CiTR -- The Jazz Show

Tonight's Jazz Feature should need no introduction to Jazz people as it is an essential classic and arguably one of bassist/composer Charles Mingus' finest albums. It was done for Columbia Records and it was Mingus' first album for a major label which guaranteed wide distribution and a quality product. It became a best seller for Mingus and Columbia. It was critically acclaimed and literally brought Mingus out of the Jazz underground to the Jazz fore forefront.. It featured Mingus' basic Jazz Workshop quintet augmented by a few Mingus alumni from previous Workshop editions. The regulars were: John Handy on alto and tenor saxophones, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Horace Parlan on piano, Mingus on bass and Dannie Richmond on drums.. The added horns were Shafi Hadi on tenor and alto in an ensemble role, Jimmy Knepper or Willie Dennis on trombone. Mingus had full control of the date and supervised the post production editing and the sequencing of the tunes on the recording. With this album Mingus widened his audience and his musical influence everywhere. Enjoy Mingus Ah Um tonight as our Jazz Feature celebrating Mingus' 103rd Birthday Anniversary tomorrow April 22.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an early version of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop recorded on his independent record label: Debut Records. Mingus and drummer Max Roach owned the label during it's short existence (1952 to 1957). Mingus in 1955 had begun a new concept for his bands. No written music. Mingus taught the players from the piano as Mingus was a more than competent pianist. The players memorized the compositions, background riffs and everything without written music and it gave Mingus' bands more what he was aiming for. This band reflects his new concept and hence the name The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop. This edition was recorded on Sunday evening from 5:50pm to 8:30 pm on December 18,1955 at a small New York club called The Cafe Bohemia.. The band includes George Barrow on tenor saxophone a fine underrated player with a big sound and a cliche-free concept. Eddie Bert, one of the finest trombonists is on the front line. Mal Waldron is on piano, Mingus leads and is on bass and Willie Jones is on drums. The tunes are all arranged by Mingus and with two exceptions the 8 selections are Mingus compositions. This is a fine solid set and is a new beginning for one of the most innovative and creative minds in Jazz music: Charles Mingus.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a true classic and an essential recording for anyone interested in Jazz music. Tenor and alto saxophonist/composer/arranger Oliver Nelson is the leader and his hand picked sideman include the innovative Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone and flute and a young Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, baritone saxophonist George Barrow anchors the horn section in a non-soloing role. The great Bill Evans is on piano with Paul Chambers on bass and "Mr. Snap Crackle", Roy Haynes on drums. The six compositions are by Oliver Nelson and arranged by him. "The Blues and The Abstract Truth" is a true classic and always worth rehearing anytime!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the first great soloists on the vibraphone: the amazing Lionel Hampton. This was his first session after he signed up with Jazz producer Norman Granz. Granz wished to present the artistic side of Lionel and this recording does the job in a big way. Lionel, who's style works in so many contexts is joined here for the first time by the great Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, bassist Ray Brown and master drummer Buddy Rich. The band selected the 6 tunes and delivered them with swing and soul. All of this was recorded in New York on September 2, 1953. Lionel the magnificent!

Tonight's Jazz Feature had one of the most widely recorded trumpeters from the 50's and 60's who eventually went into other fields after being a big part of Jazz for so many years. Donald Byrd was one of the many young trumpeters who reflected in their own way the influence of the late Clifford Brown, who died at age 25 in a car crash. Byrd along with Lee Morgan were the young heralds of the trumpet in the 50's and in the 60's Freddie Hubbard was added to that list. Byrd recorded a lot and this is from his period just before he left Jazz for other musical pursuits. This band was one he worked with frequently during the mid-60's. The Jazz Feature album is called "Blackjack" . It spotlights a sextet with Byrd leading alto saxophonist Sonny Red (aka Sylvester Kyner), tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Cedar Walton, Walter Booker on bass and the always smiling Billy Higgins on drums. The tunes are mostly original creations by Sonny Red and Donald Byrd. Byrd wrote the title track "Blackjack", a hip funky tune. Enjoy this fine date from Blue Note Records.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a round about tribute to St. Patrick's Day in that our Jazz Feature tonight is the initial album by master guitarist Grant Green entitled "Green Street". It was recorded by Blue Note Records on April 1,1961 but despite the date, Mr. Green was no fool! It put Grant Green who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on the national Jazz map.as one of the two foremost guitarists to emerge in the 1960's along with Wes Montgomery. Green played the guitar like a saxophone and emphasized single lines and delivered these with his huge pure sound. He's featured here with just a trio, Green with Ben Tucker on bass and Dave Bailey on drums. The album consists of five selections with Monk's classic "Round About Midnight" being one and "Alone Together" being the other standard tune. The other three are Green's original tunes. This shows Green's talents in a pure light all the way and marked a great debut recording. "Green Street" is tonight's Jazz Feature...relax and enjoy.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to the late vibraphonist Roy Ayers. Roy passed away recently on March 4,2025 at age 84. Although he was more famous for a style called Neo Jazz/Funk Fusion and had many hit recordings we're going to return to his more than promising debut album called "West Coast Vibes". It was done before Roy moved to that other area which he gained the most fame. Roy proved on this debut album that he was a new fresh voice of the vibraphone. It was recorded in July of 1963 in Los Angeles, Roy's home town with the fine tenor and soprano saxophonist Curtis Amy, the fine pianist Jack Wilson, Bill Plummer or Victor Gaskin on bass and Tony Bazley or Kenny Dennis on drums. The album wa produced by the great Jazz writer, Leonard Feather and gives us 10 tunes mixing standards with original compositions. "West Coast Vibes" is a fine debut for someone who went a long way in music and never lost the respect of his peers. Enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the most individual and passionate voices of the alto saxophone William "Sonny" Criss. The album is his second for Prestige Records called "Portrait of Sonny Criss". He recorded for Prestige from 1966 to 1969 and these albums remain his best known. Sonny here is accompanied by the great under rated Walter Davis Jr. on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Alan Dawson on drums and was done on March 23, 1967 at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio. The album mixes standard tunes and a couple of Jazz favorites but each track demonstrates Sonny's passionate sound and intensity. A musical portrait indeed of an unsung great: Sonny Criss.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to Canada and all things Canadian. It's been heard on The Jazz Show before but in these unsettled times I think it's time to hear it again. It's The Canadiana Suite played by and composed by the great Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson. Oscar performs the suite with his working trio of the time with Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. It was recorded on Sept.9,1964 in New York. The 8 movement suite takes us across Canada from East to West in a series of musical portraits. It's time to be proud of Canada and the Canadiana Suite represents that pride.

Tonight's Jazz Feature celebrates the 92nd Birthday on February 3rd of John Handy one of the great living masters of music and the alto and tenor saxophones on a fine rather obscure album entitled "Excursion in Blue". It was recorded in Menlo Park California in August 9, 10,1988. Handy plays alto on three tracks backed by Jim McNeeley on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and the great Billy Hart on drums. The remaining four tunes Handy switches to tenor saxophone and is backed by the late Buddy Montgomery on piano, Reid on bass and the late Eddie Marshall on drums. This is one fine recording and very representative of John Handy's artistry. Happy 92nd old friend! Enjoy this fine document as our Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a brand new recording by seasoned musicians that are an important part of today's Jazz scene. This date newly issued on the Cellar/Live label is by drummer Carl Allen leading a bare bones trio with the incredible tenor and soprano saxophonist Chris Potter, who also is heard on bass clarinet. The equally accomplished Christian McBride on bass plus a cameo appearance on piano by Vancouver's John Lee. The repertoire is varied with compositions by Carl Allen, drummer Lenny White, Freddie Hubbard, ,pianist James Williams and Charlie Parker. This recording demonstrates that great solid, uncompromising Jazz is still alive and well and is like a breath of fresh air. The albums is entitled "Tippin'".

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an aptly named album by the great tenor saxophonist Stan Getz. Getz has had a long career marked by the ups and downs of changing styles and musical tastes but he always managed to prevail and remain at the top of the list of great saxophone players. This album finds Getz in inspired form bolstered by a stellar rhythm section. Getz performs here with the late Albert Dailey on piano, virtuoso bassist Clint Houston and the still living Billy Hart on drums. It was recorded in New York for Columbia Records on October 1, 1975. Four long tunes make up this fine date and it's title "The Master" is well deserved. Stan the Man is tonight's Jazz Feature.....enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a previously unissued concert with an early version of Miles Davis' "Second Great Quintet" . This concert was part of the Paris Jazz Festival and recorded on Oct.1,1964 at the Salle Pleyal. It features Miles Davis on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass and the teenage genius on drums, Tony Williams. The repertoire is the same as Miles had been playing for several years but was being stretched in new ways. Eventually Miles would drop many of these tunes in favor of original compositions by himself and the band but that was in the future. Everyone here is in top form and Wayne Shorter is playing here with the same intensity as he did in his many years with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Sit back and enjoy this never before heard music by one of the great bands in Jazz History.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is the American debut album of Alphonso Son "Dizzy" Reece. Dizzy was a very distinctive and creative trumpeter/composer. He was born in Kingston Jamaica on January 5,1931 and has resided in New York since 1959. Although now inactive as a musician, he is still alive and well. This album although recorded in London was the the first American album by Reece and was on Blue Note Records and called "Blues In Trinity" Dizzy leads on trumpet with the great Tubby Hayes on tenor saxophone, Terry Shannon on piano and Canadian Lloyd Thompson on bass and Arthur Taylor on drums. They are on 3 tunes then Donald Byrd, the fine American trumpeter is added on the rest. Both Byrd and Taylor were touring Europe and England during the time this date was recorded on August 24,1958. With the exception of two standard tune ballads the rest of the 6 tunes are compositions of Dizzy Reece. This album marked his migration to New York and a long productive career. Make no mistake, Dizzy Reece was a major trumpeter. Enjoy his music tonight on our Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is this show's usual tribute to The Season and a long standing tradition. It's known as the "Bags' Groove Session". The music is truly classic and always worth hearing. Miles Davis is the nominal leader on trumpet with Milt Jackson on vibes, Thelonious Monk on piano, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. A meeting of Jazz Masters indeed. All of this was recorded on December 24,1954 and the whole date has a Christmassy feel to it even though that certainly wasn't the intention. We'll hear the 4 master takes from this timeless date and is our Christmas Jazz Feature. Merry Christmas to all!

Tonight's Jazz Feature spotlights one of the great voices of the alto saxophone who happens to live in Canada and is a proud Canadian.; Mr P.J.Perry. P.J. is alive and well and performing a few nights a week in Edmonton, Alberta where he has resided with his family for many years. This album issued on the Canadian label Unity Records presents P.J. at his best with a stellar rhythm section with the late and wonderful Mulgrew Miller on piano, Neil Swainson on bass and the superb Victor Lewis on drums. It was recorded in Toronto on Oct.10,1989. The album is a mixture of standards and original compositions by P.J., Phil Dwyer, and Torben Oxbol and Charlie Parker. Here is P.J. at his best on his beloved alto saxophone. A super Jazz Feature tonight..

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a pivotal album by Sonny Rollins called "Worktime". Sonny had just emerged from a year of renewal and rehab and was clean an healthy and just hired as the tenor saxophonist in the famous Max Roach/Clifford Brown Quintet replacing Harold Land, the original saxophonist who had left. This was Sonny's first recording under his own name since his rehab and he is at maximum strength. This album represents his first step to greatness and as it is the 69th anniversary of the date this evening I thought it appropriate to present it again as our Jazz Feature. Sonny is on tenor saxophone with Ray Bryant on piano. Miles Davis recommended Ray to Sonny to do this date. George Morrow is on bass and he was with The Max/Clifford band and Sonny's new boss, drum master Max Roach. The album has five tracks, three are well chosen standards not normally heard in a Jazz context plus Billy Strayhorn's "Raincheck" and Sonny's "Paradox". One fine anniversary...enjoy "Worktime".

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an iconic album by master drummer Roy Haynes with a hand picked quartet of amazing musicians. The album was issued on Impulse Records and recorded in May of 1962 and usually always makes the list of 100 best Jazz albums. The group that Roy picked was unique beginning with Roland (aka Rahsaan) Kirk on all of his horns: tenor saxophone, manzello, stritch, and flutes, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Henry Grimes and of course Roy Haynes. The album consists of four well selected standard tunes and 3 originals by Haynes. With this album we celebrate Roy's 99 years on the planet and his huge contribution to Jazz history and a life well lived. Roy was born in Boston on March 13,1925 and died on November 12,2024 peacefully ay his home in Nassau County New York,

This album called "The Griffith Park Collection" is an all-star date nominally led by drum master Lenny White. The others involved are Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and flugelhorn, Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, Chick Corea on piano, Stanley Clarke on acoustic bass. They had completed an album in Los Angeles with the great singer Chaka Kahn and producer Bruce Lundvall got the bright idea to record an instrumental album with this stellar band. Lenny White was the nominal leader and this great album was finished in two sessions. The tunes usually were done with a few exceptions in one or two takes. Everything gelled and we have a latter day classic done in 1980.It is overlooked by some fans and shouldn't be so listen up tonight and hear this fine document by these masters. Enjoy!

Tonight"s Jazz Feature is a tribute to the great arranger/composer/producer and music icon Quincy Delight Jones or simply "Q". Quincy passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles at age 91 on November 3, 2024. He was born in Chicago on March 14,1933. Quincy's incredible history is easily accessed on the internet. So we turn to the Jazz feature album and it's a big band recording of Quincy's distinctive arrangements and really put Quincy on the Jazz map. It was done in September of 1956 and titled "This Is How I Feel About Jazz". It got rave reviews and established Jones as a top notch arranger/composer along with his production skills. The band is full o all star players from trumpeters Art farmer and Ernie Royal to saxophonists Phil Woods, Zoot Sims and Lucky Thompson and trombone masters like Jimmy Cleveland and Urbie Green and pianist Hank Jones, vibes master Milt Jackson to bassists Paul Chambers and Charles Mingus. The album is a masterpiece of arrangements and leaves room for so many great soloists too. Enjoy the earlt important music of Quincy Jones.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is someone you might not have heard of but will be a more than pleasant surprise. Wilton "Bogey" Gaynair was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 11,1927 and passed away in Cologne, Germany on February 13,1995 at age 68. He sadly made very few recordings under his own name but was really a major voice on the tenor saxophone with a big warm sound and solid inventiveness. Tonight's Jazz Feature is his best and first recording under his name and spotlights Bogey with an all-star British rhythm section made up of Terry Shannon on piano, Kenny Napper on bass and Bill Eyden on drums. It was recorded in London, England on August 26,1959 and issued on the British label, Tempo Records. The album was called "Blue Bogey-Introducing Wilton "Bogey" Gaynair. Enjoy this very fine voice of the tenor saxophone.

Tonight's Jazz Feature spotlights a great tenor saxophonist from Chicago: Eddie Harris. Harris celebrated on Oct 20, a Birthday Anniversary. Harris was born on Oct 20, 1934 and died of heart failure at 62 on Nov. 5, 1996. Harris was a pioneer of electronic attachments to his horn and was also a master of various styles of music: eg. funk, R & B, soul and of course Jazz. Harris was also a fine pianist. This album called "The In Sound" was his first for Atlantic Records. The band consists of Cedar Walton on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Billy Higgins on drums and on several tracks a fine trumpeter from Washington D.C.:Ray Codrington. The album consists of mostly standard tunes plus two fine Harris originals: "Cryin' Blues" and the first recording of a classic "Freedom Jazz Dance". This album is a fine tribute to the immence talent that was Eddie Harris. Enjoy "The In Sound".

Tonight's Jazz feature pays tribute to the Birthday Anniversaries of both drum master Art Blakey, born on Oct.11,1919 and piano genius Thelonious Monk, born on Oct 10,1917. This recording was a one off done for Atlantic Records on May 14 &15, 1957. Blakey and Monk were close friends and it was decided to do this recording together. Monk had two demands: one was that the tunes be mainly his and two was that the bassist be Wilbur Ware who was Monk's favorite bassist. Unfortunately Wilbur was indisposed and Blakey's regular bassist, James "Spanky" DeBrest was called in to do the date. Monk approved and the recording proceeded without a hitch. 5 of the 6 tunes are by Monk and the band gives them a good workout. The 6th tune was by Johnny Griffin and called "Purple Shades". This was an important recording featuring the two Jazz masters in a unique setting. Enjoy Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an atypical recording by multi-instrumentalist/composer Jimmy Giuffre. He had been mostly associated with "West Coast Jazz" or "Cool Jazz", a style prominent in the 1950's that combined tight arrangements with Jazz solos. Giuffre in 1958 had gigged with his "folk Jazz" trio in New York and while there he was impressed with the harder, more emotionally outgoing Jazz of Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and returned to L.A. where he was based a bit of a changed man as he wanted to be more outgoing and emotional in his playing. He had great technique on his horns, clarinet and tenor saxophone and changed his approach. Hence tonight's recording which is a quartet date with minimal arrangements and featuring Giuffre on his two horns backed by a solid rhythm section with the great Jimmy Rowles on piano, Red Mitchell on bass and Lawrence aka Larence Marable on drums. The album is a mix of standards and original simple compositions by Giuffre. It all adds up to a fine date representing a different approach to the music by a very talented man who left an amazing legacy of music of many styles. The Jimmy Giuffre Four: "Ad Lib" should be a treat for your ears.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to tenor saxophonist/composer/bandleader Benny Golson. Benny was one of the real shining lights on the Jazz of the 50's, 60's,70's and right up to the present. He passed away peacefully at age 95 at his home in New York. He was born in Philadelphia on January 25, 1929 and dies on September 21, 2024. Benny grew up in the Jazz rich atmosphere of Philadelphia and associated with the Heath brothers, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Philly Joe Jones, Ray Bryant and so many others. He composed some eternal Jazz standards like "I'll Remember Clifford", "Stablemates", "Whisper Not", "Along Came Betty" and so many others. He developed his skills in R&B bands and Tadd Dameron's band, Dizzy Gillespie's big band of the 50's and then Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, He then formed The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer and later moved to L.A. and wrote for TV and movies and returned to active Jazz playing in the 80's and right up until his passing. Tonight's Jazz feature is one fine date called "Benny Golson and The Philadelphians" with an all Philadelphia cast including the young phenomenon Lee Morgan on trumpet, Ray Bryant on piano, Percy heath on bass and the great Philly Joe Jones on drums. It was done in December 1958 and released originally on United Artist Records. It's a fine presentation of Benny's organizing talents, his playing and writing and arranging. In tribute to Benny Golson tonight!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is again a double header. First off is a regular feature for this time of year that is both educational and very entertaining and brings us into the "back to school" idea that is celebrated in the month of September. It is Maestro Leonard Bernstein's "What is Jazz". Bernstein through a whole variety of musical examples explains what Jazz is and what it isn't in a clear non technical way. Later on he analyses a standard pop song interpreted by a variety of Jazz players from various eras and breaks it down into simple parts that the lay person can understand. The recording was made in the mid-50's but is still valid and fun to listen to. Enjoy. Our second Jazz Feature is a lesser known album by tenor and soprano saxophone master John Coltrane who today, September 23 celebrates a Birthday Anniversary. The Jazz feature album is called "Ole Coltrane" and it was his final recording for Atlantic records before he switched to Impulse Records. Coltrane had already recorded his first session for Impulse and he was reminded that he owed Atlantic one more album. He assembled a group of musicians some who would become regular members of his working band. Coltrane assembled young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and alto saxophonist/flutist Eric Dolphy who did become a regular for several months in Coltrane's band. Pianist McCoy Tyner is heard of course and two fine bassists, Art Davis and Reginald Workman who both were part of Coltrane's regular band and of course the dynamic Elvin Jones on drums. The longest and most iconic tune on this set recorded on May 25, 1961 is "Ole" a Spanish flavoured excursion. "Dahomey Dance is the second Coltrane original and is an altered blues. McCoy Tyner's tribute to his wife is the set's ballad and titled "Aisha". A final tune added to the CD issue was Billy Frasier's "To Her Ladyship", a tribute to Billie Holiday. All in all a very fine and sometimes overlooked album by the great master John Coltrane.

The First Jazz Feature tonight is "An Introduction to Jazz" narrated by Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. It is a tradition on The Jazz Show every year paying tribute to this time of year..."back to school, back to work" etc. with this educational and entertaining overview of the history of Jazz. Although it was recorded in 1960 it has significance and relevance to today's Jazz of 2024. The second Jazz Feature is a significant album by one of the most distinctive voices of the alto saxophone, the late Arthur Blythe. Mr. Blythe was well known in Los Angeles as a member of that city's Jazz underground and when he emigrated to New York in the mid 70's and recorded for small labels. Blythe to the surprise of many was signed by Columbia Records and recorded his first album called "Lenox Avenue Breakdown" . It was edgy, energetic and consisted of only four long compositions by Arthur Blythe. His band was unique as well with Arthur's fulsome alto saxophone paired with flute, guitar, tuba bass and drums. Blythe is accompanied by James Newton on flute, James "Blood" Ulmer on guitar, Bob Stewart on tuba, Cecil McBee on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Guilherme Franco on percussion. This date began a four album run for Columbia and strangely they all soon became collectors items as they were not kept in the catalogue. Perhaps they were too adventurous for the lay Jazz public. Tonight The Jazz Show presents the first and best on "Lenox Avenue Breakdown". Head's up!!!

Tonight's Jazz Feature celebrates one of the great still living masters of music and the tenor saxophone: Walter Theodore "Sonny" Rollins.. Harlem born and of West Indian heritage on September 7, 1930, Sonny celebrates his 94th Birthday.! Although he doesn't perform anymore, he still enjoys quality of life. Tonight's Jazz Feature album is a classic known as "Worktime and it was recorded for Prestige Records on December 2,1955. Sonny had just returned to New York as a member of the Max Roach/ Clifford Brown Quintet replacing Harold land. Sonny had also returned to the scene after a hard year of rehab from a nasty drug habit and was healthy and clean. His new found health is reflected on the energy and musical mastery on this album. Sonny is accompanied by a young Ray Bryant on piano, George Morrow on bass and the great Max roach on drums, The album was the beginning of a great series of albums done for Prestige until the end of 1956 after which he recorded for various labels. "Worktime" marks the beginning of his climb to greatness and musical influence. It's tonight's Jazz Feature. Happy Birthday Sonny!

Tonight's Jazz feature spotlights the perennially underrated trumpeter Kenny Dorham. His Birthday Anniversary was August 30, 1924 in Fairfield, Texas and he died of kidney disease in New York on December 5,1972 at age 48. Dorham now his the recognition and the honors that eluded him in his lifetime like many music and artistic masters. Tonight's Jazz Feature is by a short lived group that Kenny Dorham formed in early 1956 called "The Jazz Prophets" and this album was their first recorded outing and it's one fine debut. 4 of the 5 tunes are Dorham compositions as well and the slow ballad feature is the Billie Holiday classic "Don't Explain" soulfully interpreted by Kenny. The people involved here are Kenny Dorham on trumpet, J.R. Monterose on tenor saxophone, Dick Katz on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Arthur Edgehill on drums. In honor of Kenny Dorham The Jazz Show presents The Jazz Prophets......enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an album done in early 1968 which demonstrates the Miles was about to make some changes in his music. It was basically his "Second Great Quintet" with some new twists. The band as most already know was Davis with Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass and the incredible Tony Williams on drums. The first tune called "Stuff" by Miles is indicative that changes were in the wind as Miles asked Herbie Hancock to play electric piano and Ron Carter to switch to electric bass. The other three tunes are all acoustic however the second tune by Wayne Shorter called "Paraphernalia" adds a guest in the person of guitarist George Benson. Tune #3 is a Tony Williams tune called "Black Comedy" and the final tune is by Miles and called "Country Son". Change was in the air as Miles Davis was moving on to another phase of his musical odyssey . Check out "Miles In The Sky" tonight and enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature details can be read on last weeks posting on August 12, 2024.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of Charles Mingus' masterpieces that was recorded , as were many other iconic Jazz recordings in 1959. It is overlooked sometimes as it was Mingus' second album from that year. He really scored with "Mingus Ah Um" his first for Columbia. Not only did it lift Mingus from the "underground" category but got massive critical acclaim and was Mingus' best selling record. His second, tonight's Jazz Feature was called "Mingus Dynasty" and Mingus was able to augment his regular working band with added musicians to expand the ensembles and enable him to explore more complex writing as well. His working group included Richard Williams on trumpet, Jimmy Knepper on trombone, John Handy on alto saxophone, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Roland Hanna on piano and of course, Dannie Richmond on drums and Mingus on bass. Added on many of the selections in non-soloing roles are Benny Golson on tenor saxophone, Jerome Richardson on baritone saxophone and flute, Teddy Charles on vibes and even two cellos on a couple of selections. This album ranks among Mingus' best and the tunes vary from some Ellington tributes in two tunes to Mingus' original creations ranging from the gospel flavored "Slop" to the formal masterwork "Far Wells, Mill Valley". "Mingus Dynasty" will challenge and inspire you...guaranteed!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an iconic album by pianist/composer Horace Silver entitled "The Tokyo Blues". It is a series of new compositions by Silver commemorating his first trip to Japan as a bandleader. His long standing quintet here has Richard "Blue" Mitchell on trumpet, Junior Cook on tenor saxophone, Gene Taylor on bass and a very worthy substitute for an ailing Roy Brooks (Horace's regular drummer) in John Harris Jr. and of course Horace Silver on piano. The band as usual is tight and very inspired on this date made in July of 1962. Four of the five compositions are new and written by Silver and a lovely trio track contrasts with the full band tunes and it was written by a friend of Horace's, pianist Ronnell Bright and called "Cherry Blossom". "The Tokyo Blues" is one of Horace Silver's finest albums and is tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is by one of the most well known musicians in the world: pianist/composer/leader: Herbie Hancock. This wonderful album was done in the mid-60's when Herbie was a member of Miles Davis' Quintet. Hancock had signed with Blue Note Records and made many appearances as a sideman and had already recorded 3 albums under his name. He is perhaps best known for his 5th album "Maiden Voyage" but this date, his 4th is a gem. It's called "Empyrean Isles " and features a stellar quartet with the incomparable Freddie Hubbard on cornet (a smaller, sharper sounding trumpet), Ron Carter on bass and the unique Tony Williams on drums. There are only four compositions on the album but they reflect Hancock's range of moods from the sexy, funky opener ("Cantaloupe Island") to the more outer reaching ("The Egg"). Two other tunes reflect Hancock's creativity, "One Finger Snap" and "Oliloqui Valley". Enjoy the musical adventure with "Empyrean Isles"...tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is by a fine pianist who always seemed to have a bit of an undeserved low profile. His name is Jack Wilson and he was born in Chicago on August 3, 1936 and passed away at age 71 on October 5, 2007. He was a favorite of some great singers like Nancy Wilson and Dinah Washington and was sought after for his musicality and fine touch. Wilson performed in Chicago with all the great players from the Windy City then moved for a few years to New York and recorded several good albums for Atlantic Records then out to Los Angeles where he kept busy in the movie and TV studios and played a lot of Jazz too. He got a contract to record for Blue Note Records and did 3 albums for them and tonight's Jazz feature is his best of the 3. "Easterly Winds" displays Wilson's playing and his composing abilities and this band selected by Wilson sounds like a working band even though they were only assembled for this album. The people involved aside from Jack Wilson are Lee Morgan on trumpet, Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Garnett brown on trombone, Bob Cranshaw on bass and the great Billy Higgins on drums. Wilson wrote 4 of the 6 tunes on the date and does the ballad "A Time for Love" as a trio and brings in a tune by saxophonist Frank Strozier called "Frank's Tune". "Easterly Winds" is an overlooked latter day classic and it tonight's Jazz Feature. Check it out!.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a belated Birthday tribute to a sadly neglected Jazz giant and innovator. St.Elmo Sy;vester Hope was born in New York on June 27,1923 and died in that city at age 43 on May 19,1967 from a bout with pneumonia. Elmo grew up with his close friends Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell but somehow the honors that were given to Monk and Powell eluded Elmo Hope. His unique piano style reflected the influences of Monk and Powell but were very much his own. His recordings as a sideman and leader are rather sparse but tonight's Jazz Feature presents a session that is one of the best examples of Elmo's style and compositions. Elmo had just returned to New York after some very lean years in Los Angeles and recorded these pieces for a small obscure label and sadly they got poor distribution. They have been resurrected and show Mr. Hope in the best light with people he respected and who enhanced his music. Elmo is accompanied by bassist Paul Chambers and drum master Philly Joe Jones and he delivers 9 of his fine creations. Happy Birthday Anniversary Elmo Hope! Enjoy his music tonight!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute through music to Canada Day, today July 1,2024. The great Canadian born pianist/composer and Jazz Master Oscar Emmanual Peterson was born in Montreal on August 15,1925 and passed away at his home in Mississauga, Ontario on December 23,2007 after a long career and receiving just about every honor Canada could bestow on this artist. The Jazz Show is proud to present "The Canadiana Suite" an 8 movement suite composed in honor of the country of his birth and performed by his long standing Trio with the incomparable Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums and of course Oscar Peterson on piano.. It was recorded for Limelight Records (a Jazz division of Mercury Records) in New York on September 9,1964. Happy Canada Day to all!

Tonight's Jazz Feature spotlights the late and deeply missed vibraphonist/marimbaist Bobby Hutcherson. This group was led by Hutcherson after the breakup of the ground breaking Bobby Hutcherson/ Harold Land Quintet. Bobby continued his innovative ways and formed this band of mainly San Francisco based players. Their sound was more airy and floating and lighter but no less compelling. Bobby brought in some of the positive aspects of "fusion Jazz" that prevailed in the early 70's but kept the tradition of Jazz happening. He also divided his time between the vibraphone (it has metal bars) and the marimba (it has wooden bars). which delivered an interesting contrast. Tenor and soprano saxophonist Manny Boyd added to the great sound of this band. George Cables is on electric and acoustic piano, James Leary 111 is on bass and contributes the bulk of the compositions here,. On drums is the great Eddie Marshall and Kenneth Nash on percussion. This fine album delivers a variety of great moods. The album was recorded in San Francisco in February of 1976. It was issued on Blue Note Records and called "Waiting". It was definitely worth waiting for....so enjoy it tonight;.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is unique even in the varied discography of Charles Mingus. First of all Mingus plays only piano here and chants, sings and delivers verbal encouragement to the soloists. Also the band is built around the amazing talents of Roland Kirk (aka Rahsaan Roland Kirk) who plays his tenor saxophone, manzello (a type of soprano saxophone), his stritch (an elongated alto saxophone), flute and various percussion and sundry instruments like whistles, gongs etc. In the band too is tenor saxophonist Booker Ervin and trombone great Jimmy Knepper, both Mingus favorites. On bass is Doug Watkins and on drums is of course, Dannie Richmond. The music is loose, free and covers all the emotions from humor to anger and is sometimes surrealistic. This band was formed in the Summer of 1961 and marked a switch in style for Mingus but was still reflective of his immense musical personality. This album was recorded for Atlantic Records on November 6, 1961 and issued as "Oh Yeah!". It stands alone and is tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an important album recorded in one of the golden years of Jazz: 1959 but rarely mentioned. This album marked the first issued album under a new Blue Note contract by alto saxophone giant, Jackie McLean. Jackie was starting a new phase in career and this album marks the first step and it's a big step. Jackie emerges here from his early influences namely Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins. Jackie also has one of the most distinctive sounds that's sometimes raw and harsh but always soulful and full of feeling. On this fine album McLean is featured with a frequent partner, trumpeter Donald Byrd. On piano is the fine Walter Davis Jr. who also composed four of the six tunes on the date. Paul Chambers is on bass and the drums are played by the innovative Pete LaRoca (aka Peter Sims).. All in all "New Soil" deserves recognition as another of the seminal recordings of 1959. Enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is the recording debut of drummer Louis Hayes. It was recorded in April of 1960 for the Vee-Jay Records a short lived label owned by African-Americans that produced a number of essential albums. This date was Louis' first under his name and he was only 23. Hayes was born in Detroit on May 31,1937 and just celebrated his 87th Birthday. He is well and still plays engagements. Young Louis picked the tunes and the very worthy sidemen here beginning with his first mentor, the great Yusef Lateef who plays tenor saxophone exclusively here. Nat Adderley is a dynamo on cornet, Barry Harris is on piano and Sam Jones is on bass. Jones and Hayes make for one of the finest rhythm sections in Modern Jazz. The tunes are all originals: one by Yusef Lateef, one by Cannonball Adderley,, one by Sonny Red, one by Nat Adderley and two by Barry Harris. A well paced and swingin' album with great playing by all and inspired by the driving beat and good taste of Louis Hayes. This is the real deal!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to the 98th Birthday Anniversary of one of the most important and influential musicians in Jazz: Miles Dewey Davis who was born in Alton, Illinois on May 26, 1926. He left us on September 28, 1991 at age 65. Tonight's Jazz Feature presents in concert in Belgium the "Second Great Quintet" at it's peak. The personnel was Davis on trumpet and leader with Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums. Hancock and Carter are alive and well today and still performing. The repertoire is a mixture of original compositions by Davis, Shorter and Hancock with one classic by Thelonious Monk and one by saxophonist Jimmy Heath. This recording was one of the many concerts recorded on this tour by European Radio and eventually issued domestically a few years ago. As mentioned the Quintet was at it's peak and upon return Miles Davis began to alter the music and change direction as Davis was a musician who constantly evolved and changed his direction. Happy Birthday Anniversary to Miles Davis and check out tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an indirect tribute to my late Mother, whose Birthday Anniversary is today: May 20. This album was one of her favorites. It is a classic by the great vibist and Modern Jazz pioneer, Milt Jackson. Jackson and his co-star here is flutist and tenor saxophonist Frank Wess. Wess of course is one of the great practitioners of Jazz flute. The rhythm section is superb and led by Hank Jones on piano and indeed he's one of the finest. Eddie Jones (no relation to Hank) is solid on bass and Kenny Clarke is his usual masterful self on drums. All of this was recorded for Savoy Records on October 28, 1955 and it's one of Milt Jackson's many gems and is tonight's Jazz feature. Enjoy!

George Russell was one of the foremost composer/arrangers in Modern Jazz and always a forward thinker. He recorded under his own name in the mid-50's but didn't form an actual working band until 1960 when he put together his Sextet. He recorded for Decca and the independent label, Riverside Records and until he left the US for Europe in the mid-60's. it was a golden and productive period for Russell. This is a very special album and the only one where the great Eric Dolphy who is heard here on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, was a member of Russell's Sextet. The album was recorded on May 8,1961 in New York for Riverside and titled "Ezz-Thetics". The personnel of the band includes Don Ellis on trumpet, Dave Baker on trombone, Dolphy, bassist Steve Swallow, drummer Joe Hunt and Russell on piano. George Russell arranged all the tunes and composed 4 of the 7 tunes here. Two unique interpretations are included here and scored by Russell they are: Miles Davis' "Nardis" and Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight". This is a special album as are all of Russell's recordings with the Sextet but the presence of Eric Dolphy makes this one extra special. "Ezz-Thetics" is the Jazz Feature tonight.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a belated tribute to the Birthday of bassist/pianist/composer/iconoclast/ Charles Mingus. Mingus was born on Earth Day, April 22, 1922 in Nogales, Arizona and died in Cuernavaca, Mexico on January 5, 1979 from ALS. This album on tonight's Jazz Feature is his first for Columbia Records and it literally brought Mingus out of the Jazz underground and into the forefront. It was also his best selling album and widened his audience by leaps and bounds. The album is one of the many classics that were recorded in 1959 like "Kind of Blue". "Time Out", "Giant Steps" this is of course "Mingus Ah Um". With his basic Jazz Workshop quintet of 1959 with John Handy on alto and tenor saxophones and clarinet, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Horace Parlan on piano, Dannie Richmond on drums and Charles Mingus on bass that is augmented by three Mingus alumni from previous Jazz Workshops, Jimmy Knepper on some tracks and Willie Dennis on others on trombones and Shafi Hadi as a non-soloing addition on alto and tenor saxophones in the ensembles. The album was done in two sessions, the first on May 5, 1959 and the second on May 12, 1959.Nine compositions in all and presented in the sequence that Mingus wished. Tonight's Jazz Feature: ":Mingus Ah Um"......as Mingus would say "DIG IT".

Tonight's Jazz Feature honors the Birthday Anniversary of one of America's most important artists. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C.and he passed away in New York on May 24, 1974 at age 75 from cancer. Tonight The Jazz Show presents one of Ellington's latter day masterpieces, "The Far East Suite". It commemorates a US State Department tour the band took in late 1963 to the Middle east, India and Japan. The music was written by Ellington and his partner Billy Strayhorn and recorded in late 1966. The band is at it's best and the prominent soloists are alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, Ellington himself on piano and baritone saxophonist Harry Carney and trumpeters Cootie Williams and Cat Anderson. The bassist is John Lamb and the drummer is the great Rufus Jones. Enjoy this classic and marvel at how contemporary this music sounds today.

Tomorrow is vibraphonist Walt Dickerson's Birthday Anniversary on April 16. Dickerson was born in Philadelphia on April 16. 1928 and passed away ay age 80 on May 15, 2008. He made his first album in March of 1961 and it is one of the finest debut recordings ever. He did 4 albums for Prestige/New Jazz that are all classics. He was recommended to the label by his friend Eric Dolphy. His debut album was called "This is Walt Dickerson" and was a Jazz Feature years ago on this show. Tonight's album in honor of his Birthday Anniversary is called "A Sense of Direction" and it's his second for Prestige/New Jazz. It is on the same level as his first with slightly different personnel. Dickerson is on vibes with Austin Crowe on piano, Eustis Guillemet Jr. on bass and Edgar Bateman on drums. Dickerson was really the first modern Jazz vibist NOT influenced by Milt Jackson . Walt's style is very original with busy metallic lines governed by his amazing technique yet Dickerson has a warm bell-like sound on his instrument. This album has 8 tunes and 5 by Dickerson and 3 well chosen standards."Sense of Direction"...tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a latter day classic and one of the finest outings by pianist/composer Chick Corea. It consists of three extended compositions hence the title "Three Quartets" The late Mr. Corea needs no introduction to the Jazz listening public of course but the band he has chosen for this date done in early 1981 is exceptional. On tenor saxophone is the late, great Michael Brecker and on bass is the accomplished Eddie Gomez and on drums is the phenomenal Steve Gadd. Fortunately Gadd and Gomez are still alive and active. This album was produced by Chick Corea for his own label and is a valuable music document of four wonderful artists. "Three Quartets" is tonight's Jazz Feature.

This classic album is tonight's Jazz Feature recorded 64 years ago on April 1, 1960 at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio for Prestige/New Jazz Records. It was Eric's first album under his name and leadership. Dolphy, who was from Los Angeles had moved to New York and after working in L.A. for many years came to New York as a member of drummer Chico Hamilton's Quintet. After leaving Hamilton and settling in the big city, Eric began working with Charles Mingus in early 1960 and recorded this album with his room mate, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Eric wisely selected veteran drummer Roy Haynes and a strong bassist named George Tucker plus piano giant Jaki Byard who he met in the Mingus band. They formed a very cohesive band for this date and it sounds like a working band. The date is a classic and marked the real beginning of Eric's short but eventful career. His unique compositions are heard here as well as his alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute. Eric sadly died at age 36 in Germany from undiagnosed diabetes. "Outward Bound" stands as a great early milestone to Eric's life and music. It's tonight's Jazz Feature.

The Jazz feature tonight is an album that this writer deems an essential Jazz album. "Out of the Afternoon" presents drum master Roy Haynes leading a very special quartet. Mr. Haynes just celebrated his 99th Birthday recently. Roy presents a young up and coming phenomena called Roland Kirk on tenor saxophone, manzello (an elongated alto saxophone) and the stritch (a soprano saxophone variant) and the flute and various whistles. Roland is a creative force here and a one-man band sometimes blowing all 3 horns at once! On piano is Tommy Flanagan and on bass is the great Henry Grimes. This album issued first on Impulse Records is a true classic and one for the ages. Tonight's Jazz feature "Out of the Afternoon".

Alto saxophonist Frank Strozier remains one of the great underrated masters of his horn. He was born in Memphis and came up with his friends, George Coleman, Harold Mabern, and the great Booker Little. After Memphis he moved to Chicago and attained several university degrees and began building his reputation as a prime voice on the alto. He later moved to New York and played with many important people like Miles Davis and drummer Roy Haynes. Later moving to Los Angeles he worked in the studios and performed Jazz with Oliver Nelson's Band and Shelly Manne's groups among others. He returned to New York in 1973 and continued to record under his name and appear as a sideman until the mid-80's when he stopped playing the saxophone and flute and did some gigs playing piano, . He also taught ischool until he retired. Strozier is still alive. He was born in Memphis on June 13,1937 and as of now he's be 86. We'll hear him in 4 extended pieces recorded in January 1976 in concert at the Ramada Inn inn Schenectedy, New York than have never been heard on any commercial recordings. This is Frank at his unfettered best with Frank Stagnitta on piano, Frank Tate on bass and Larry Jackson on drums. Look out! Frank Strozier our Jazz Feature artist tonight!