Monthly Archives: July 2010

Today in Jazz

Pianist Hank Jones born 1918 in Vicksburg, MS.  Jones appeared on Indianapolis native Wes Montgomery’s album So Much Guitar.  (Riverside Records, 1961) Tweet

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Charlie and Dizzy in the Hot House

Here is a great performance from the great Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.  It’s their version of an acceptance speech after receiving awards from Downbeat magazine, and I think it’s probably one of the best I’ve ever heard! Enjoy Hot … Continue reading

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Today in Jazz

Saxophonist James Spaulding born 1937 in Indianapolis, IN. Tweet

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Q&A: Andy Summers

Here is a Q&A segment from jazzonline.com, and I think that you’ll enjoy this view on jazz from a well-known pop guitarist: Andy Summers has largely charted his own course as one of the most popular and successful musicians of … Continue reading

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The many sides of Chet Baker

Chet Baker has a great sound in many ways, whether it is his smooth singing or the sweet melodies of his trumpet playing.  He is timelessly connected with My Funny Valentine, a tune familiar to all of us, for his … Continue reading

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Today in Jazz

Guitarist Charlie Christian born 1916 in Dallas, TX.  Christian was said to be a major influence on guitarists of all genres, Jimi Hendrix, Les Paul and Indianapolis native Wes Montgomery. Tweet

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Vintage Jarreau

Long before there was Bobby McFerrin, some may remember there was Al Jarreau. Taking the next step forward from masters like King Pleasure and Jon Hendricks, Al innovated his own brand of vocalese singing. Not only did he fuse together … Continue reading

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Today in Jazz

Tenor saxophonist Don Byas records Free and Easy with trumpeter Charlie Shavers and pianist Clyde Hart, 1944.  His 1945 release for Commodore Records included his cover of (Back Home Again in) Indiana. Tweet

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Today in Jazz

Trumpeter Miles Davis records Quiet Nights with arranger Gil Evans, 1962.  This album featured Indianapolis native J.J. Johnson on trombone. Tweet

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Babara Dennerlein and Her Crazy Left Foot

Seeing is believing. It looks impossible, but it’s true, Barbara Dennerlein plays bass lines with her left foot that most couldn’t play with their left hand. Unlike many organists, she did not begin with piano. When she was 11 years … Continue reading

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Today in Jazz

Drummer/composer/bandleader Louie Bellson born 1924 in Rock Falls, IL.  n 1987, at the Percussive Arts Society convention, Bellson and Harold Farberman performed a major orchestral work titled “Concerto for Jazz Drummer and Full Orchestra”, the first piece ever written specifically … Continue reading

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“One Never Knows, Do One?”

“Fats” Waller is known as a giant of jazz for his piano playing and his compositions, yet there is more to him then meets the eye… actually, his wildly creative facial expressions are exactly what made him memorable.  See him … Continue reading

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Dizzy Gillespie is “King of the Street”

Enjoy this excerpt from the famous jazz photographer William Gottlieb’s book, The Golden Age of Jazz, telling the story of Gottlieb photographing the famous Dizzy Gilespie. By 1947, the block in New York City on 52nd St., between 5th and … Continue reading

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Today in Jazz

Vocalist Annie Ross born 1930 in Surrey, England.  Ross recorded an album, In Hoagland (Baldeagle 1981), with Indiana native Hoagy Carmichael. Tweet

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Today in Jazz

Duke Ellington records Sepia Panorama, 1940.  The song appeared on the album Never No Lament, a compilation that also contained songs by Irving Mills.  Mills was a music publisher and is credited for discovering Indiana native Hoagy Carmichael. Tweet

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