In an era where genre-bending is the norm, Seattle native Courtney Cutchins gets in on the action with her debut album, Grunge to Grace. Set for release on October 18, 2024, the project reimagines the grunge anthems of Cutchins' youth through the lens of jazz, creating fresh yet nostalgic new music.

Cutchins combines six original compositions and three reinterpreted grunge classics from Nirvana and Soundgarden. She was backed by an ensemble of New York jazz scene standouts - pianist David Cook, guitarist Nir Felder, bassist Matt Clohesy, and drummer Obed Calvaire - the album's concept was born from a therapeutic exercise in 2015 when Cutchins rediscovered Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" as a source of joy—this moment sparked a creative journey that led to her performing "jazz-grunge" at venues across New York City, culminating in this debut record.

"These deep, introspective grunge rock songs make sense to me," Cutchins explains. "They fit the theme of this album, which is about living in your authentic truth. It's about the journey to become who you are and who you want to be."

Standout tracks include her interpretation of Soundgarden's "Boot Camp," which maintains the urgency of the original while infusing it with jazz swing and Felder's guitar work. Cutchins' original "Star on the Sea" is a ballad celebrating feminine power, while her take on Nirvana's "All Apologies" is described as the album's most moving and dynamic performance.

Cutchins' duet with Felder on Soundgarden's "The Day I Tried to Live" is stripped down to voice and acoustic guitar. It's an intimate rendition that captures the honest essence of grunge while showcasing Cutchins' vocal interpretation.

"Grunge emerged from a need for musical rebellion and rawness, and it sits in an introspective space which speaks to me deeply," Cutchins reflects. "It's my intention to encourage and inspire the listener to be free and live as who they are, and then shine that out into the world."

Recorded at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, Grunge to Grace is a work that bridges generations and genres. CD and LP are now available for pre-order at courtneycutchins.com, and the digital release is on the artist's Bandcamp page.