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July 4, 2015

Jazz: Freedom and Liberty (7.5.15)

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

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 through which, eventually, jazz was evolved, and the music is so free that many people say it is the only unhampered, unhindered expression of complete freedom yet produced in this country.”

As we celebrate this nation and the freedom and liberty we enjoy, may we also contemplate the ways in which we still carry around chains, and operate within the prisons of past oppression. Knowing that true emancipation can only be obtained, through the most difficult of all forms of liberation, freeing ourselves from ourselves.

 


Episodes

April 11, 2020

Ellis Marsalis

On this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe remembers the legendary patriarch of New Orleans Jazz, Ellis Marsalis.

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March 5, 2020

Ralph Towner

Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe teaches us about multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer and arranger Ralph Towner. Born in Washington, Towner incorporated improvisation into much of his work. 

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February 27, 2020

Dexter Gordon

Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon.

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February 25, 2020

Myra Melford

Rabbi Neil Blumofe explores the life and work of pianist, improviser and composer Myra Melford.

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February 18, 2020

Jack Sheldon

Rabbi Neil Blumofe talks about the life of Jack Sheldon following his passing on Dec 27, 2019.

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February 13, 2020

Rich Harney

How does the sudden loss of a central figure change the local music community? How does the community deal with that loss? In this installment of Liner Notes with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, we learn about the life and career of Austin jazz pianist Rich Harney who passed away on Jan. 5, 2020. […]

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December 29, 2019

Joe Lovano

What does it mean to create a legacy? How do we hold at once the future and the present as we move through the world? In this installment of Liner Notes with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, we learn about the life and career of jazz great Joe Lovano, who continues to collaborate and […]

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December 15, 2019

Eddie Palmieri

In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what the life and music of Palmieri can teach us about identity, the power of movement, and the necessity of community. Eddie Palmieri is an American pianist, bandleader, musician, and composer of Puerto Rican ancestry. He is the founder of the […]

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