It’s often really difficult for a podcaster, interviewer, or mc to know how to pronounce a particular jazz artist’s name. Sometimes the artist themselves might even ‘change’ the pronunciation to accommodate the more ‘common’ pronunciations. I’ve done a lot of research on a few names. I’ve listened to interviews, concert videos (where they introduce themselves), and utilized other people’s research. In this episode and last weeks I give what I believe is the ‘correct’ pronunciation for a number o...
Apr 11, 2023•Season 1Ep. 225
This week’s and next week’s episode focuses on right and wrong ways to pronounce the names of certain jazz artists. I demonstrate lots of mis-pronunciations, then try to correct them. And it gives me an excuse to play some great music, by the likes of Paul Motian,Delfaeo Marsalis, Jackie McLean, Gerry Beaudoin (w. Duke Robillard & J. Geils), Brian Auger & The Trinity, Laurindo Almeida with Charlie Byrd, and Sunna Gunnlaugs with Verneri Pohjola. Some of the great music is by Canadian arti...
Apr 04, 2023•Season 1Ep. 224
This is the last of my three part series on great new historical releases. I start off with a previously unreleased Miles Davis performance from the Montreal Jazz Festival, 1983. Then follow it with some Miles Davis alumni—Bill Evans and John Coltrane. The Coltrane track is a previously unissued take of Moments Notice: but, strangely enough, with Coltrane’s solo edited out! Also featured are Frank Kimbrough, Roy Hargrove & Mulgrew Miller, Joe Harriot, Oscar Peterson, and some free jazz from ...
Mar 28, 2023•Season 1Ep. 223
The recording quality of some of the live performances that have been recently unearthed, restored, and enhanced is incredible! Two of the best are from The Charles Mingus Lost Album from Ronnie Scott’s, and Dave Brubeck Trio (sans Paul Desmond) Live from Vienna 1967. Other new discoveries I feature in this episode are Chick Corea from the Montreaux Jazz Festival 1993 and Swedish pianist Esjborn Svennson’s recording just three weeks before he died in a scuba diving accident. Then there’s Ella Fi...
Mar 21, 2023•Season 1Ep. 222
New Discoveries and re-releases are represented in this three part series. Some have been recently ‘unearthed’…and new technology used to make the tapes sound so good! Others have been reissued and remastered. For Part 1, you’ll hear -a recording by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messsengers (with an excerpt from an interview by Wayne Shorter talking about how blown away he was by the way the group were received in Japan!). -Sheila Jordan’s first album that was never released before; and Sheila Jordan ...
Mar 14, 2023•Season 1Ep. 221
We lost a true jazz great March 2nd: composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. In this episode I play music from his earliest to his latest years, with a few clips from fans, other musicians, and one from Mr. Shorter himself.
Mar 07, 2023•Season 1Ep. 220
For this episode I play some music from some modern big bands: You’ll hear The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with John Pizzarelli, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Kansas Smitty’s. One somewhat older big band too–Maynard Ferguson Orchestra from 1964. Closing off with something really weird from Martin Kuchen’s Angles. I also talk about how, when jazz musicians play Brazilian music, they have to be vigilant to ensure the ‘bebop virus’ doesn’t get in there. Oscar Peterson’s Trio has some success ...
Feb 28, 2023•Season 1Ep. 219
What if Bebop never happened? And ‘swing’ evolved into something very different from the swing of the 30’s, 40’s, and even 50’s? That’s the question I asked of jazz musicians and aficionados who frequent the JazzWorld site on facebook. And I received some great responses! My favourite was a questioning of the question: “bit like if ancient ape-like creatures did not evolve into humans what might they have become that was more ape-like” But I received some great ideas for this week’s and next wee...
Feb 21, 2023•Season 1Ep. 218
Bebop, Part 2, tells you more about what it is, why it happened, and why it ‘took over’ jazz—despite it never really catching on with the public. I play older bebop recordings by Charlie Parker, Bob Dorough, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Theonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and The Paul Bley Trio. Also a newer recording from guitarist Pasquale Grasso with grammy award winning singer, Samara Joy. Many original bebop tunes came from improvisations made up when playing some old ‘standards’. To illust...
Feb 14, 2023•Season 1Ep. 217
Bebop was the ‘modern jazz’ of the early to mid 1940’s. And it’s still considered ‘modern jazz’. It is a genre that has lasted! And developed….with most new recordings being described as ‘post bop’ or ‘hard bop’. When many people claim to dislike jazz, they are often referring to the complex harmonies and rhythms of bebop. But listening to this episode will help you understand and appreciate this art form. I talk about Bebop and play some classic and later recordings. I also throw in a couple ea...
Feb 07, 2023•Season 1Ep. 216
I’ve discovered a lot of great music over the past two months—thanks to those top 10 lists compiled by 97 reviewers and critics. A handful of those albums would probably go on my own Top 10 list, were I to make one. In this episode I play tracks from 9 great albums from the past year. Some are pretty obscure, and some aren’t. This is the last episode of five programs on the best jazz albums of 2022, according to jazz reviewers and critics. Over the next few weeks you’ll hear some bebop and learn...
Jan 31, 2023•Season 1Ep. 215
I’ve tabulated the results of 97 reviewers and their top 10 albums lists for 2022. Here are the albums followed by the number of votes each one received. Mary Halvorson: Amaryllis (also Belladonna…not quite so often) 31Cecille McLorin Salvant: Ghost Songs 28Immanuel Wilkins: Seventh Hand 26Makaya McCraven: In these Times 23Tyshawn Sorey Trio: Mesmerism 15Charles Lloyd: trio of Trios–Chapel 15Redman, Mehldau, McBride, Blade: Long Gone 14Samara Joy: Linger While 14Nduduzo Makhatini: In the Spirit ...
Jan 24, 2023•Season 1Ep. 214
There have been a total of 480 albums that 97 reviewers placed on their top 10 lists. That’s a lot! Wish I could listen to them all. But here’s a few I did listen to—at least in part—and want to play for you. This way you and I are making these ‘discoveries’ together. Although I suspect some of you are more familiar with many of them than I am. Near the beginning you’ll hear two versions of the same tune–Eddie Harris’s Freedom Jazz Dance. They’re both played by the same drummer/leader (Florian A...
Jan 17, 2023•Season 1Ep. 213
Part two of a five part series focusing on albums from 2022 that jazz reviewers and critics have put on their ‘top 10’ lists. This week you’ll hear two Canadian ensembles–one from Vancouver called the Cookers Quintet led by Bernie Senensky, and another led by Calgary trombonist Carsten Rubeling. I also play two different artists who put out albums with the same title: British saxophonist Trish Clowes and American guitarist, Julian Lage. Then there’s Ron Carter with Jon Batiste, Marta Sanchez, St...
Jan 10, 2023•Season 1Ep. 212
Beginning a five part series talking about and playing some of last year’s recordings about which jazz aficionados are raving . I’m jotting down every record placed in any of the ‘top 10’ (or so) jazz albums of 2022 lists. Then putting a check mark everytime somebody chooses it. Mary Halvorson’s Amaryllis albums seems to be everybody’s favourite,,,,at least so far. In episode 4 I’ll give you a ‘countdown’ of the top choices. In the meantime, I’ll just play a track from each album that seems to r...
Jan 03, 2023•Season 1Ep. 211
No particular theme for this last podcast of 2022. But here are a few new and a couple older recordings that I’ve discovered recently—and am enjoying. In terms of newer recordings, You’ll hear Emmet Cohen, Billy Drummond and Freedom of Ideas, JD Allen, The Comet is Coming, Samara Joy w Pasquale Grosso, and the Alvin Queen Trio. From my new home of Edmonton, there’s Mallory Chipman and drummer Sandro Dominelli. (Lots of drummer led combos here). Somewhat older recordings are by Richie Cole, and H...
Dec 27, 2022•Season 1Ep. 210
A lot of focus on how playing jazz (as well as listening to it) helps us. It starts with a short clip from Victoria musician Brian Tate about improvising as ‘saying yes’….sort of like a going with the flow. Lots of ‘flow’ in this episode. You’ll hear Wayne Shorter with some of the other greatest jazz musicians of all time. Then there’s Sonny Rollins, Michel Petrucciani, and Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross. I also play three great vocalists: June Christy, Angela Verbrugge (from Victoria), and Stac...
Dec 20, 2022•Season 1Ep. 209
The therapy might be in the lyrics, the music, or the inspiration from the player’s journey. I play recordings by Ben Webster, Nina Simone, Tony Kofi, Ruth Brown, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. From France, you’ll hear trumpeter and singer Jerome Etcheberry and his delightful rendition of Sometimes I’m Happy (Sometimes I’m Blue). And from England, a new discovery–Fiona Ross–as she tackles that therapeutic dilemma of wondering if I’m “good enough”. There are also a couple tunes from some gre...
Dec 13, 2022•Season 1Ep. 208
Here I play recordings I like that have been made very recently Lots of great Christmas and Winter tunes (both known and unknown). Played and sung by some of the best modern recording artists. My favourite? Ever hear Julie Christie’s “Hang Them On The Tree”. It’s something you can do with all the negativity and overwhelm in your life….to turn it into something positive, I play a version of the tune by June Bisantz and the John Burr Sextet. Lots of music, not much talk....
Dec 06, 2022•Season 1Ep. 207
This episode features jazz tunes where there is some contention about who actually wrote it. For example, I put the writer of Nature Boy, Eden Ahbez on trial. Did he plagiarize the melody of Nature Boy from Herman Yablonskoff? He did end up paying Yablonskoff 25,000 dollars. Did he have to? Or did he just do it because he wasn’t in the mood for a legal battle? Much more clear was Jimmy Page stealing Jake Holmes “Dazed and Confused”. I play a terrific jazz interpretation of that tune that combine...
Nov 29, 2022•Season 1Ep. 206
Since I just moved from Victoria B.C. to Edmonton Alberta—-in the midst of the wind and snow—I thought it would be a good idea to explore the Alberta jazz scene. I guarantee you’ll hear some great music in this episode! Some of them are jazz legends who came from Alberta, and others are local heroes. Some are up and coming. Some famous jazz artists will also leave their mark in this episode. You’ll hear Jaco Pastorious, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jim Hall, Red Mirxhell, and Plas Johnson. Alb...
Nov 22, 2022•Season 1Ep. 205
My own jazz roots are very different from that of most jazz fans. I explored them in Episode 100, This episode is a further exploration. Warning! The music isn’t all jazz. But they all have some connection with jazz…at least for me. Many of these recordings and artists came to my attention thanks to two Edmonton, Alberta radio stations—CJCA (Top 93 station) and CKUA (alternative/educational) as well as the University of Alberta Student Radio Station (now called CJSR). They include Bill Evans, Do...
Nov 15, 2022•Season 1Ep. 104
Still in the midst of moving to Edmonton—one or two more ‘archives’, then some more new episodes. But the good news is that the archived programs I’m posting are really good! This one includes six jazz tunes—or tunes often played by jazz artists. They are: -East of the Sun (West of the Moon) -Desifinado -Airegin -Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most -Hey There -There is No Greater Love. One of them is played by the late great Lee Konitz, demonstrating a saxophone style that has been described ...
Nov 08, 2022•Season 1Ep. 105
Birds and bird calls have been quite the inspiration for a lot of jazz as well as classical compositions. You’ll hear a few of those inspired recordings plus the calls of some of the birds who inspired them. Also a bit of Bird—the nickname for Charlie Parker, who also wrote a lot of tunes inspired by birds.
Nov 01, 2022•Season 1Ep. 102
As I relocate my residence from Victoria to Edmonton, I need to take a few weeks off. So I have a few more episodes from the ‘archives’ before I start with some very interesting and entertaining new episodes. This is Part 2 of Jazz Drumming, with Victoria drummer, composer, and educator Kelby McNayr. You’ll hear some of the ‘roots’ of today’s drumming. We talk about Art Blakey and why he’s so distinctive. Then move onto Jack Dejohnette and what makes him such an innovator. I glommed onto Fred He...
Oct 25, 2022•Season 1Ep. 101
I’ve lived many places, but never came across a city with as many amazing musicians–especially jazz musicians—as I have here in Victoria, B.C. Much of it is thanks to Hermann’s Jazz Club, which began 40 years ago. It started because Hermann Nieweler was convinced to book a jazz trio led by clarinetist/saxophonist Al Pease at his Inn. The purpose? To bring “a better class of people” to his lounge. Al Pease is still around today, as is another original player at Hermann’s, Tom Vickery. You’ll hear...
Oct 18, 2022•Season 1Ep. 204
Hello! In this episode I’m playing a few favourite recordings—lp’s and cd’s mostly. They are mostly ones I purchased at used record stores and thrift stores, as well as online, this past summer. Here’s the ‘lineup’. P.J. Perry Quintet with Bob Tildsley. They Kept Bach’s Head Alive. A really fascinating way to start the podcast. Andre Previn, who many don’t think of when they think of jazz. From a 1960 album called “Give My Records to Broadway”.The Crusaders, featuring the funk bass of Marcus Mil...
Oct 11, 2022•Season 1Ep. 203
Playing a few selected recordings of artists who were highly rated on the latest Downbeat Critics poll. It starts with three tracks from the latest entry into the Jazz Hall of Fame. It finishes with the ‘best historical album’. Between you’ll hear someone who is both #1 jazz and #1 non-jazz artist (Quantum physics or a parallel universe maybe?). Then there’s the winner of the Jazz Album of the Year category. And a Canadian jazz pianist who ‘graduated’ from the rising star list. She is now #1 on ...
Oct 04, 2022•Season 1Ep. 202
More music from jazz musicians who I enoyed seeing and hearing live this past summer. I play four selections where pianist Sullivan Fortner is featured. The first one’s by Cecile McLorin-Salvant, the second from trumpeter Giveton Gelin, and the third is from an album under his own name. The fourth is a surprise—not an artist that you would normally think would be featuring Fortner’s piano. You’ll also hear a fourteen minute composition by a young drummer named Aaron Blewett. Aaron was interviewe...
Sep 27, 2022•Season 1Ep. 201
I’ve had a great summer for music, mostly thanks to the Victoria Jazz Festival. For this first episode of the new season, I’m playing recordings by some of those artists I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing and who most inspired me. Eight great selections are featured this week.
Sep 20, 2022•Season 1Ep. 200
