This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. discusses the musical and social legacies of three African American jazz pioneers with Larry Tye, historian, former Boston Glove reporter, former journalism professor, and author of The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America.”
Louis Armstrong
V&B – Louis Armstrong & The Art of the Absurd
Listen back to an evening of music and conversation exploring the complex influence of the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong in shaping the cultural tastes of America. How do we represent? What are the dangers of our self-expression as we navigate taking a stand?
As we look ahead to these new days in America, how do we see misunderstandings, assumptions, and chicanery take root as we seek meaning, value, and security, based upon our country’s framing ideas of liberty and freedom?
Sponsored by KUT radio, Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe in conversation with Rebecca McInroy. Featuring: David Young, trumpet; Michael Malone, saxophone, Andre Hayward, trombone; Sean Giddings, piano; Roscoe Beck, bass; Scott Laningham, drums.
Songs include “Cabaret”, “The Beautiful American”, “Black & Blue”, “Mack the Knife”, “It Don’t Mean A Thing”, and “All of Me”
V&B – Jazz & The Atomic Age
In this episode of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi/Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe and a live jazz ensemble (Sam Penke – bass, Ephraim Owens – trumpet, Andre Hayward – trombone, Scott Laningham – drums, Mike Malone – saxophone) in a discussion about jazz, post-war paranoia, and the Atomic Age, with a focus on the music of mid-century America, highlighting the work of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Beyond the old duck and cover drills of the Cold War, how do we cope with the constant threat of existential disaster? How does our music reflect our hopes and our anxieties? How do we distinguish between the treacle of intoxicating propaganda and the ineffable wonder that transforms our soul? What truly, conquers our fears?
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.
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.
Jazz: Freedom and Liberty (7.5.15)
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the relationship between jazz and the idea of freedom in America.
He quotes how Duke Ellington describes jazz as, “a good barometer of freedom.” Ellington said, “In its beginnings, the United States of America spawned certain ideals of freedom and independence through which, eventually, jazz was evolved, and the music is so free that many people say it is the only unhampered, unhindered expression of complete freedom yet produced in this country.”
As we celebrate this nation and the freedom and liberty we enjoy, may we also contemplate the ways in which we still carry around chains, and operate within the prisons of past oppression. Knowing that true emancipation can only be obtained, through the most difficult of all forms of liberation, freeing ourselves from ourselves.
Clark Terry (12.14.14)
Clark Terry is an American born bebop trumpeter and pioneer of the flugelhorn. Born in the Midwest in 1920 he began his career under the guidance of legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and went on to educate generations of musicians including Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and even Austin’s own Ephraim Owens.
In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about how precious the life and work of Clark Terry is, as he plays the role, not only of a great musician, but as a hinge that links us to the past, present and future of jazz and America.