Liner Notes

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July 20, 2015

Ma. Rainey (07.19.15)

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

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 much of the early jazz vocal style. She recorded with Louis Armstrong, and was a big influence on the work of Bob Dylan.

In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and legacy of Ma. Rainey, and highlights what her approach to her art can teach us today.


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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