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December 20, 2014

Celebration (12.20.14)

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe discusses Jazz and The Art of Celebration.

December is a month of festivities, parties, and traditions, yet for many of us it is a time when the spotlight it pointed at how isolated we may feel without our loved ones, our homes, or our families around us.  In these moments of solitude it is important to remember and celebrate what we do have. The precious lives we are given to live, however sad or difficult they seem in these moments.

The universal sound and momentum of jazz, gives us a soundtrack by which we can follow the rhythms of our heart and our soul. Allowing us to celebrate our lives anew with each note and honor the wonderment of this universe.


Episodes

November 5, 2019

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs is an American vibraphonist and bandleader who remains the oldest bebopper at the age of 95. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Gibbs’s long career can teach us about inclusion and unity in the face of isolation and fear.

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November 5, 2019

Azar Lawrence

Azar Lawrence is an American jazz saxophonist who was hired by McCoy Tyner following the death of John Coltrane. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Lawrence can teach us about continuing a legacy, finding our voice, and knowing our value while holding on to our mortality.

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November 5, 2019

Les McCann

Les McCann is an American jazz pianist and vocalist. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about McCann’s influential life and work, and how it can inform us today.

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August 26, 2019

Jazz and The Art of Movement

Where do we consider being at home? When do we feel that we belong in a place and how quickly can we become dispossessed? In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about how jazz traces various migrations – some arbitrary, some forced, and some chosen – and beyond appropriation […]

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August 12, 2019

Pat Metheny

Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and work of jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny.

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August 5, 2019

Art Neville

Art Neville was an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist whose music and presence over five decades defined the New Orleans music scene. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Art Neville.

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June 17, 2019

Mental Health

Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about jazz and the art of mental health.

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May 31, 2019

Conspiracy

Rethink conspiracy through the appreciation of art, hard work, and beautiful music with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe.

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