The Jazz Real Book

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Black Narcissus and Joe Henderson Jul 29, 2024

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32- “Black Narcissus” and Joe Henderson

Joe Henderson, a brilliant saxophonist born in 1937, melded traditionalism and experimentalism in his music. His 1969 track "Black Narcissus," from the album Power to the People, exemplifies his innovative style. The 24-bar tune in ¾ time features an AB form, with the A section lasting 16 bars and the B section 8 bars. Its melodic simplicity and harmonic complexity, marked by whole-step motion and lack of a key center, create an open, engaging soundscape. Henderson's tenor saxophone, accompanied by Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes, Ron Carter on double bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, delivers a captivating performance. The track showcases Henderson's ability to build intensity, particularly during the bridge, and highlights the synergy between the soloist and the rhythm section.

Joe Henderson https://youtu.be/WSQA61ENeRc?si=rscdXqcVsXr9rPre

Flora Purim https://youtu.be/jXBMywgcGYU?si=lAt8uJ6Jzhs-QI6y

Podcast Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=fe857b6e50cf4773

Black Diamond and Roland Kirk Jul 21, 2024

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31-“Black Diamond” and Roland Kirk

“Black Diamond” is a lesser-known Real Book tune heavily associated with Roland Kirk, later known as Rahsaan Roland Kirk. A groundbreaking American jazz multi-instrumentalist born on August 7, 1935, Kirk was blind from infancy and mastered multiple instruments. He was renowned for his ability to play them simultaneously using circular breathing. His music, which blends hard bop, soul jazz, and avant-garde jazz, showcases profound innovation and musicality. "Black Diamond" exemplifies his talents on the tenor saxophone, manzello, and stritch. Despite a debilitating stroke in 1975, Kirk continued to perform and remained an influential figure in jazz until his death on December 5, 1977. The track captures Kirk's energy and talent.

You Tube https://youtu.be/aBN8mNVm2Zo?si=YpgRPBWHLMXTEHu4

Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=36178a8ac750404d

Black Coffee and Sarah Vaughan Jul 15, 2024

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Ep. 30- Black Coffee and Sarah Vaughan. (Standards Rating 7, Difficulty Rating 6) "Black Coffee," a bluesy classic jazz standard composed in 1948 by Sonny Burke with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, has been immortalized by vocal legends like Sarah Vaughan. Vaughan's iconic 1949 rendition under Columbia Records, arranged by Joe Lipman, showcases her unmatched vocal range, technical skill, and emotive depth. Lipman's orchestration, including strings and muted brass, enhances Vaughan's nuanced delivery, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion through music. Throughout her career, Vaughan transitioned from performing in Newark clubs to international acclaim, recording with luminaries like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Her versatile talent earned her numerous accolades. "Black Coffee" stands as a timeless example of Vaughan's mastery in jazz vocals, solidifying her legacy as one of the genre's most influential and revered artists. Sarah Vaughan https://youtu.be/CRyN9wQ1taY?si=Fz5nOtLP0MeSfNdH Sonny Criss https://youtu.be/1nP6G_we-z8?si=nyahd5A5HFyFUkP3 Playlists https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=699973ad1c254079

Mindi Abair Interview Jul 12, 2024

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Mindi Abair Interview Mindi Abair is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and vocalist renowned for her dynamic blend of contemporary jazz, rock, and blues. Raised in a musical family, her early influences included her saxophonist father and opera-singer grandmother. After studying at Berklee College of Music, she moved to Los Angeles, where she played with high-profile acts like the Backstreet Boys and Aerosmith before launching a successful solo career. Known for her energetic performances and collaborations with artists like Booker T, Greg Allman and Joe Perry, Abair also co-runs WineandJazz.com with her husband, combining her passions for music and wine through unique events. https://www.mindiabair.com/

Big Nick and The Pairing of Jazz Legends Jul 08, 2024

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29- Big Nick and The Pairing of Jazz Legends

"Big Nick," a jazz composition by John Coltrane, appears on the 1963 album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. Recorded on September 26, 1962, it features Coltrane on saxophone, Ellington on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. The piece is a tribute to jazz tenor saxophonist Big Nick Nichols. The track highlights the unique collaboration between jazz legends Ellington and Coltrane, illustrating the fluid nature of jazz partnerships where musicians often came together for spontaneous and improvisational recording sessions. This pairing blend showcases their ability to create compelling music across different jazz idioms. "Big Nick" exemplifies Coltrane's improvisation and jazz's spontaneous, collaborative essence.

Duke Ellington and John Coltrane - https://youtu.be/D4BHMD9PmpY?si=wqMEpyUMIATRElmo

Tony Willimas Lifetime - https://youtu.be/l_Vku6oRwqo?si=9NWuQRMGBUS-udqo

James Popik Interview Jun 25, 2024

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Guitarist James Popik brings a unique touch and repertoire to his music. From Acoustic Jazz to electrified Fusion Jams, classical Brazilian music and American songbook masters to reworked rock anthems, James has forged a unique voice. In this conversation James discusses his newest record Sourland Symphony and much more.

Don Braden Interview Jun 13, 2024

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Don Braden Interview

Don Braden, born November 20, 1963, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a distinguished jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, and educator. A Harvard graduate, Braden quickly became a sought-after sideman in New York, playing with legends like Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis. As a bandleader, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, such as "The Fire Within" and "Earth Wind and Wonder." Known for his rich tone and melodic inventiveness, Braden also excels as an educator, teaching at institutions like Harvard and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, significantly contributing to the jazz world through both performance and education.

Joe Brent and Sara Caswell from 9 Horses Interview Jun 06, 2024

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Originally a duo in 2012, 9 Horses, a New York City chamber jazz group featuring mandolinist Joe Brent, violinist Sara Caswell, and bassist Andrew Ryan, has evolved into a critically acclaimed trio. Their 2015 debut album, Perfectest Herald, established their sound: Brent's original compositions intertwined with the group's improvisational fire. Known for pushing boundaries, they explore the frontiers of chamber jazz. Their latest release, Strum (2024), joins in showcasing their genre-bending experimentation and emotionally rich music.

Giorgi Mikadze Interview May 21, 2024

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Giorgi Mikadze Interview Giorgi Mikadze, a Georgian pianist and composer, blends his cultural heritage with diverse musical experiences. Born during the Soviet Union's collapse, he began playing piano at four and trained classically at Tbilisi State Conservatoire. His discovery of jazz, through a composition teacher, led him to Berklee College of Music and later the Manhattan School of Music, where he refined his jazz skills. Mikadze has collaborated with artists like Wang Leehom and Roy Hargrove, and was the first Georgian to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival. His projects often integrate Georgian folk music with jazz, showcased in albums like "VOISA" and "Georgian Microjamz." His latest album, "Face to Face (Vol.1)," recorded in Paris, received critical acclaim. Now an associate professor at Berklee, Mikadze is committed to promoting Georgian music worldwide, celebrating the freedom that jazz offers.

Aaron Irwin Interview May 14, 2024

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Aaron Irwin Interview

Saxophonist, multi-woodwind instrumentalist and composer Aaron Irwin is from central IL. Recognized as a “lyrical alto saxophonist and a compelling original composer” (Steve Futterman, The New Yorker), Irwin is a sought-after commodity in both the jazz and commercial worlds. His latest recording (After) will be released on Adhyâropa Records in May of 2024, featuring longtime bandmates Mike Baggetta on guitar and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. He has eight other recordings as a leader with instrumentations spanning from trio to sextet. In addition to his groups, Irwin has performed with many leading jazz voices in the New York music community including the Grammy-nominated Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Jamie Baum’s Septet +, Bob Sabin’s Tentet, The Mike Fahie Jazz Orchestra, the mixed wind group Weathervest, as well as pop artists Kristen Chenoweth, Rufus Wainwright, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and The Roots. Irwin maintains a busy schedule as a freelance musician, performing in jazz clubs, concert halls, and Broadway theatres, working with many of New York’s finest musicians and bands.

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