On a mission to rescue jazz radio from the blahs! Celebrating Jazz Culture with news, views and inspiration for your daily walk... not to mention, plenty of this music we so lovingly call "JAZZ"! Each show is expertly blended and most definitely intended to give "Young Jazz Lovers" more of what t…
Greetings All You Young Jazz lovers! Brian Phoenix back again with another installement of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix).... one I am certain you are gonna dig the most! I entitled this episode "Work" for two reasons, one it is the title of a composition written by Thelonious Monk and included here on the podcast (performed by Chick Corea Trio), and because work is essential to life. Work gives us purpose and it sustains us. There is an inherient nobility in all forms of work. Work loses it's meaning only when the work being done is not done to the best ability of the worker. It loses its value when it is not properly compensated or valued by the end user (employer or customer). We all got work to do, my work is simple and is stated in my tagline - "Bringing You Nothing But The Best That The World Has To Offer In Jazz Music, This Is Jazzism" as well as in my mission statement "Rescuing Jazz Radio From The Blahs!" Good people, I love my job..... now if I could only get some monetary compensation for the work...that would be awesome. Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Buster Williams - Where Giants Dwell (2018) Nicholas Payton - Levin's Lope (2021) Gregory Porter - Movin' (2013) Dave Holland Sextet - Pass It On (2008) Sonny Rollins - Clear-Cut Boogie (1998) Roy Ayers - Virgo Vibes (1967) Chick Corea Trio - Work (2013) Yellowjackets - An Informed Decision (2013) Cecile McLorin Salvant - The Underling (2015) Geri Allen - Baby, I Need Your Loving (2013) Herlin Riley - You Don't Know What Love Is (2019) Roberta Flack - Tenderly (1994)
Greetings All You Young Jazz Lovers, February 14th in the USA is officially Valentines Day, a day created by a small entrepenuer ages ago to... well, quite frankly sell more product. The origins seem to begin around 1850 in Massachusetts with a woman regarded as the mother of the American valentine - Esther Howland, the daughter of a stationer. She started making small Valentine cards made of layers of lace with printed images on them. She hired a bunch of local girls to create them at home in her parlor and sent them out with her brothers who were traveling salesmen and thus the Valentines Day card industry and eventual holiday, as we now know it was born. Over the years consumers were told by the card makers that today is THE day to express your deepest romantic notions to that special someone. Oh, and by the way these same greeting card companies just happened to have the perfect sentiment printed on a card, just in case you are at a loss for words to offer to your love interest. Neat, huh? Pretty soon candy makers and florists were in on the bit and quicker than a stolen kiss an industry was born. "Love for sale, appetizing young love for sale." Now of course all young jazz lovers know TRUE LOVE cannot be bought nor sold, but there's no reason you should miss out on all the fun! So, with that in mind I offer (at no charge) my specially curated romantic Jazz filled soundtrack to compliment your romantic rendezvous for two. You'll have to supply the wine and candles. Love ya, mean it! - Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Sting - I Burn For You (2010) Ahn Trio - My Funny Valentine (2008) Eliane Elias - Sabia (1990) Angela Bofill - Song For A Rainy Day (1983) Kenny Garrett - Lullaby Of Isfahan (1990) Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - In A Sentimental Mood (1962) Nneena Freelon - Inside A Silent Tear (1998) Bobby Watson & Horizon - P.D. On Great Jones Street (1990) Herbie Hancock - Norweigan Wood (1995) Michael Henderson - Stay With Me This Summer (1976) The Guilherme-Campos-Monteiro Quintet - One Cloud (1999) Joshua Redman - Twilight...and Beyond (2000)
Welcome to the first podcast of 2025!! I apologize for the long wait but sometimes life as we all know... be lifin' and before ya know it 3 months whiz by and you find yourself in a new calendar year. 2025 is setting up to be a "doozy" so a musical escape may just be the thing to get us through. Besides, one of the many taglines of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is "Keep Jazz In Your Life, Not Strife and Everything Will Be Alright!" So, with that in mind.... enjoy the mix! Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band - "Along Came Betty" (2005) Steve Khan - "Change Agent" (2011) Carmen Souza - "Song For My Father" (2010) Harold Lopez-Nussa - "Africa" (2016) Groove Collective (featuring: Chucho Valdes) - "Stargazer" (2001) Eliane Elias - "Waters Of March" (1990) Al Jarreau - "Summer Breezin'" (2014) Al Di Meola - "Azucar" (2006) Stefon Harris (featuring: David Sanchez & Christian Scott) - "Congo" (2011) Chick Corea Akoustic Band - "Spain" (1989) Michel Camilo - "Rice and Beans" (2011) John Klemmer - "Tropical Snowflake" (1979)
Welcome once more to an exploration into Jazz Culture! This episode, naturally brings you nothing but the best that the world has to offer in Jazz music and a little bit more! With Jazzism 17.5 we begin a new segment I am calling Jazz Music Matters. For that past few months now I have been developing traction on the hashtag #jazzmusicmatters via Facebook and Instagram and now I take the next step by posing the question to young jazz lovers as I go out and about enjoying this music at live events. On this episode I spoke with audiences at The DC Jazzfest and the responses I got were phenomenal. So for me, and hopefully for you as well, this episode of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is indeed Very Special. Enjoy! Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Terri Lyne Carrington - Very Special (2013) Ben Williams - Home (2011) Herlin Riley - A Spring Fantasy (2016) Chris Greene Quartet - The Missing Part (2014) Stefon Harris - And This Too Shall Pass (2011) Raul Midon - Wall Of Indifference (2024) Gary Batz - I Concentrate On You (2012) Russell Malone - Little B's Poem (2017) Gloria Lynne - Joey, Joey, Joey (1965) Patrice Rushen - Cherry Blossom (1990) Branford Marsalis Quartet - Jabberwocky (2009)
Pass it on, Pass on the good vibes, pass on the love, pass on the joy, that is what I do with my humble podcast, I pass on all the good stuff I have to you... my loyal listeners. All I ask in return is that you share the podcast, the good vibe, the love and the joy to the people you know. Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Tony Williams - Takin' My Time (1985) Billy Childs - Leimert Park (2020) The Cookers - Priestess (2010) Benito Gonzalez - Father (2021) Joanna Pascale - I'm Confessin' That I Love You (2015) Medeski, Martin & Wood - Your Lady (2000) George Benson - No Sooner Said Than Done (1974) Nicholas Payton - Hangin' And Jivin' (2021) Gregory Porter - On My Way To Harlem (2012) Dave Holland Sextet - Pass It On (2008) Eric Reed - Cheryl Ann (2023)
Greetings once again, all you young Jazz lovers! Another installment of the best damn Jazz music podcast on internet has arrived! Just in time to save Jazz radio from the blahs!! This episode encourages fanatics of this culture to actively participate in showing their fantacism by getting out to a favorite Jazz venue and enjoy this true american artform as it was intended... live and in living color! Now as much as I love the fact that you choose to spend an hour or so of your precious time enjoying my specially curated playlist, I also recognize that man and woman cannot live by podcast alone. So... it's ok, go out and enjoy the music without me, don't worry I won't be jealous. In fact, if look over at a darkened corner table of most any Jazz club... you just might see me there as well, smiling. Enjoy, Brian "katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Christian Scott - Jenacide (2010) Marc Cary - Beehive (2015) Herlin Riley - Wings & Roots (2019) McCoy Tyner featuring Marc Ribot - 500 Miles (2008) Nnenna Freelon - You And The Night And The Music (2010) Miles Davis - Stella By Starlight (1958) Harvey Mason - Black Frost (2014) Marcus Miller - Cee-Tee-Eye (2012) The Rongetz Foundation featuring Saunders Sermon - Firefly Groove (2010) Yellowjackets - Rosemary (2011) David Sanborn - Tin Tin Deo (2005)
"The words love and like both have 4 letters, but they're two different things all together" - Whodini (from One Love - 1986) "Funk used to be a bad word" - Funkadelic (from Let's Take It To The Stage - 1975) "Jazz is a 4 letter word" - Max Roach, Nicholas Payton and anyone else who can read, write and count. The word jazz is a controversial term. It might be the new "N" word. It's meaning has gone through various changes, in the early 1900's jazz meant fornication. In an interview with The Harvard Crimson (2001) Max Roach, the legendary drummer, composer and activist, pointed out his distaste for the word most commonly used to describe the music to which he dedicated his life. In the article he used the example of the infamous Scottsboro Boys Trial, which took place in 1931 in Alabama. In the case, which eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, several black boys were accused of raping two white girls. During the trial a letter one of the alleged victims wrote to a friend was used to proved that no rape had occurred, in the letter the word jazz came up - she wrote "those boys didn't jazz me". Jazz it seems used to be a very bad word. So, in that context, one can see how using the word jazz to describe ones art would be an insult. Nonetheless, Jazz is word that we are left with. Jazz is 4 letter word, a word that inadequately describes such an important, exquisitley advanced and beautifully articulated African American musical artform. Love it or hate it (2 more 4 letter words...) the Jazz label has now been so widely marketed and associated with this music that... it is what it is. I usually preface my descripition of this artform by calling it the "music we so lovingly call, Jazz". It's my attempt to lessen to the sting of our frought linguistic history. I'm not embarrassed or even against the jazz label, but I know it has a history of distain by many of the creators of the music. Miles Davis didn't like it, he suggested calling it social music, Roy Hargrove is on record saying the term means nothing to him, and Nicholas Payton hates it and has suggested it be relabeled BAM - Black American Music, right on brother! My stance is thus, call it what ya like, all that really matters is what happens on the band stand and in between your ears. A groove, is a groove, is a groove and "jazz" is the groove that moves me, hopefully it moves you too - enough to shout out loud a couple other 4 letter words - "Yeah baby" Enjoy, Brian "katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Jose James - What A Little Moonlight Can Do (2015) Robert Glasper Trio - 59 South (2009) Mark Egan - Summer Fun (2015) Ben Williams - Moontrane (2011) Luciana Souza - Backfile (2000) Terence Blanchard - Him Or Me (2009) Captain Black Big Band - Water Babies (2021) Roy Hargrove Big Band - Roy Allan (2009) Gil Scott-Heron - I Think I'll Call It Morning (1971) Nicholas Payton - Jazz Is A 4 Letter Word (2019) Christian McBride Trio - I Guess I'll have To Forget (2013)
Welcome to Season 17 of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix).... as always there is more Jazz music love here than you know what to do with, as I continue my quest to bring All You Young Jazz Lovers - Nothing But The Best That The World Has To Offer In Jazz Music. Those of course are my trademark slogans. In any event this is the maiden voyage of 2024 so, all aboard the seas are calm and we have a steady wind blowing to take us anywhere we choose to go. Sail On, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Billy Childs - The Starry Night (2017) Ahmad Jamal - Invitation (2012) Terri Lyne Carrington & Nona Hendryx - Transformation (2011) Bobby Hutcherson - Hey Harold (2014) Nicholas Payton - Back To The Source (1998) Christian Scott - Uncrown Her (2017) Lee Morgan - You Go To My Head (1965) Tia Fuller - Lil Les (2012) Branford Marsalis & Kurt Elling - Long As You're Living (2016) Joe Chambers - Mirrors (1998) Stefon Harris & Blackout - Langston's Lullaby (2009)
The Final Episode of 2023 Fellas break out the tux, Ladies don your favorite ballroom attire...we going out Big Band Style! Happy New Year!!! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Roy Hargrove Big Band - Mambo For Roy (2009) The Chad Rager Modern Big Band - Straight, No Chaser (2008) Deborah Cox - I Don't Hurt Anymore (2007) Dizzy Gillespie & His orchestra - Birk's Works (1950) Duke Ellington & His Orchestra - Tea For Two (1956) Tito Puente & His Orchestra - Cha Cha Cha Mambo (1999) Nat King Cole - Unforgettable (1951) Mack Avenue Superband - Decisive Steps (2016) Patti Austin - Lady Be Good (2006) Quincy Jones - Killer Joe (1969) Sammy Davis, Jr. - In The Still Of The Night (1963) Chick Webb & His Orchestra featuring: Ella Fitzgerald - Undecided (1940)
As you may know by now... I use the title of one of the tunes from the episodes playlist, as the title of the episode. It's my attempt to tie the songs to the show and keep it all about the music, the thing I love. It is also, in most cases, a nod to a great composer or performer, in this instance it is both. The title of the episode is "Jitterbug Waltz" penned by a truly remarkable and prolific composer, stride piano player, showman, broadway hitmaker and King of Harlem - Thomas "Fats" Waller. The title is also a nod to the performer Jason Moran, a fellow remarkable pianist and composer like "Fats" Waller. Jason Moran, who is currently the Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, deconstructs the well known composition "Jitterbug Waltz" as a closing track on this episode. Plus, I get the added bonus of a cool title that is instantly recognizable and likely to get the audiences attention. I am fighting for those "likes" y'all!! So, like the show, subscribe to it and dance like ya' got jitterbugs in yo' pants! Peace, Brian "katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Herlin Riley - Twelve's It (2019) Gregory Porter - Lonesome Lover (2013) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Strasbourg/St. Denis (2008) Ben Williams - Black Villian Music (2015) Stefano Bollani - Impro IV (2006) Warren Wolf - The Struggle (2020) Woody Shaw - Why? (1978) Tawanda - Smile/I'm All Smiles (2022) Chick Corea & Gary Burton - No Mystery (2008) Kenny Garrett - Wiggins (2012) Christian Scott - Liberation Over Gangsterism (2015) Jason Moran - Jitterbug Waltz (2014)
Fall is in the air, the leaves are changing into their vibrant hues of brown, orange, yellow and red. Pumpkin spice has been sprinkled on everything edible and infused in aroma candles and therapy. Raincoats and sweater come out of the closet and a new covid 19 booster is available at the druggist. You gotta love it!! One of my favorite traditions is also taking place this fall.... HOMECOMING. I will celebrate in one way or another my alma mater (HU You KNOW!!), by enjoy the game (Go BISON), strolling on to the yard and greeting old friends and classmates, and of course by taking in some live Jazz!! Yes, as I have said many times before... Jazz music is a dish best served live, however if you can't make it to the club or the theater Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is the next best thing. It even sounds better when enjoying a warm Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Fall in love with Jazz music this Homecoming. Enjoy the mix, Brain "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Common Knowledge - It Came To Me (2015) The Anthony Smith Quartet - Highway One (2013) Dave Holland Octet - How's Never? (2010) Norah Jones - It's A Wonderful Time For Love (2016) Joe Sample - Invitation (1993) Kevin Mahogany - Double Rainbow (1993) Esperanza Spalding - Mela (2008) Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - What Know (1960) Nicholas Payton - Hangin' In & Jivin' (2021) Chris Potter - Stranger At The Gate (2013)
There is PAST cool... you know flat tops, shell toe adidas, standing on the corner in a b-boy stance. There is CURRENT cool... guys rockin' twin braids with a fade...everyone keeping their drip right...girls with the bantu knots...and food that is bussin' Then there is NEW cool.... what is it?? JAZZIM (a katzpheno mix) that's what it is, that's what this episode represents, all of it - cool of the PAST, cool of the CURRENT and NEW . NO CAP!!! Enjoy, Brian "katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Ben Williams - Home (2011) Buster Williams - Triumph (2018) Gregory Porter - The Way You Want To Live (2012) Joshua Redman - Un Peu Fou (2009) Marc Cary - Appointment In Ghana (2006) Joe Lovano Us Five - Powerhouse (2009) Ahmad Jamal - Patterns (1970) Kamasi Washington - My Family (2018) Cecil McLorin Salvant - I Didn't Know What Time It Was (2013) Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio - The Nurturer (2016) Christian Scott - Of A New Cool (2015)
This is the fourth episode of 2023 and this one is designed to give you Something To Consider. Consider how to keep your like In The Flow. What is meant by... "in the flow"? Listen and learn young grasshopper, listen and learn. Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Next Collective - Africa (2013) Chick Corea Trio - Alice In Wonderland (2014) Elijah Jamal Balbed - What Matters Most - In Life (2015) Katreese - Something To Consider (2016) 4-Sight - In The Flow (1998) Ben Williams - Toy Soldiers (2015) Orrin Evans - A Secret Place (2015) Geri Allen - Baby I Need Your Loving (2013) Bobby McFerrin - Moondance (1982) Cyrus Chestnut - U.M.M.G. (2014) Jerry Gonzalez - Tenderly (2010) Herlin Riley - Be There When I Get There (2019)
Wayne Shorter Lives! Space traveller....the space between the notes. He was The Phantom Navigator aka Emanon aka Mr. Gone aka Mr. Weird. The celebration continues..... into the cosmos! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Wayne Shorter - Adam's Apple (1966) Weather Report - Elegant People (1975) Weather Report - Lusitanos (1976) Weather Report - Palladium (1977) Wayne Shorter - Maya (1994) Wayne Shorter Quartet - Adventure Aboard The Golden Mean (2005) Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Sakeena's Vision (1960) Miles Davis Quintet - Pinocchio (1968) Miles Davis Quintet - Paraphenalia (1968) Wayne Shorter - Infant Eyes (1965) Wayne Shorter - Who Goes There! (1985)
Yet another installment of the best damn Jazz Music podcast on the internet! On this episode...more good music and my reflections on the passing of the most unique composer in modern Jazz history, and a damn strong saxophonist to boot - Mr. Wayne Shorter. Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Cyrus Chestnut - Two Heartbeats (2014) Dave Douglas - The View From Blue Mountain (2009) Harold Lopez Nussa - Inspiracion en Connecticut (2016) Pat Metheny - Breakdealer (2012) Nneena Freelon - The Lamp Is Low (2010) Greg Osby - All Neon Like (2002) Robert Gasper - Downtime (2009) Jose James - Love (2008) Tony Williams - Angel Street (1988) Donald Harrison - Well You Needn't (2004) Wayne Shorter - Virgo Rising (1994)
Slide, slide, slippitty slide, forget about your troubles and your your 9 to 5, let's all get together, listen to Jazzism and let it ride. Come along on another fantastic voyage. Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: John McLaughlin - 1 4 U (2008) Hiromi's Sonicbloom - Time Out (2007) Harvey Mason - Either Way (2014) Esperanza Spalding - Noble Nobles (2016) Nicholas Payton - Let It Ride (2008) Sphere - Isfahan (1998) Idris Muhammad - By The Red Sea (1971) Jose James - Park Bench People (2008) Herlin Riley - The Crossbar (2016) Chick Corea Trio - Fingerprints (2013) Mark Egan - Gratitude (2015)
" I think being in love with life is a key to eternal youth" - Doug Hutchinson "What though youth gave love and roses, age still leaves us friends and wine" - Thomas Moore I once heard a young man say.... "A bell's not a bell until you ring it, a song's not a song until you sing it. Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay, love's not love until you give it away" - Oscar Hammerstein II Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Bobby Hutcherson - 8/4 Beat (1994) Christian Scott - Of A New Cool (2015) The Rongetz Foundation featuring Lilli Cooper - Marshmallow Throne (2015) Ravi Coltrane - One Wheeler Will (2007) Pat Metheny - Roof Dogs (2012) The Cookers - Farewell Mulgrew (2014) Clifford Brown - Wail Bait (1956) Christian McBride - Youthful Bliss (1995) Terri Lyne Carrington - Wig Wise (2013) Kurt Elling - Autumn Serenade (2009) Ben Williams - Lost & Found (2015) Fred Hersch Trio - Whirl (2010)
"All around the city and from coast to coast, I'm slicker than most, slicker than most" - Guru (from "Slicker Than Most", Jazzamatazz Vol. 1 1993) Yep, yep... It's your boy Brian "katzpheno" Phoenix once again puttin' the Jazz in your ear! Have no fear this episode of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is chock full of gooey, chewy, jazz filled knuggets to excite and delight and here and there I also drop some words of insight. So turn on, tune in and ride along with me from one side of the jazz spectrum to the other, in other words - we rollin' all around the city and from coast to coast. Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Takuya Kuroda - Afro Blues (2014) Stefon Harris/David Sanchez/Christian Scott - Black Action Figure (2011) Russell Gunn - Footprints (2007) Giacomo Gates - Tutu (2013) Kenny Garrett - Wiggins (2012) Geri Allen - A Prayer For Peace (1992) Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - The Back Sliders (1961) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - I'm Not So Sure (2008) David Sanchez - Coast To Coast (2008) Chantale Gange - The Light We Need (2010) Billy Childs featuring Alicia Olatuja - Stay (2017) Vijay Iyer Trio - Mystic Brew (2009)
[Originally posted 03/37/2022] These are no doubt trying times. A relentless virus is plauging the world of humans. According to the website "Worldometer" the most recent death toll attributed to the covid 19 coronavirus is over 6 million people. Truckers obviously despise being healthy and to prove it, jammed up traffic across the US/Canadian border in protest to mandates requiring citizens place a small piece of protective cloth across their nose and mouth (aka masks) that will help reduce the spread of covid 19 while keeping themselves and their loved ones healthy. Nope. Extreme weather caused by global climate changes is causing wildfires, earthquakes and floods all over the planet. In related news, no one has seen or heard from Waldo. Russia is reeking havoc, killing thousands of people and creating a new refugee crisis via an unprovoked war on their nieghbor, the sovereign nation of Ukraine. To combat this terrible aggression the United States and other countries have imposed strict government sanctions and have also frozen the assets of Russian oligarchs who sadly can no longer party like rock stars on their billion dollar yachts. That'll teach those Russkies!! Worst of all - I haven't posted a Jazzism podcast since January. WTF!!! Today that last bit changes. Here my friends, because we all need it - is your moment of Zen! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Bobby Hutcherson - Teddy (2014) Rene Marie - Stronger Than You Think (2016) Kurt Rosenwinkel - Chromatic B (2017) Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band - Along Came Betty (2005) Kenny Garrett - Gwoka (2006) Wallace Roney - Inflorescent (2007) Bill Evans - Gary's Theme (1977) Terence Blanchard - Him Or Me (2009) Elijah Jamal Balbed - From The Streets To The Mansion (2015) David Murray featuring Gregory Porter - About The Children (2013) Chris Greene Quartet - The Missing Part (2014)
[Originally Posted 01/08/22] Happy 2022!! The start of a new year...and a new coronavirus strain, welcome to the season of Omicron. Well, I hope "All You Young Jazz" are vaccinated but if you chose not to do so, I hope you are well and are taking the necessary percautions. Come to think of it even if you are vaccinated and boosted (as I am) ...still, take all the necssary precautions because there is only one you and you are worth it! Sarting the New Year off right with my promise to continually bring y'all "Nothing But The Best That The World Has To Offer In Jazz Music". We are growing!! Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, I Heart Radio and many, many other sources for fine podcasts worldwide. Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Herlin Riley - Rush Hour (2019) Ahmad Jamal - Blue Moon (2012) Eric Harland - Capacity (2014) Andy Bey - Midnight Blue (1998) The Anthony Smith Vibraphone Quartet - Highway One 92013) Buster Williams - Stumblin' (2018) Lee Morgan - Gary's Notebook (1963) Hiromi - Seeker (2014) Cassandra Wilson - Til There Was You (2008) Branford Marsalis Quartet - Return Of The Jitney Man (2009) Terri Lyne Carrington - Very Special (2013)
Happy 2022!!The start of a new year...and a new coronavirus strain, welcome to the season of omicron. Well, I hope "All You Young Jazz Lovers" are vaccinated but if you chose not to do so, I hope you are well and are taking the necessary precautions. Come to think of it even if you are vaccinated and boosted (as I am) ...still, take all the necessary precautions because there is only one you and you're worth it!Starting the New Year off right with my promise to continually bring y'all "Nothing But The Best That The World Has To Offer In Jazz Music". We are growing!! Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) is now available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, I Heart Radio and many, many other sources for fine podcasts worldwide!Enjoy the mix,Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenixfeaturing:Herlin Riley - Rush Hour (2019)Ahmad Jamal - Blue Moon (2012)Eric Harland - Capacity (2014)Andy Bey - Midnight Blue (1998)The Antony Smith Vibraphone Quartet - Highway One (2013)Buster Williams - Stumblin' (2018)Lee Morgan - Gary's Notebook (1963)Hiromi - Seeker (2014)Cassandra Wilson - Til There Was You (2008)Branford Marsalis Quartet - Return Of The Jitney Man (2009)Terri Lyne Carrington - Very Special (2013)
Just as a hero has an origin story and its corresponding mythology, so does the villain. Sin cannot exist where there is no law. Yes needs no, day succumbs to night and if loving you is wrong...I don't wanna be right.The theme song of the hero is joyous, simple and upbeat, the theme of the villain is ominous, haunting, and cool. When you hear it you know something bad is coming and you can't escape it nor do you wish to.Enjoy the dark side with me a while on this jazzy journey, but never fear just like in all our favorite tales the hero will swoop in at the last minute and save us in the end.... usually from ourselves.Enjoy the mix,Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenixfeaturing:Harold Lopez - Nussa - "Africa" (2016)Billy Childs - "Backwards Bop" (2017)Dave Holland Sextet - "Fast Track" (2008)David Sanchez - "Ill Wind" (2001)Gretchen Parlato - "Holding Back the Years" (2011)Maurice Brown - "Fly By Night" (2010)Thelonious Monk - "Brilliant Corners" (1957)Yellow Jackets - "Why Is It?" (2011)Ben Williams - "Black Villain Music" (2015)The Rongetz Foundation featuring Marvin Parks - "The Braggart" The Roy Hargrove Quintet - "Starmaker" (2008)Christian McBride & Inside Straight - "Rainbow Wheel" (2009)
Harvest time, a season of reaping what you have sown. A cause for celebrating - for it is the FAITH you possess, that has seen your HOPE realized. A farmer plants a seed never really knowing if the crop he just put in the ground will flourish. His experience and knowledge can give him certain assurances, yet and still it is truly an act of faith. I have faith that the seeds I planted over 13 years ago when I produced my first Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) Podcast will see All You Young Jazz Lovers (myself included) enjoy a most bountiful harvest! The best is yet to come. Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Next Collective - Africa (2013) Steve Khan - Blues Connotation (2011) Nicholas Payton - The Charleston Hop (2008) David Sanchez - Ay Bendito (2008) David Murray & Macy Gray - Be My Monster Love (2013) Tony Williams - Civilization (1987) Kenny Garrett - Wiggins (2012) Russell Gunn - Eighty One (2007) Terence Blanchard - Harvesting Dance (2005) Jose James - Black Eyed Susan (2008) Enrico Rava & Stefano Bollani - Retrato em Branco y Petro (2007)
I'm baaaack! Nothing but good Jazz Music, something we all could use during these stress filled days. Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Ravi Coltrane - Klepto (2012) Joanna Pascale - I Wanna Be Loved (2015) Wallace Roney -Vater Time (2007) Anat Cohen - Lilia (2015) Harvey Mason - Montara (2014) Buster Williams - Where Giants Dwell (2018) Nicholas Payton - You Stepped Out Of A Dream (1994) Jimmy Greene featuring Javier Colon - When I Come Home (2014) Harold Lopez Nussa - Mozambique En Mi B (2016) Oscar Peterson - Triste (1970)
Rebirth "Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. The next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn." - Mahatma Ghandi "I give you this to take with you: Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting" - Judith Minty (author, Letters to My Daughters) "The Phoenix must burn to emerge" - Janet Finch (author, White Oleander) Enjoy the new mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Marc Cary - "Beehive" (2015) McCoy Tyner - "Mr. PC" (2008) The Cookers - "Priestess" (2010) Tia Fuller - "Lil Les" (2012) The Earl Klugh Trio - "Lonely Girl" Herbie Hancock (featuring: Norah Jones) - "Court & Spark" (2007) Wallace Roney - "Inflorescent" (2007) Billy Childs - "Rebirth" (2017) Robert Glasper Experiment (featuring: Bilal) - "All Matter" (2009) Cannonball Adderley Sextet - "The Jive Samba" (1962) Ellis Marsalis - "The End Of A Love Affair" (1998)
OK...I must start with a bit of housekeeping. For years now I have been listing episodes in a way that I now find a tad confusing. Previously I would list a new episode as 1.12 for example. This indicated episode 1, season 12. Moving forward I will be cataloging and listing Jazzism shows with the season indicator first followed by the episode indicator, as in 13.1. So what this means is that in fact - I have been posting Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) podcasts on the internet for 13 years! WOW!! I should be famous by now, what gives??? Anyway, "All You Young Jazz Lovers" know by now that I do not do this for the fame or the money or the glory - I do it because, frankly it needs to be done and I love doing it. Besides like the song says from that movie..."Nobody does it better"... So, with no further ado, welcome to the inaugural episode of Season 13 of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix)! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Christian Scott - Kiel (2005) Herlin Riley - New Direction (2016) Roy Hargrove - Selena's Dance (2006) Geri Allen - The Life Of A Song (2004) Nicholas Payton - Little Angel (1999) Kandace Springs - Too Good To Last (2016) Hugh Masekela - Maesha (1978) Dave Holland Sextet - Pass It On (2008) Andy Bey - Straight, No Chaser (1998) Eric Harland - Eminence (2014)
In 1986 saxophonist Branford Marsalis released an album he titled "Royal Garden Blues". The album was well recieved and reviewed and helped solidify Branford as a musician to be rekoned with, one of my favorite tracks on the album is an original written by Branford entitled "Emanon". I recall reading or hearing somewhere that Branford titled it Emanon as an inside joke...when he couldn't think of a name for the tune, he flipped the words no and name and came up with eman on (emanon), which is no name spelled backwards. I have flipped the script on this podcast and I am back in the groove. Enjoy The Mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Christian McBride & Inside Straight - "Brother Mister" (2009) Jason Moran (featuring: Lisa E. Harris) - "Honeysuckle Rose" (2014) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - "I'm Not So Sure" (2008) Pat Metheny - "Breakdealer" (2012) Geri Allen - "Baby, I Need Your Loving" (2013) Victor Wooten - "Ari's Eyes" (2005) Kenny Garrett - "Books & Toys" (1992) Chantale Gagne - "The Light We Need" (2010) Jose James - "Nola" (2008) Branford Marsalis - "Emanon" (1986) Yellowjackets - "Rosemary" (2011)
Once again....it's on! The Winter solstice has passed and the Spring equinox is approaching. Time for me to emerge from my cocoon and display To All You Young Jazz Lovers a mix of beautiful colors. Spread your wings, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Billy Childs - Backwards Bop (2017) Steve Khan - Blues Connotation (2011) Christian Scott - Jenacide (2010) The Rongetz Foundation featuring Renee Neuville - Eunice K (2012) Ahmad Jamal - Autumn Rain (2012) Regina Carter - Love Theme From Spartacus (2000) Wayne Shorter - Angola (2003) Herlin Riley - New Direction (2016) Jose James - Love (2008) Herbie Hancock - Butterfly (1974) Ravi Coltrane - Angular Realms (2005)
On November 2nd, 2018 the Jazz world lost its Crown Prince...the one and only Roy Anthony Hargrove. I fell in love with Roy's musical approach the first time I heard him blow. I was introduced to his music by a good friend through a recording...Roy's 1992 CD release "The Vibe". The music was hip yet still solidly in the Jazz tradition, a little Hard Bop, a little Post Bop...100% beautiful. This episode is all about Roy, Long Live The King! - Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix Roy Hargrove - Proclamation (1989) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Re-Evaluation (1993) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - To Wisdom The Prize (2008) Roy Hargrove - Caryisms (1992) Roy Hargrove - Spiritual Companion (1990) 2017 Interview Excerpt - "How I Got Started" Roy Hargrove - Trust (2006) Roy Hargrove & Antonio Hart - Straight, No Chaser (1991) The Roy Hargrove Quintet featuring Joe Henderson - Shade Of Jade (1994) Roy Hargrove - Pinocchio (1992) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - For Rockelle (1993) 2017 Interview Excerpt - "Know The Language" The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Strasbourg/St. Denis (2008) Roy Hargrove - Lada (1990) Roy Hargrove's Crisol - Ballad For The Children (1997) Roy Hargrove's Crisol - Una Mas (1997) Roy Hargrove Big Band - September In The Rain (2009) 2017 Interview Excerpt - "Integrity" Roy Hargrove - Moment To Moment (2000) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - The Stinger (2008) Roy Hargrove - A New Joy (1989) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Mr. Clean (2008) Roy Hargrove - Alter Ego (1992) 2017 Interview Excerpt - "I Play To Honor GOD" Marcus Miller featuring Roy Hargrove - Amandla (2010)
Along Came Betty is a Jazz standard written by tenor saxophonist Benny Golson. Benny wrote the song as a tribute to vocalist Betty Carter and it was originally performed by Benny while he was a member of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. The song was also famously recorded in 1959 on the Blue Note Records label for Jazz Messengers legendary "Moanin" album. The song is this weeks podcasts title track and is performed by Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band. As all young Jazz Lovers know, Jerry Gonzalez died in a tragic fire at his home in Spain. The Jazz world has lost a great pioneer of Jazz and in particular a front runner in Latin Jazz. Jerry was one of a kind and the Jazz world has lost another warrior. Boricua Forever! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Ravi Coltrane - Klepto (2012) Gregory Porter - Lonesome Lover (2013) Christian Scott - Alkebu Lan (2012) Anat Cohen - Lilia (2015) James Farm - 1981 (2012) Bobby Hutcherson - I Don't Know Why (1994) Anne Walsh - So It May Secretly Begin (2009) Chick Corea - Love Castle (1976) Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band - Along Came Betty (2005) Jerry Gonzalez & El Comando De La Clave - Someday My Prints Will Come (Back From The FBI) (2011)
Que Pasa? National Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived! Every year from September 15th to October 15th, since 1968, Americans have celebrated the power, beauty and importance of Hispanic peoples and their cultural contributions to the world. On this episode of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) I join the party with an emphasis on Jazz music with what Jelly Roll Morton called "a Spanish tinge". That's right the Hispanic influence has been an integral part of Jazz since it's inception. Due largely in part because of it's birthplace in the major port city of New Orleans. The innovators of this music we so lovingly call Jazz interacted with the travelers and merchants from Cuba and South America and picked up those musical cues. Larga vida la musica de Jazz! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Kenny Garrett - Laviso, I Bon? (2012) Charlie Hunter - Latin For Travelers (2016) Al DiMeola - Hypnose (2006) Herbie hancock featuring CeU - Tempo de Amor (2010) Donald Harrison - Septembro (1996) Harold Lopez-Nusa - Lobo's Cha (2016) Soil & Pimp Sessions - A Decade (2011) Terence Blanchard - On The Verge (2003) Eric Reed - Sun Out (2011) Willie Bobo - Dindi (1971) Ben Williams - Strength & Beauty (2015)
There was a time when people truly believed in the statement, clothes make the man or as Shakespeare put it - "apparel oft proclaims the man." The epitome for a well dressed man was to put on a tailor made suit. It is true that humans judge one another constantly, and how one adorns themselves says (to the observer) something about the person wearing the adornment. Dirty old clothes suggest a low station in life, whereas clean new clothes suggest the opposite. Pride of dress was once very important in the African American community. A community that was often oppressed and placed under limitations, sought ways to change the narrative. The elders of these communities knew that the stereotypes and perceptions of outsiders were not accurate, those negative ideas did not represent who we are as a people. The most immediate way to refute those stereotypes was to show the outside world a different reflection. Present the naysayers your prettiest dress, your starched collar and shined shoes, step out in your "Sunday Best". Times have changed and people of all station and all communities, dress overly casual. The new saying is "I Woke Up Like This" ( the statement is supposed to be ironic an attractive woman will take a selfie and comment below, "I woke up like this" ), however when you see most people in public these days that is exactly what they look like...rolled out of bed...and woke up like this! Too many times have I encountered a slob disguised as a human wearing a wrinkled tee shirt, pajama pants and slippers at Wal Mart, acting like they strolling around aimlessly in the privacy of their home as opposed to being in the public eye. Gross! Well I may not have a tailor made suit to wear as my "Sunday Best" but I can make an effort as we all should to make the man/woman known in our choice of dress...besides when you look good you feel good and feeling good matters! Enjoy the mix, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Herlin Riley - Tutti Ma (2016) Wallace Roney - Vater Time (2007) Lizz Wright - Walk With Me Lord (2003) Herbie Hancock - Here Comes De Honey Man (1998) Russell Gunn - Tutu (2007) The Roy Hargrove Quintet - To Wisdom The Prize (2008) Jose James - The Dreamer (2008) Branford Marsalis - Emanon (1986) Tia Fuller - Tailor Made (2012)
There was the French Connection and The Mothership Connection....call this The Jazzism Connection. A place where like minded Jazz afficiandos can come to get their "Jazz On". This trip is free and it is good for the mind, body and soul. So get connected and have your jazz-like mind re-directed as only Katzpheno can! Enjoy, Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix featuring: Kenny Burrell - Mark 1 (2010) Geri Allen - The Life Of A Song (2004) SFJazz Collective - Lingala (2005) Max Mutzke - Empire State Of Mind (2012) John Blake - Ice Angel (1992) Roberta Gambarini - That Old Devil Moon (2009) Ahmad Jamal - Autumn Rain (2012) Maurice Brown - The Connection (2010) James Carter - Dodo's Bounce (2008)