Host and award-winning journalist Angélika Beener and special guests thoughtfully examine a curated selection of landmark albums celebrating milestone anniversaries.
By the 1970s, the legendary pianist-composer Ahmad Jamal had embarked on an exciting new phase in his illustrious seven-decade career. This period included the release of Jamal Plays Jamal, a bold project with intricate orchestration and most notably, all original compositions. On the 50th anniversary of this under-explored yet thoroughly magical album, we're joined by the exceptional pianist, composer, and Harvard professor, Vijay Iyer. We explore the album's spiritual depth, its brilliant textures, and its impact on the canon of hip hop thru legends like J Dilla, De La Soul and Jay-Z. We also reflect on the pivotal role of the artist during times of uncertainty and possibility.
In the world of music, few names resonate quite like that of Steely Dan. Their third album, Pretzel Logic, released in the winter of 1974, is often cited by critics as one of their finest works, marking a significant evolution in their musical journey. On this episode of Milestones, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, we delve into this landmark album with star guitarist Isaiah Sharkey, one of the most gifted modern guitarists of our time, whose admiration for Steely Dan runs deep.
For this in depth conversation with Milestones: Celebrating the Culture, celebrated trumpeter Jeremy Pelt returns to discuss the monumental legacy of Lee Morgan and his groundbreaking 1964 album The Sidewinder. Pelt shares his personal journey with Morgan's music, insights on the unique sounds of some of our favorite legends, and the elements that made The Sidewinder a crossover hit. The discussion also explores Morgan's role in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, the challenges and triumphs of creating iconic jazz records, and the significance of developing a working band. We discuss Morgan's broader discography, influential sideman work, and how The Sidewinder shaped jazz and popular music culture. The conversation touches on the enduring recognition of Morgan's music, including the recent inclusion of The Sidewinder in the National Recording Registry.
The family of iconic drummer Max Roach discusses his legacy, contributions to music and culture, and the initiative to co-name a street in Brooklyn in his honor. Roach's five children generously share precious memories, their vision for preserving his legacy, and the importance of respecting and understanding the craftsmanship and excellence their father brought to his art. They also emphasize the need for future generations to learn and build upon his contributions.
Pianist, composer, educator and advocate Bertha Hope-Booker, joins us to discuss her fascinating musical journey -- including her recording career and her legacy and preservation work. With a career spanning over six decades, we take a deep dive into the early years that brought her from Los Angeles to New York City, the keys to developing her own sound, the best advice she received from Philly Joe Jones and Johnny Griffin, and her thoughts on being an inspiration to women in jazz.
Legendary pianist, composer, arranger, and contemporary jazz giant Bob James joins Milestones as we delve into his experimental CTI debut, One, for its 50th anniversary. A groundbreaking amalgamation of jazz, funk, classical and orchestral elements produced hits like “Night On Bald Mountain,” “Feel Like Making Love,” and the classic that would later shape hip hop – but almost never happened – “Nautilus.” We discuss his beginnings, working with legends like Quincy Jones and Sarah Vaughan, the impact of Creed Taylor, and his pioneering use of the Fender Rhodes piano. James shares stories behind his famous tracks, his classic contribution to the TV show 'Taxi,' and his thoughts on the evolving nature of jazz. We also highlight his cross-genre collaborations and his influence in hip-hop through the extensive sampling of his music.
Legendary keyboardist, songwriter and one half of one of the most important duos of our time, Brian Jackson joins us to reflect on his extraordinary career with music partner Gil Scott-Heron and their landmark album, Winter in America, which illustrates both the joys and plights of black life at a time when America was in the throes of political and social turmoil. The influential musician helps unpack the group's biggest selling album and its significance 50 years later.
In Part Two of our special Isley Brothers celebration, award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross is back to help unpack the genius of The Isley Brothers' 1973 classic 3+3. On its 50th anniversary, we delve into the pivotal album that transformed the Isleys from a group to one of the greatest bands of the 20th century, with the official addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. With songs like "That Lady," which hints at a future rock guitar icon in Ernie Isley and "Summer Breeze," which broadened the breadth of what could be called black music and offered a master class in reinterpretation, 3+3 is an album deserving of deep reflection and reverence.
Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Rudolph Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers passed away on October 11 at the age of 84. In honor of the co-founding member, who helped pen some of the biggest popular classics of the 20th century, including “Shout,” “That Lady” and “It's Your Thing," award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross joins us on this special two-part episode. In Part One will dive into the astounding six-decade career of The Isley Brothers and celebrate their milestone 1973 album 3 + 3, which turns 50 this year, in Part Two.
When thinking about harmonizing the subjects of music and astrology, there may be no more interesting of an artist to examine than John Coltrane. An avid student of philosophy, religion, and metaphysics, Coltrane entwined astrology with his innovative music more transparently than any other artist. Over the course of his life, his quest for a deeper knowledge of self and the universe became increasingly central to his music. In honor of Coltrane's 97th birthday, renowned astrologer Sam Reynolds (Ebony magazine, New York Magazine, Netflix's Explained) joins Milestones to explore the inner journey of John Coltrane through the lens of astrology, examining his birth chart and the ways key periods of his life are seen within it. We'll also break down some of Coltrane's astro-themed song titles. Want to know the backstory of a song like "Equinox" or "Fifth House"? We've got you covered. This and so much more!
Lauded musicians Josh Evans and Marcus Strickland join Milestones to discuss the debut album from saxophone giant Joe Henderson. Together they examine Henderson's harmonic and rhythmic innovation; the essentiality of collaborator and friend Kennny Dorham; and why it's always the right time to give flowers to one of the most important yet somehow underexplored musicians of our time. As members of Christian McBride's New Jawn, they share thoughts on the special relationship between the saxophone and trumpet in small group formats and why Henderson and Dorham are at the top of the list of dynamic duos.
It's Hip Hop's 50th birthday! On the latest episode of Milestones, black media legend Ralph McDaniels joins to discuss the legacy of his pioneering television program, Video Music Box. Celebrating a milestone of its own this year, Video Music Box became one of the most important shows in music video history, as it illuminated a budding genre called hip hop, and centered black youth culture overall at a time when it was not a consideration in mainstream media. Debuting in 1983, Video Music Box stands as the longest running music video program in history.
GRAMMY® award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and activist Keyon Harrold joins Milestones to discuss Donald Byrd's groundbreaking masterpiece Black Byrd, released 50 years ago this year. The NEA Jazz Master whose work has profoundly impacted generations that followed through his stylistic pioneering of R&B infused jazz, helped birth an entirely new era of black music while experiencing breakthrough commercial success after two decades of being one of the greatest hard bop players of his time.
GRAMMY-nominated musicians Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke discuss their brand new, long awaited album and how their journey through friendship, decades of collaboration and unprecedented times brought the stunning project to life. We also discuss their mutual mentor Herbie Hancock in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking funk-meets-jazz album, Head Hunters.
It's Black Music Month! On this special throwback edition of Milestones, we're going deep into the archives to the very first episode, never released on WBGO Studios until now. Our special guest Marcus Strickland, is a two-time GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and prolific composer. He joins us to discuss a fan favorite, John Coltrane's My Favorite Things. We delve into Coltrane's popular hit, as well as an in-depth conversation about the soprano saxophone, the true art of production, and why McCoy Tyner deserves all of the praise in the world.
With a career spanning six decades and over 80 albums to his credit, NEA Jazz Master and multiple GRAMMY® winner Ramsey Lewis is one of the most distinguished artists of our time. His crossover success as a mainstream artist made him a household name with hits like "The In Crowd" and "Sun Goddess." Yet it is through his last great offering to the world that we learn the depth of this tremendous figure. Published this month, Gentleman of Jazz: My Life In Music is Lewis' posthumously released autobiography which chronicles his incredible journey from the Cabrini-Green Homes of Chicago with a family devoted to music, to his rise to stardom with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and beyond. On the week of Lewis' 88th birthday, Gentleman of Jazz co-author Aaron Cohen and Lewis' wife and closest confidant Jan join Milestones to discuss everything from Lewis' activism and mentorship, to his exceptional work in media. From his connection to artists like Charles Stepney, Minnie Riperton, Maurice White and Stevie Wonder, to his unyielding love for the city of Chicago and the unprecedented breadth of music he produced that helped expand the landscape of jazz forever. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. GlasperProduction Assistance: Corey Goldberg Millennium Park Summer Music Series Tribute to Ramsey Lewis: A Gentleman of Jazz on June 22 at 6:30PM: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html
In the second part of our special two-part episode with T.S. Monk, we discuss what many consider to be his father's great quartet, with saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore and drummer Frankie Dunlop; Thelonious Monk's role as mentor, and why his High Priest of Bebop moniker deserves expansion. We also dive deep into the special relationship between Monk and Duke Ellington. This and so much more.
It's a family affair on this episode of Milestones as my special guest, drummer/bandleader T.S. Monk joins Milestones for a special 2-part interview and discussion as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Thelonious Monk's 1963 classic Monk's Dream. In Part 1, we discuss Monk's beginnings as a young drummer and his iconic father's guiding wisdom as he navigated his now 40+ year career. In this clip, T.S. breaks down how the state of jazz in the late 70s created space for the ingenuity of a generation that helped birth hip hop.
Critically acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator Mike Moreno joins Milestones to discuss the deeply personal, lifelong impact of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon on its 50th anniversary. Together, they explore the intersections of rock and jazz, the backstory of the 2008 Jazz Side of the Moon tribute album, and discuss Dark Side from historical, conceptual and harmonic perspectives, with Moreno treating our audience to live sonic demonstrations. Moreno also shares an incredible recollection of his front row center experience at Pink Floyd's historic 1994 concert at Houston's Rice Stadium. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Co-produced by Corey Goldberg Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York
In late 1962, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington went into the studio and created one of the most essential albums in jazz and beyond. Initially paired in an effort to prove Coltrane's commercial viability and conciliate rigid critics of his evolving sound, these titans would prove to do something much more meaningful. Emmy-winning vocalist, saxophonist, composer and producer Braxton Cook joins Milestones to discuss the 60th anniversary of this landmark album. Together they dive into the beauty of intergenerational creativity, Coltrane's approach to a ballad, black male vulnerability and the cultural impact of this one-time collaboration. They also discuss Cook's brand new album Who Are You When No One Is Watching? A distinct synthesis of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and hip hop, paired with a striking commentary that both honors and celebrates the fullness of black life, Cook's latest drops everywhere today. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Co-Produced by Corey Goldberg Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York
Award-winning vocalist and educator Charenee Wade joins Angélika Beener to celebrate Roberta Flack on the legendary musician's 86th birthday through a rich discussion of her classic Killing Me Softly LP, which turns 50 this year and the new PBS American Masters documentary which chronicles Flack's fascinating career. Wade speaks on Flack's invitation to expand what soul and activism can sound like, the true role and impact of an interpreter, and much more.
Singer, educator and activist Candice Hoyes joins Angélika Beener to discuss The Pointer Sisters' tour de force, Break Out. The triple platinum mega-hit LP was a triumph, becoming one of the most impactful albums of the decade. Candice and Angélika discuss The Pointer Sisters through the lens of race, gender, technology and futurism in hopes of expanding the appreciation of their legacy. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York
Jason Moran's landmark live album, recorded at the Village Vanguard in the summer of 2003 is framed and infused by family and love in ways that would impact his life forever. Angélika and Jason also reflect on the brotherhood shared with Taurus Mateen and Nasheet Waits and their impact on a generation; and Angélika finally learns the surprising and incredible genesis of “Gangsterism.”
Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby joins host Angélika Beener to discuss Miles Davis's Someday My Prince Will Come at 60. One of the most originative musicians of his generation, Osby delves into what it means to be an artist in transition, as Miles Davis was in 1961; why Hank Mobley deserves much more love; and how expanding beyond the “Top 5” mentality will make for a better musician and scene, while Angélika speaks on the cultural significance of this now iconic album cover. This and so much more!
Acclaimed DJ and producer DJ Spinna joins Angélika Beener to discuss Stevie Wonder's 90s classic, Jungle Fever. The soundtrack to Oscar-winning director Spike Lee's provocative film finds Wonder taking on the era of New Jack Swing at the top of the decade. Spinna and Angélika discuss Wonder's soundtrack work over the decades, Spinna's awe-inspiring relationship with the legend, and the ways cultural shifts can challenge art. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper
Minnie Riperton. Earth, Wind & Fire. Ramsey Lewis. The Dells. Rotary Connection. Marlena Shaw. Producer, orchestrator, arranger, writer and prolific musician, Charles Stepney links these incredible artists through his distinct and brilliant artistry. For Stepney's 90th anniversary, 7X GRAMMY winning musician and Jazz Night In America host Christian McBride joins me to discuss the impact of Stepney and other unsung black orchestrators.
Critically-acclaimed trumpeter and newly published author, Jeremy Pelt, joins Angélika Beener to discuss Freddie Hubbard's 1971 release, Straight Life, from the CTI label. Together they discuss the state of the music at the top of the 1970s, and how Hubbard's under-explored yet highly influential release would shape things to come for other trumpeters and for the music called jazz. Straight Life (1971): Freddie Hubbard (tp), Joe Henderson (ts), Herbie Hancock, (keyboards), Ron Carter (b), Jack DeJohnette (d), Weldon Irvine and Richie Landrum (percussion), Creed Taylor (producer), Chuck Stewart (photography), Rudy Van Gelder (engineer).
Award winning vocalist, producer, composer, and esteemed cultural historian TL Cross joins host Angelika Beener for this very special episode of Milestones which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Music Of My Mind, a prodigious offering that shifted the sound of music and influenced the next several decades. “The man is his own instrument. The instrument is an orchestra.”
Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby joins Angélika Beener to discuss Miles Davis's Someday My Prince Will Come as it turns 60 this year. One of the most originative musicians of his generation, Osby delves into what it means to an artist in transition, as Miles Davis was in 1961; why Hank Mobley deserves more love; and how expanding beyond the “Top 5” mentality will make for a better musician and scene. This and so much more!
Musician, budding producer and the youngest guest to join Milestones, Riley K. Glasper discusses the enduring legacy of J Dilla. Glasper examines the importance of Dilla's first solo work, how he became a Dilla enthusiast, and why Dilla's music is important now more than ever.
2x GRAMMY®-winning multi-instrumentalist Casey Benjamin, American Music Award-winning producer, recording artist, historian and host, TL Cross, and event marketing expert, 2000 ASCAP Songwriters Award winner and MONOLODGE founder, Drego Moore Jr. join Angélika Beener in a class reunion roundtable to discuss their favorite black soundtracks in celebration of #BlackMusicMonthAllYear.
2x GRAMMY®-winning multi-instrumentalist Casey Benjamin, American Music Award-winning producer, recording artist, historian and host, TL Cross, and event marketing expert, 2000 ASCAP Songwriters Award winner and MONOLODGE founder, Drego Moore Jr. join Angélika Beener in a class reunion roundtable to discuss their favorite black soundtracks in celebration of #BlackMusicMonthAllYear.
Award winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and recording artist Camille Thurman joins Angelika Beener to discuss one of the greatest collaborations of the 20th century, Ray Charles & Betty Carter. An album that has long been out of print, they dive into the impact of the joined forces of two of the most unique musicians in history.
GRAMMY winning bassist and Newport Jazz Festival Artistic Director Christian McBride is back with Angelika Beener to discuss genius Marvin Gaye's magnum opus, What's Going On, as we celebrate its 50th anniversary this month. How do we understand the album that Rolling Stone has voted the Greatest Album of All Time, 50 years later? What does it mean when an album becomes prophecy? We deal with that and much more. Credits: Intro music by Aliyah Niambi & Outro music by RKG Beats Episode Produced by Angélika Beener
Acclaimed DJ + Producer + Recording artist DJ Spinna joins Angélika Beener to discuss the iconic Stevie Wonder's 90s debut, Jungle Fever. The soundtrack to Oscar-winning director Spike Lee's provocative and brilliant film, Jungle Fever, places Wonder in the era of New Jack Swing and hip hop. Spinna and Angélika discuss Stevie Wonder's soundtrack work over the decades, Spinna's awe-inspiring relationship with the legendary Wonder, and how massive artistic-cultural shifts and icon status coalesce. Credits: Intro music by Aliyah Niambi & Outro music by RKG Beats Episode Produced by Angélika Beener
Minnie Riperton. Earth, Wind & Fire. Ramsey Lewis. The Dells. Rotary Connection. Marlena Shaw. Today is the 90th anniversary of the man who gave these artists aesthetic distinction: The one and only Charles Stepney. Integral to the Chess Records machine, producer, orchestrator, arranger, writer and prolific musician, Charles Stepney, was one of the brightest musical lights of the 60s and 70s, dying suddenly and tragically young in 1976 at the age of 45. Charles Stepney changed my life. I'm honored to pay him tribute. On this episode of MILESTONES, I'm joined by 7X GRAMMY winning musician and Newport Jazz Festival Artistic Director, Christian McBride, to discuss the legacy of Stepney, the profundity of his unmistakably mystical sound, and the absolute need to lift the names of black orchestrators, in particular, whose respective genius oft times remains in obscurity.
Critically-acclaimed trumpeter and newly published author, Jeremy Pelt, joins Angélika Beener to discuss Freddie Hubbard's 1971 release, Straight Life, from the CTI label. Together they discuss the state of the music at the top of the 1970s, and how Hubbard's under-explored yet highly influential release would shape things to come for other trumpeters and for the music called jazz. Straight Life (1971): Freddie Hubbard (tp), Joe Henderson (ts), Herbie Hancock, (keyboards), Ron Carter (b), Jack DeJohnette (d), Weldon Irvine and Richie Landrum (percussion), Creed Taylor (producer), Chuck Stewart (photography), Rudy Van Gelder (engineer). Credits: Intro music by Aliyah Niambi & Outro music by RKG Beats Episode Produced by Angélika Beener
2X GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Marcus Strickland joins Angelika Beener to discuss Coltrane's landmark 1961 recording, My Favorite Things. A forward-thinking, paradigm-shifting tour de force, My Favorite Things was released in March of 1961 and marks some of Coltrane's earliest work with McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. Here, Marcus and Angelika get into the tunes as well as Coltrane's arrangements; the significance of the soprano saxophone at this time; and why Strickland thinks the concept of "the producer" needs to be expanded. Credits: Intro music by Aliyah Niambi & Outro music by RKG Beats Episode Produced by Angélika Beener
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