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Rabbi Neil Blumofe

June 15, 2015

Wes Montgomery (6.14.15)

Wes Montgomery was born “John Leslie Montgomery” in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1923. From humble beginnings in the Midwest, he went on to become one of the all time leading jazz guitar players, taking after luminaries like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about […]

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May 15, 2015

Jackie McLean (5.17.15)

Jackie McLean was and American jazz alto saxophone player, who came up in New York City with greats like Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Charles Mingus. He went on to, not only record with a  wide range of musicians, but he also worked to educate generations of players though presence. In this edition of Liner […]

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May 8, 2015

Rudresh Mahanthappa (5.10.15)

Rudresh Mahanthappa is an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Much of his music fuses the western improvisational approach to jazz, with sacred music from India, to expand the understanding of what it means to be in a present moment intercontinentally. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about […]

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April 18, 2015

Strange Fruit (4.19.15)

“Strange Fruit” is a song, made famous by Billie Holiday, who would often sing it to close her shows when she would perform, discouraging applause from the audience when she sang it. Holiday had a difficult time recording the song, but upon the urging of her friends at Commodore Records, she recorded it for the first […]

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April 10, 2015

Herbie Hancock (4.12.15)

Herbie Hancock is an American pianist, and composer who’s musical collaborations span the breadth of everyone from Clark Terry and Miles Davis, to Joni Mitchell and Kanye West. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life and work of Herbie Hancock can teach us about dedication, […]

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March 27, 2015

Dexter Gordon (3.29.15)

Dexter Gordon was an American jazz saxophone player, who helped to cement the bebop style post Charlie Parker and others.  He spent most of his career playing, composing and recording in Europe, as it was a more, “harmonious” place to live and create. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, […]

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March 12, 2015

Charles Lloyd (3.15.15)

Charles Lloyd is an American musician who’s primary instrument is the tenor saxophone. He’s recorded with greats like Miles Davis, The Doors, The Beach Boys and most recently Jason Moran. He brings diversity and passion to each performance, and adds his own voice to divergent genres. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz […]

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February 27, 2015

Lee Konitz (1.1.15)

Lee Konitz is an American jazz composer and alto saxophonist, who continues to build space for evolving styles and techniques in his work on the alto-sax. Inspired by Benny Goodman, Konitz carved out a sound that was, at times, contrary to prevailing ideas of what was “cool” in jazz in the shadow of Charlie Parker. […]

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About

Rabbi Neil Blumofe

Rabbi Neil BlumofeGrowing 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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