Liner Notes

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July 17, 2013

Billie Holiday (Sunday 4.7.13)

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

Billie Holiday once said, “No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.” As we look back on her life and legacy we gain a deep appreciation for her unique voice, and the authenticity and openness of her approach to music. Even as she struggled with drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships and racism she maintained a raw understanding of her perspective. When she is judged by everything but the genius of her body of work, we recognize and fear that it might happen to us as well. However, as we listen and connect with her through her music we gain a deeper understanding of both the vulnerability and strength in our passions.


Episodes

May 26, 2019

Summertime

There is something unique about the vibe and feel of summer. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about how jazz can help us open up and connect as we move through this season.

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April 26, 2019

Gene Ammons

Eugene “Jug” Ammons AKA “The Boss” was a tenor saxophonist known for his bold, R&B-soul sound. His vast discography as a bandleader and occasional sideman stretch from the 1950s to the 1970s. In this episode of Liner Notes, Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the legacy of Gene Ammons.

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April 26, 2019

King Pleasure

Clarence “King Pleasure” Beeks was a fronting vocalist and early innovator of the “vocalese” style, whose discography spanned two decades in the mid twentieth century. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the career and influence of King Pleasure.

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April 26, 2019

George Benson

Guitarist George Benson recorded his first album at the age of 21 and continues to be a tremendous influence in the guitar world. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the ongoing life and career of George Benson.

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April 26, 2019

Mal Waldron

Arranger, composer and pianist Malcolm “Mal” Waldron played in a number of big bands and fronted his own before a drug overdose left him unable to play or remember music. As he regained his technique through listening to his own records, Waldron began a second leg of his career with a decidedly different sound than […]

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March 4, 2019

Pat Martino

Through his innovative post-bop, fusion and soul jazz, guitarist Pat Martino overcame a memory crisis and focused on the present to rediscover his technique. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe recollects Pat Martino, his struggle with amnesia, and how he re-learned his iconic technique.

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March 4, 2019

“Hot Lips” Page

Rhythm and blue architect and Birdland opening night band member Oran Thaddeus “Hot Lips” Page was never well known, but undeniably an influential journeyman. On the most recent edition of KUTX’s Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe guides us through the career of trumpeter and vocalist “Hot Lips” Page.

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January 28, 2019

Bobby Hutcherson

This past week commemorated the 77th anniversary of Bobby Hutcherson‘s birthday, the “world’s best vibist” who passed away in 2016. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz Historian Neil Blumofe guides us through the life, contributions and influence of Bobby Hutcherson. Music: “Little Angel”, “Montara”, “Catta” – Bobby Hutcherson “Groovin Blue” – Curtis Amy, “Blue […]

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