Sean Giddings

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 Art of the Other [Part One]

Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling of our fears and the scars of our traumas — in our amusements, and in the casual conversations that we have?

How does music help us navigate both our civilizing presence and our raw emotions that run much deeper, beneath? How do the experiences of 20th century jazz musicians help to instruct us in the powerful lessons of difference, Othering, and perseverance?

This episode of Views & Brews is a marriage of robust conversation and spectacular music, featuring David Young, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Michael Malone, saxophone; Sean Giddings, piano; Richard Michael, bass; Scott Laningham, drums; and Rabbi Neil Blumofe, in conversation with KUT’s Rebecca McInroy.

Link to Part Two.

Jazz & the Art of the Other [Part One]

Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling of our fears and the scars of our traumas — in our amusements, and in the casual conversations that we have?

How does music help us navigate both our civilizing presence and our raw emotions that run much deeper, beneath? How do the experiences of 20th century jazz musicians help to instruct us in the powerful lessons of difference, Othering, and perseverance?

This episode of Liner Notes was recorded live at our Views & Brews event. It’s a marriage of robust conversation and spectacular music, featuring David Young, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Michael Malone, saxophone; Sean Giddings, piano; Richard Michael, bass; Scott Laningham, drums; and Rabbi Neil Blumofe, in conversation with KUT’s Rebecca McInroy.

V&B – Jazz & the Art of the Other [Part Two]

Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling of our fears and the scars of our traumas — in our amusements, and in the casual conversations that we have?

How does music help us navigate both our civilizing presence and our raw emotions that run much deeper, beneath? How do the experiences of 20th century jazz musicians help to instruct us in the powerful lessons of difference, Othering, and perseverance?

This episode of Views & Brews is a marriage of robust conversation and spectacular music, featuring David Young, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Michael Malone, saxophone; Sean Giddings, piano; Richard Michael, bass; Scott Laningham, drums; and Rabbi Neil Blumofe, in conversation with KUT’s Rebecca McInroy.

Link to Part One.

Jazz & the Art of the Other [Part Two]

Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling of our fears and the scars of our traumas — in our amusements, and in the casual conversations that we have?

How does music help us navigate both our civilizing presence and our raw emotions that run much deeper, beneath? How do the experiences of 20th century jazz musicians help to instruct us in the powerful lessons of difference, Othering, and perseverance?

This episode of Liner Notes was recorded live at our Views & Brews event. It’s a marriage of robust conversation and spectacular music, featuring David Young, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Michael Malone, saxophone; Sean Giddings, piano; Richard Michael, bass; Scott Laningham, drums; and Rabbi Neil Blumofe, in conversation with KUT’s Rebecca McInroy.

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).

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).