In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Herbie Nichols.
jazz
Earl Hines (12.27.15)
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and legacy of American jazz pianist and bandleader Earl “Fatha” Hines.
V&B – Jazz & The Art of the Apocalypse
In this episode of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe, Dr. Steve Friesen (Chair of Bibilical Studies at the University of Texas), Adrian Ruiz, (trumpet) Michael Malone, (saxophone) Sam Pankey, (bass) Rich Harney, (piano) Scott Laningham, (drums) for a night of lively discussion and great live music. What do we listen to when our day is unsure? What is the soundtrack to our anxiety? How can jazz, an organic art form, help us respond to the shadows of apocalypse that seems to shade from every quarter?
Hoagy Carmichael (11.22.15)
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Hoagy Carmichael.
V&B: Jazz & the Art of Psychoanalysis
In this episode of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Dr. Judith Coffin, Mark Micale in discussion on the parallel development of psychoanalysis and jazz in the early 20th century. What does it mean to listen? What does it mean to reveal? How can closing our vulnerablities make us more resilient? What happens when Freud meets Coltrane?
Join us as we reflect upon the open and concealed ways that our spirit and minds can join, and listen to standards within the jazz canon.
Musicians: Russell Haight (tenor), Altim Sencalar (trombone), Sean Giddings (piano), Sam Pankey (bass), and David Sierra (drums).
Jazz and the Art of Psychoanalysis (11.8.15)
In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the relationship between jazz and psychoanalysis.
These early 20th century emerging ways of life have had a profound effect on our individual spiritual development as well as our identity as a larger civilization, as we consider our dreams, desires, loves, and fears. How do these two disciplines inform each other? How do those who have been outcast or in exile within society find a home in these inventive arts? What happens when Freud and Coltrane meet?
What does it mean to listen and what does it mean to reveal? How can disclosing our vulnerabilities make us more resilient? How can making peace with our past establish a more secure present and future? Where is music in all of this? We will listen to standards within the jazz canon, as we reflect upon the open and concealed ways that our spirit and mind conjoins.
Steve Coleman (9.20.15)
Steve Coleman is an American saxophonist, composer, and band leader who’s work bridges the gaps between spirituality, culture, and time. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of Coleman’s work in our lives today. He suggests that through the music of Steve Coleman we can understand the complexities of our lives and identities, both as meaning everything and nothing in the same moment.
V&B: Wes Montgomery and The Art of Confidence
In this episode of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi Neil Blumofe in conversation about one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz guitarists, Wes Montgromery. We’ll discuss what we give up as we make a living and how Montgomery’s music and life lessons help us learn about our own choices, and our own sense of purpose and last contribution.
This Views & Brews also features renditions of selected Wes Montgomery works performed by Mitch Watkins (guitar), Ephraim Owens (trumpet), Roscoe Beck (bass), Rich Harney (piano) and Brannen Temple (drums).
Andrew Hill (6.28.15)
Andrew Hill was an American jazz pianist and performer, who’s innovative approach to composition, was not only shared on his records and in the clubs, but also in the classroom. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life, legacy and perspective of Andrew Hill can teach us about how we, not only approach music, but life also.
Wes Montgomery (6.14.15)
Wes Montgomery was born “John Leslie Montgomery” in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1923. From humble beginnings in the Midwest, he went on to become one of the all time leading jazz guitar players, taking after luminaries like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about how the unassuming nature of Montgomery allows us to see that revolution and innovation are all around us each day. In the ordinariness of his playing, Montgomery was dangerous. Threatening to the status quo of, not only the everyday, but the avant-garde as well.
Jackie McLean (5.17.15)
Jackie McLean was and American jazz alto saxophone player, who came up in New York City with greats like Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Charles Mingus. He went on to, not only record with a wide range of musicians, but he also worked to educate generations of players though presence.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the important lessons McLean’s life and legacy can teach us about our place in the world today, what we give, and how we navigate the sanctity of each moment.
V&B: Max Roach and The Art of Emancipation
“Progressive art,” said Salvador Dali. “Can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives. Ultimately, it can propel people toward emancipation.”
I’m not sure Max Roach would agree with that, but he definitely was part of a collective conversation which challenged the power of art, the concept of freedom, and the sanctity of tradition.
Listen back as we discuss Max Roach and The Art of Emancipation, on this edition of Views and Brews, with KUT’s Rebecca McInroy in conversation with Rabbi and Jazz historian Neil Blumofe.
Some of Texas’s jazz musicians are featured on this show including: Shelley Carroll on tenor sax; Ephraim Owens on trumpet; Brannen Temple on Drums; Roscoe Beck on Bass; and Red Young on Piano.
V&B: Ella Fitzgerald and The Art of Grace
In this episode, Rebecca McInroy discusses the life and legacy of Ella Fitzgerald alongside Rabbi and Jazz historian Neil Blumofe. John Fremgen (bass), Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield (vocals), Ephraim Owens (trumpet), Sean Giddings (piano), and Scott Laningham (drums).
Rudresh Mahanthappa (5.10.15)
Rudresh Mahanthappa is an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Much of his music fuses the western improvisational approach to jazz, with sacred music from India, to expand the understanding of what it means to be in a present moment intercontinentally.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what Mahanthappa’s work and style, can teach us about how we understand the process of becoming, as we live in this world.
Strange Fruit (4.19.15)
“Strange Fruit” is a song, made famous by Billie Holiday, who would often sing it to close her shows when she would perform, discouraging applause from the audience when she sang it. Holiday had a difficult time recording the song, but upon the urging of her friends at Commodore Records, she recorded it for the first time on April 20th, 1939. She was harassed by the FBI and other authorities for singing it, but refused to stop.
Originally written as a poem in 1937 by Abel Meeropol, to protest against American racism and the lynching of African Americans in the south just after the turn of the century, it remains a stark reminder of America’s scars of slavery, bigotry, discrimination, and hatred.
Holiday’s legacy is directly connected to “Strange Fruit”, and Nina Simone said of the song, that it was about the ugliest song she had ever heard, and would later marvel. “Ugly in the sense that it is violent and tears at the guts of what white people have done to my people in this country.”
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the lamentation of “Strange Fruit” can teach us today, about injustice, humanity, protest, and peace.
Herbie Hancock (4.12.15)
Herbie Hancock is an American pianist, and composer who’s musical collaborations span the breadth of everyone from Clark Terry and Miles Davis, to Joni Mitchell and Kanye West. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life and work of Herbie Hancock can teach us about dedication, inspiration and the power of change.
Dexter Gordon (3.29.15)
Dexter Gordon was an American jazz saxophone player, who helped to cement the bebop style post Charlie Parker and others. He spent most of his career playing, composing and recording in Europe, as it was a more, “harmonious” place to live and create.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life and legacy of Dexter Gordan can teach us about exploration, diversity, and acceptance.
Lee Konitz (1.1.15)
Lee Konitz is an American jazz composer and alto saxophonist, who continues to build space for evolving styles and techniques in his work on the alto-sax. Inspired by Benny Goodman, Konitz carved out a sound that was, at times, contrary to prevailing ideas of what was “cool” in jazz in the shadow of Charlie Parker.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the importance of Konitz’s life and work, and what his dedication to his craft can teach us about re-inventing our days and selves as we live.
Blues And The Abstract Truth (2.22.15)
Blues and the Abstract Truth the triumph of band leader, arranger, and saxophonist Oliver Nelson. It helped to define the sound of an era with the classic “Stolen Moments”, but also assembled an all-star cast of musicians including: Eric Dolphy; Bill Evans; Paul Chambers; and Roy Haynes.
In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of this seminal record, and what it means to explore truths through abstraction.
King Curtis (2.15.15)
King Curtis was an American saxophonist, who played not only jazz, but R&B, rock n’ roll, and funk as well. His style was powerful and poignant, allowing moments to fully expand and develop. Unfortunately Curtis died young, murdered at the age of 37. In this installment of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what the life and legacy of King Curtis can teach us today.