Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and work of jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny.
jazz history
Gene Ammons
Eugene “Jug” Ammons AKA “The Boss” was a tenor saxophonist known for his bold, R&B-soul sound. His vast discography as a bandleader and occasional sideman stretch from the 1950s to the 1970s. In this episode of Liner Notes, Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the legacy of Gene Ammons.
King Pleasure
Clarence “King Pleasure” Beeks was a fronting vocalist and early innovator of the “vocalese” style, whose discography spanned two decades in the mid twentieth century. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the career and influence of King Pleasure.
George Benson
Guitarist George Benson recorded his first album at the age of 21 and continues to be a tremendous influence in the guitar world. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the ongoing life and career of George Benson.
Mal Waldron
Arranger, composer and pianist Malcolm “Mal” Waldron played in a number of big bands and fronted his own before a drug overdose left him unable to play or remember music. As he regained his technique through listening to his own records, Waldron began a second leg of his career with a decidedly different sound than the first. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe recalls Mal Waldron, his struggle with addiction, and how he interpolated his former style.
Dizzy Gillespie & Stan Getz – Jazz and The Art of Rhythm
Saxophonist Stan Getz and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie are both legends in their own right, but what connects the two may be deeper than you think.
In this edition of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe for a conversation on Diz & Getz, and a live jazz quintet performs select tunes.
“Hot Lips” Page
Rhythm and blue architect and Birdland opening night band member Oran Thaddeus “Hot Lips” Page was never well known, but undeniably an influential journeyman. On the most recent edition of KUTX’s Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe guides us through the career of trumpeter and vocalist “Hot Lips” Page.
Bobby Hutcherson
This past week commemorated the 77th anniversary of Bobby Hutcherson‘s birthday, the “world’s best vibist” who passed away in 2016.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz Historian Neil Blumofe guides us through the life, contributions and influence of Bobby Hutcherson.
Music: “Little Angel”, “Montara”, “Catta” – Bobby Hutcherson
“Groovin Blue” – Curtis Amy, “Blue Rondo” – Jackie Maclean, “Naima” – San Francisco Jazz Collective
V&B – Jazz & The Art of Family
Join KUT’s Rebecca McInroy along with Rabbi Neil Blumofe and a live jazz quintet, for a night of great conversation and live music as we explore the legacy and influence of the Brothers Jones. Hank, Thad, and Elvin Jones were each supreme musicians – they were also brothers and represent an important legacy in the history of jazz. In our everyday lives, who constitutes our family? How much parental influence do we admit? Beyond blood relationships, who are the people who have our back, who are unconditionally present? How do we collaborate and when do we need our own space to achieve identity? Resisting the atomization of our character, how do we derive meaning and with whom do we gain status as we act?
Featured Musicians: Tom Brechtlein (Drums), Roscoe Beck (Bass), Professor Ben Iram (Piano), Michael Malone (Saxophone), David Young (Trumpet)
V&B: Ornette Coleman & The Art of Entrepreneurship
Saxophonist and innovator Ornette Coleman was a musical trailblazer. Always curious and creative, he inspired a movement of new expression, questioning established practices as he sharpened even the most cutting edge of emotive performance. What do we do with inherited forms? How do we distinguish ourselves and coalesce our vision in the scrutiny and judgment of public taste? What value is there in earning the respect of our colleagues? How far are we willing to go to live our truth? What is genius and what is jive?
Sponsored by KUT radio, Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe in conversation with Rebecca McInroy. Featuring: Michael Malone, saxophone; David Young, trumpet; Red Young, piano; Roscoe Beck, bass; Brannen Temple, drums. Guest featuring Alex Coke, saxophone.
Oscar Pettiford (1.31.16)
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of bassist, cellist, and composer Oscar Pettiford.
Dave Brubeck (12.7.14)
Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer who helped to bring jazz to a mainstream audience, during very turbulent days in America’s history. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe discusses how listening to Brubeck’s music provides us with an opportunity to make change and fight injustices by finding our own voice.
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, music, and legacy of Smith can teach us today.
John Hendricks (11.16.14)
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 skill is a remarkable example of the importance of self-care. When we see our body and soul as the “instrument” through which we can make the music of our life, we hold it dear, as Hendrick’s continues to do.