Liner Notes
Rabbi Neil Blumofe
November 21, 2014
Willie “The Lion” Smith (11.23.14)
Willie “The Lion” Smith defined what it meant to be a stride, jazz piano player in 20th century America. As an and African-American Jew, Smith approached the magnitude of WWI, and the early 1900s with a kaleidoscope of perspectives. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, explores what the life, […]
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November 15, 2014
Jon Hendricks is an American jazz singer who is considered to be the poet laureate of jazz. He inspired, and continues to speak to, greats like Bobby McFerrin and even Thelonious Monk. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Bulmofe, explores the way in which, as a singer, Hendricks’ discipline and […]
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November 9, 2014
Don Byron is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist, rooted in jazz. However, his stylistic influences range from heavy metal to klezmer and more. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe explores what it means to go beyond the idea of “avant-garde” and remain inspired and open to all elements of […]
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October 28, 2014
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and music of the great Alice Coltrane.
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October 12, 2014
Pharoah Sanders is an American jazz saxophonist who came up along side John Coltrane to experiment with “sheets of sound”, and went on to become one of the most inventive composers and musicians in the Avant-garde movement. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what we can learn […]
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September 20, 2014
Chico Hamilton was a jazz drummer and band leader who began his career in California, playing with Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordan and others. He helped to develop an avant-garde sound in jazz in the late 50s and 60s that was, at the same time, accessible and elusive. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and […]
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August 31, 2014
Kenny Dorham was an American jazz trumpeter who worked with Art Blakey, Charlie Parker and Max Roach among others to help craft the bebop style in mid century America. In addition to his work as a sideman he also formed his own group, The Jazz Prophets featuring Bobby Timmons on piano, bassist Sam Jones, and […]
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August 2, 2014
Tony Bennett is an American singer and artist who began his career in the wake of WWII and became well known interpreting jazz standards and show tunes. As his career unfolds, and in partnership with his son Danny Bennett, he continues reinvent, not only himself, but also the history of his generation through his daring […]
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About
Rabbi Neil Blumofe
Growing 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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