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July 17, 2013

Ella Fitzgerald (Sunday 4.28.13)

Liner Notes

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

Coming from a troubled childhood, Ella Fitzgerald found solace in music and song. Discovered at age 17, after singing in the style of the Boswell sisters in a talent competition, she would become the top female jazz singer for 50 years. Her distinctive vocals and her ability to personally hear and feel the emotion in her songs, would lead her to be an inspiration for female vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Vannesa Williams, and Janis Ian. Though critics complained that her voice lacked the depth and blues of other singers, it was that voice and her style that set her apart from other female vocalists of her time. Join us for this segment of Liner Notes where we’ll be discussing the impact of Ella Fitzgerald’s life and music.

July 17, 2013

Dizzy Gillespie (Sunday 4.21.13)

Liner Notes

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

With his conception of harmonics and driving tempos, Dizzy Gillespie was an architect of the modern sound (bebop), daring others to reach for the stars, alongside him. His virtuosity and creativity helped to define a whole new approach to improvisation and self-expression, as his career spanned more than 50 years. An entertainer as well as an accomplished artist, Dizzy brought intelligence and wit to his playing – an example of confidently showcasing what is possible. In this short feature Rabbi Neil Blumofe explores what Gillespie’s legacy can teach us about the revolutionary aspect of humor, and how we can live in accordance with an authentic self, while understanding what masks we wear and what they may represent.

July 17, 2013

Clifford Brown (Sunday 4.14.13)

Liner Notes

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

Jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown is known for his precise and captivatingly smooth technique, and as a musician who died before his time in a tragic car crash at the age of 25. He recorded most notably with drummer Max Roach and saxophonist Sonny Rollins, and his compositions Joy Spring and Daahoudare jazz standards to this day. His lasting impact on the jazz cannon is profound. In this short feature Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses what Brown’s legacy teaches us about the strength and importance of following ones own path in spite of contradictory expectations.

July 17, 2013

Billie Holiday (Sunday 4.7.13)

Liner Notes

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

Billie Holiday once said, “No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.” As we look back on her life and legacy we gain a deep appreciation for her unique voice, and the authenticity and openness of her approach to music. Even as she struggled with drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships and racism she maintained a raw understanding of her perspective. When she is judged by everything but the genius of her body of work, we recognize and fear that it might happen to us as well. However, as we listen and connect with her through her music we gain a deeper understanding of both the vulnerability and strength in our passions.

July 17, 2013

Bud Powell (Sunday 3.31.13)

Liner Notes

By: Rabbi Neil Blumofe

As we recognize Bud Powell as one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century, we must also acknowledge how much of his greatness and potential was muted beneath the cruelty and inhumane treatment that marked so much of mid 20th century America. Yet, even through the pain he suffered, when he sat down to perform at the piano he would continue to amaze audiences and musicians alike with his remarkable dexterity, speed and timing.His legacy reminds us of the tightrope we walk each day as we try to remain close to those things we need to sustain our souls in a time when exterior elements beyond our control are battling for our attentions, our bodies, our minds and our spirits. When listening to the genius of Bud Powell we can hear and feel the sheer force of human will, and the power one exudes when fully present amidst the chaos both inside and out.

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