenging rainy days with glimpses of brighter daylight ahead. It has been called his Magnum Opus and a triumph of a recording from a world-class artist performing at the peak of his skills.
“Rio Grande” can be found on any streaming service and on the Waiting For The Sun To Rise album. Marc Jordan is a JUNO Award and Genie Award winner, and in 2019 was JUNO-nominated for his last album Both Sides. He is married to singer-songwriter Amy Sky, and in 2022, the duo recorded an JUNO-Award nominated album of duets entitled He Sang She Sang.
