Liner Notes
Rabbi Neil Blumofe
September 26, 2015
Red Rodney was an American bebop and hard bop trumpet player who made came up with mentors like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In his lifetime he saw much hardship, including the loss of his wife and daughter in a car accident, and the loss of many of his contemporaries in the jazz world. In […]
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September 18, 2015
Steve Coleman is an American saxophonist, composer, and band leader who’s work bridges the gaps between spirituality, culture, and time. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of Coleman’s work in our lives today. He suggests that through the music of Steve Coleman we can understand […]
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September 17, 2015
Oliver Lake is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and poet who co-founded The World Saxophone Quartet in 1977. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the way in which Lake’s music offered a portal for us to understand the civil rights movement and social justice through art. When […]
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August 22, 2015
Abbey Lincoln was an American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress, who is known for adding a poignant voice to the conversation surrounding the civil rights movement during the 1960s in America. She was a controversial and often marginalized figure, especially following her work on, We Insist, which she, and drummer Max Roach produced in response […]
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July 20, 2015
Ma. Rainey, born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett, April 26, 1886, was one of the first recorded Blues singers of the 20th century. Her deep, soulful voice is as distinctive as her lyrics, that were considered controversial at the time. Although she is known as “The Mother of The Blues”, her sound laid the foundation for […]
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July 4, 2015
Jazz: Freedom and Liberty (7.5.15)
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the relationship between jazz and the idea of freedom in America. He quotes how Duke Ellington describes jazz as, “a good barometer of freedom.” Ellington said, “In its beginnings, the United States of America spawned certain ideals of freedom and independence […]
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June 26, 2015
Andrew Hill was an American jazz pianist and performer, who’s innovative approach to composition, was not only shared on his records and in the clubs, but also in the classroom. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life, legacy and perspective of Andrew Hill can teach […]
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June 15, 2015
Tonight at Noon is an album by jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus, released on the Atlantic label in 1965. The record includes tunes that are melodic and easy, and yet tinged with a dark sentiment that makes you feel as if you are enjoying a beautiful sunset, whilst sitting atop a volcano. The title […]
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About
Rabbi Neil Blumofe
Growing up in the Chicago area and having spent his formative years in New Orleans, New York, Jerusalem, and Poznan, Poland-Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe cultivated a love of jazz, America, and the human experience.
He is privileged to lead the Agudas Achim community in Austin, Texas, and as an educator, spiritual guide and jazz historian he frequently extends his attention and presence to the greater Austin community. He believes that our best days are before us, as we continue to learn and share experiences with each other.
For KUT and KUTX Rabbi Blumofe hosts the weekly radio segment and podcast Liner Notes, and co-hosts the Views and Brews Jazz Series with Rebecca McInroy.
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