Dave Stryker is a renowned American jazz guitarist with over 25 albums as a leader and collaborations with jazz greats like Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, and Kevin Mahogany. Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Stryker began playing guitar at ten, initially inspired by The Beatles and later drawn to jazz . By 17, he was performing jazz locally. After moving to Los Angeles in 1978 and then began working with Jack McDuff, touring with him in 1984–1985. Stryker spent a decade with saxophonist Stanley Turr...
Jan 23, 2025•34 min
57- “Chelsea Bells” and Steve Swallow Steve Swallow, born October 4, 1940, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, is a pioneering jazz bassist and composer. A key figure in modern jazz, Swallow transitioned from double bass to electric bass in the early 1970s. Renowned for his melodic upper-register solos, played with a copper pick, he has collaborated with icons like Jimmy Giuffre, Gary Burton, Carla Bley, and John Scofield. Swallow played a pivotal role in the creation of The Real Book during his time teac...
Jan 19, 2025•13 min
56- “Ceora” and Hank Mobley Tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley (1930–1986) was an influential figure in jazz, blending swing, bebop, and post-bop with a warm, lyrical tone. His refined yet assertive style, often overshadowed by contemporaries, earned him recognition as a master of hard bop. Born in Georgia and raised in New Jersey, Mobley began his career in the 1950s, collaborating with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey. His work with Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers helped define the...
Jan 12, 2025•15 min
55- Captain Marvel and Chick Corea Standards Rating 4, Difficulty Rating 8 Chick Corea (1941–2021) was a legendary jazz pianist, composer, and innovator whose career spanned over five decades. Known for his genre-defying versatility, Corea contributed significantly to jazz fusion, Latin jazz, and other jazz genres. His work with Miles Davis on groundbreaking albums like In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew helped define the jazz fusion movement. Corea also led iconic projects such as Return to Forev...
Jan 05, 2025•13 min
54- McCoy Tyner and "Central Park West" McCoy Tyner (1938–2020) was a groundbreaking jazz pianist known for his work with John Coltrane’s iconic quartet. Tyner's open fourth voicings and modal harmonies became a cornerstone of the group's sound on albums like A Love Supreme and My Favorite Things . After leaving Coltrane, Tyner forged a solo career, creating classics like The Real McCoy while drawing on African and Eastern influences. "Central Park West," from Coltrane's Coltrane's Sound (1964),...
Dec 29, 2024•13 min
53-“Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and Teddy Wilson Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6 Teddy Wilson (1912–1986) was a groundbreaking jazz pianist who was celebrated for his elegant swing-era style and role in racial integration in jazz. Born in Texas and classically trained in Alabama, Wilson worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter before joining Benny Goodman in 1935. As part of Goodman’s racially integrated ensemble, alongside drummer Gene Krupa and later Lionel Hampton, Wilson helped red...
Dec 22, 2024•13 min
Donald Vega, a celebrated jazz pianist and composer from Nicaragua, continues to captivate audiences with his musical brilliance. His latest album, As I Travel, has garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album, showcasing his original compositions. Vega’s meticulous approach shines through, blending intricate grooves with masterful arrangements that offer structure and creative freedom to his ensemble, featuring John Patitucci, Lewis Nash, and Luisito Quintero. In addition, Vega recent...
Dec 20, 2024•47 min
52-“Call Me Irresponsible” and Bobby Darin Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6 Bobby Darin’s rendition of "Call Me Irresponsible" exemplifies his ability to blend charm and sophistication with a vocal style that transitions seamlessly between crooning and swing. Written by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Sammy Cahn, the song earned an Academy Award in 1964 for Papa’s Delicate Condition . Darin’s 1964 recording, arranged by Richard Wess, highlights his versatility as an interpreter of the Grea...
Dec 15, 2024•12 min
51-“Call Me” and Nancy Wilson Nancy Wilson (1937–2018) was an acclaimed American jazz and pop singer known for her smooth voice, exceptional phrasing, and ability to blend genres. Born in Ohio, she began her career early, hosting a TV show at 15. Her breakthrough came in 1959 when she signed with Capitol Records, leading to her debut album, Like in Love . Her collaboration with Cannonball Adderley on their 1961 album solidified her as a premier jazz vocalist. Wilson's biggest hit, “(You Don’t Kn...
Dec 08, 2024•14 min
Ep 50- “C'est Si Bon” and Eartha Kitt Eartha Kitt's recording of C'est Si Bon in 1953 is one of her most iconic performances, showcasing her sultry voice and unique style. The French song, composed by Henri Betti with lyrics by André Hornez, became a global hit after its release. Kitt’s version, with Henri René's sophisticated arrangements, added a distinctive charm. Kitt, a multi-talented singer, actress, and activist, was known for her sensual stage presence and versatile musical talent. Born ...
Dec 01, 2024•15 min
49-Freddie Hubbard "Byrdlike" (Birdlike) Standards Rating 4 Difficulty Rating 8 Freddie Hubbard’s “Birdlike,” from his 1962 album Ready for Freddie , is a fiery bebop composition that pays tribute to Charlie Parker. The track opens with an angular, II-V-driven intro leading into a creatively harmonized 12-bar blues form. Hubbard’s solo is a masterclass in bebop improvisation, showcasing his technical brilliance, innovative phrasing, and signature tone. Known for blending complexity with lyricism...
Dec 01, 2024•12 min
48- "Butterfly" and Herbie Hancock Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 5 Herbie Hancock, a legendary jazz pianist and composer, is known for his groundbreaking contributions across jazz, funk, and electronic music. After early classical training and jazz studies, he rose to prominence with Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet and as a solo artist on albums like Maiden Voyage and Empyrean Isles . In the 1970s, Hancock embraced funk and electronic music, forming The Headhunters and releasing the in...
Nov 24, 2024•15 min
Naomi Moon Siegel Naomi Moon Siegel is an award-winning trombonist, improviser, composer, and educator committed to creating a positive, transformative music culture beyond conventional genre norms. Her original musical vocabulary draws on the richness of various global musical traditions. Siegel explores the trombone as a vehicle for sonic expression colored by breath, spit, and physicality. A longtime collaborator with Wayne Horvitz, Siegel has performed with such luminaries as Jessica Lurie, ...
Nov 19, 2024•26 min
Warren Wolf’s History of the Vibraphone pays tribute to 11 legendary vibe players, including Lionel Hampton, Gary Burton, and Dave Samuels, presenting a deep dive into the vibraphone’s jazz legacy. Starting in classical music under his vibraphonist father’s guidance, Wolf trained on vibraphone, marimba, xylophone, drums, and piano from a young age in Baltimore. Influenced by his dad’s extensive jazz record collection and the local organ trio jazz scene, he eventually studied under Dave Samuels a...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min
46 - “But Beautiful” and Stan Getz Standards Rating 7 -Difficulty Rating 6 “But Beautiful,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke in 1947, is a classic ballad celebrated for its lyrical melody and complex harmonic progressions. The song’s 32-bar form in G major features rich ii-V movements and subtle key shifts that add a sense of harmonic intrigue. Notable recordings include renditions by Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, each capturing the song's emotional essence. Stan Getz...
Nov 10, 2024•16 min
45-“Broadway” and Oscar Peterson Standards Rating 6 Difficulty Rating 4 Oscar Peterson, a virtuoso jazz pianist from Montreal, was known for his swift, intricate runs and rhythmic precision, drawing influence from Art Tatum and Nat King Cole. His style and mastery shone especially in trio settings, often alongside bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis. Peterson's collaborations with Norman Granz in the 1950s, particularly in the Jazz at the Philharmonic series, solidified his international ...
Nov 03, 2024•16 min
45-“Broad Way Blues” and Ornette Coleman Standards Rating 5 Difficulty Rating 6 Ornette Coleman was a pioneering jazz figure known for breaking traditional boundaries with his radical approach to improvisation and composition. His 1959 album The Shape of Jazz to Come introduced free jazz, where he abandoned chord changes and rigid structures, allowing musicians more freedom. His work at New York's Five Spot Café with a groundbreaking quartet helped establish his status as a revolutionary in mode...
Oct 26, 2024•16 min
44- Bright Size Life and Jaco Pastorius Standards Rating 6 Difficulty Rating 7 In this episode, we look at “Bright Size Life,” the standout title track from Pat Metheny’s 1976 debut album of the same name, and the life and career of Jaco Pastorius, the man who redefined electric bass playing in jazz. The track is a masterful blend of jazz, folk, and rock, featuring Metheny’s signature open chord voicings and a flowing, lyrical melody. But what truly sets it apart is the incredible bass work by J...
Oct 20, 2024•17 min
Charlie Burnham Interview Charlie Burnham is an accomplished American violinist, singer, and composer celebrated for his imaginative and eclectic style. Burnham traverses multiple genres, including bluegrass, folk, free jazz, blues, classical, and chamber jazz. His innovative use of the wah-wah pedal on the violin adds a distinctive flair to his performances. Burnham first gained prominence through his contributions to James "Blood" Ulmer's Odyssey album, highlighting his versatility and skill. ...
Oct 17, 2024•38 min
43-Boplicity, Gil Evans and The Birth of The Cool Standards Rating 6, Difficulty Rating 7 "Boplicity," from Birth of the Cool (1957), marks a key moment in jazz history; composed by Miles Davis under the pseudonym Cleo Henry and Gil Evans, Originally recorded in 1949, the track exemplifies the shift from bebop's fast-paced intensity to cool jazz's more relaxed, refined sound. Featuring a unique nine-piece ensemble, including trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, and saxophones, the arrangement s...
Oct 13, 2024•16 min
Kurt Rosenwinkel, a Philadelphia-born jazz guitarist, is renowned for blending genres and using guitar effects innovatively in jazz. His latest release, The Next Step Band (Live at Smalls, 1996) , revisits the music from his acclaimed 2001 album The Next Step and features longtime collaborators Mark Turner, Ben Street, and Jeff Ballard. In addition to his album, Rosenwinkel has published Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Ultimate Book of Compositions , which includes scores, tabs, and commentary on his extensi...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min
42- “Body and Soul” and Coleman Hawkins Standards Rating 8- Difficulty Rating 7 Coleman "Hawk" Hawkins was a pioneering jazz tenor saxophonist who transformed the instrument into a key vehicle for jazz improvisation. Born in Missouri in 1904, Hawkins began playing saxophone in his teens and joined Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds in 1921. His breakthrough came in 1924 when he joined Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, where his improvisational style evolved, influenced by Louis Armstrong. Hawkins's technic...
Oct 06, 2024•20 min
Brian Bromberg, a virtuoso bassist, honors the legacy of Scott LaFaro with his latest album, LaFaro , and a series of live performances. LaFaro, who tragically died at 25, was a groundbreaking bassist with the Bill Evans Trio, inspiring Bromberg's tribute. Initially reluctant to take on the project due to the pressures of honoring a jazz legend, Bromberg eventually embraced it after realizing LaFaro's profound influence on his playing. Bromberg also shares personal connections to jazz greats lik...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 42 min
41- "Bluesette" -Toots Thielemans Standards Rating of 8- Difficulty Rating 7 "Bluesette," composed by Toots Thielemans in 1964, is a celebrated jazz standard recognized for its memorable melody and intricate harmonic structure. This 24-bar jazz waltz features wide intervallic leaps and recurring rhythmic motifs, creating a captivating listening experience. Thielemans, a renowned Belgian harmonica player and guitarist showcased his unique talent by whistling and playing guitar in unison, particul...
Sep 29, 2024•13 min
40- “Blues for Alice” and Red Rodney Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6 Charlie Parker's "Blues for Alice" is a landmark bebop composition that reimagines the 12-bar blues with angular melodies and intricate syncopation. Parker introduces harmonic complexity by incorporating II-V progressions and other substitutions, creating a sophisticated yet grounded piece. Trumpeter Red Rodney, often underappreciated, made his mark on Parker’s original 1951 recording, solidifying his place in bebop hist...
Sep 25, 2024•20 min
39- “Blue Train” and Lee Morgan Standards Rating 7, Difficulty Rating 3 "Blue Train," the title track from John Coltrane's 1958 album Blue Train , is a defining piece of hard bop jazz. The composition is a 12-bar blues in the key of Eb, featuring sophisticated harmonic alterations like #9 and #11 chords, which add modern tension to the traditional blues structure. The melody is simple yet engaging, with call-and-response patterns reminiscent of gospel music. The solos, particularly from Coltrane...
Sep 16, 2024•19 min
38- “Blue Room” and Tommy Dorsey Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 6 "Blue Room," written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1926 Broadway musical The Girl Friend , is a classic show tune known for its romantic lyrics and cozy imagery. The song has a straightforward 32-bar AABA structure and features harmonic complexity with modulations, offering a rich canvas for jazz improvisation. Tommy Dorsey, a leading figure in the swing era, recorded a notable version in 1954 with his orchestr...
Sep 10, 2024•13 min
Buster Williams, a legendary jazz bassist, composer, and instructor, has played on numerous records with iconic musicians like Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Art Blakey, and Stan Getz, among others. Known for his work as both a sideman and a bandleader, Williams continues to inspire audiences with his performances and compositions. On September 28th, he will perform with his quartet at the Middlesex County Jazz Festival in New Brunswick. The quartet features Lenny White on drums, Steve Wilson on sa...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min
37- Blue Monk and Thelonious Monk Standards Rating 9 Difficulty Rating 5 Thelonious Monk, a pioneering jazz pianist and composer, was instrumental in developing bebop. Born in 1917, he was known for his unique style of dissonance, unusual harmonies, and inventive rhythmic approaches. Despite initial skepticism, Monk's work eventually earned him recognition as one of jazz's most influential figures. His composition "Blue Monk," first recorded in 1954, is a standout piece that highlights his disti...
Sep 05, 2024•13 min
36- “Blue in Green” and Kind of Blue Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6 "Blue in Green," a track from Kind of Blue (Columbia Records 1959), is a unique piece whose authorship has been questioned as it is sometimes credited to Miles Davis and/or Bill Evans. The song creates a lush, ethereal sound by featuring a 10-bar form and employing Dorian, Mixolydian, and Lydian modes. The musicians (soloists)—Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans—deliver performances marked by spacious phrasing, im...
Aug 27, 2024•23 min
