July 26, 2014
Johnny Hodges was an American jazz alto saxophonist best known for his work with Duke Ellington’s big band and Billy Strayhorn. His sound was so smooth and melodic that Duke Ellington said, just his tone could bring a tear to your eye. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks […]
July 19, 2014
Lee Morgan was an American jazz trumpeter who continued in the wake of Clifford Brown to develop the hard-bop style. He was a prolific recording artist as well, and in his short 33 years of life, recorded over 20 albums. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what […]
July 6, 2014
Johnny Hartman was an American jazz singer who is perhaps most well known for his collaborations with John Coltrane, yet he also recorded many solo albums in his relatively short career. His voice was smooth and melodic to spite the fact that he smoked heavily all his life. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi […]
June 27, 2014
Eric Dolphy was an American born jazz saxophonist, composer and bass clarinetist who worked with many jazz greats including Charles Mingus to shape a new direction forward for jazz in the 1960s. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Dolphy’s approach to his music and his life […]
June 22, 2014
George Gershwin was an American musician, composer and visionary whose work at the beginning of the 20th century helped to shaped a collective understanding of the American experience. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe explores the life and legacy George Gershwin.
June 14, 2014
Jaki Byard was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer who collaborated with many artists, significantly Charles Mingus. He incorporated a range of styles in his approach, from ragtime to bebop, and swing to stride. He spanned years of musical tradition, bringing history into one moment–an eternal now. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi Neil […]
June 7, 2014
Yusef Lateef was an American jazz mufti-instrumentalist, composer and educator who extended the possibilities of what it meant to understand and expand in the jazz genera with a universal sensibility. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe illustrates what the music and legacy of Lateef and his music can teach […]
June 1, 2014
Alfred Lion and Blue Note Records (6.1.14)
Alfred Lion was a German-Jewish born record executive who made his way to the U.S. via South America in the 1930s. He founded Blue Note Records soon after arriving in America and went on to record many legendary jazz artists; helping to shape the sound, image and meaning of jazz in America. In this edition […]
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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