In this podcast, Jazz History professor, biographer, musician, and popular podcaster Jay Sweet will help guide you through the tunes included in the Jazz Real B...
(66) “Como en Vietnam" and Gary Burton Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 6 Gary Burton, a pioneering jazz vibraphonist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking four-mallet grip, which revolutionized vibraphone technique and became a standard in modern jazz. His career began at a young age, self-teaching on marimba and vibraphone, and studying at Berklee College of Music. Burton's early work with Stan Getz and his formation of the Gary Burton Quartet in the late 1960s set the stage for his influence in jazz fusion. His collaborations with musicians like Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock solidified his status as a jazz icon. Burton also had a significant role as an educator at Berklee College of Music, where he taught for over three decades."Como En Vietnam," composed by Steve Swallow, comes from the album Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett and features a latin feel, and an early jazz fusion feel. While not a particularly popular tune it is well constructed with a unique harmonic landscape. Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett Thomas ClausenSpotify Playlist
--------
16:06
Come Sunday and Johnny Hodges
(65) “Come Sunday” and Johnny HodgesStandards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 3 Johnny "Rabbit" Hodges was a master of the alto saxophone, renowned for his expressive solos and smooth, emotive tone. A central figure in Duke Ellington's Orchestra, Hodges was instrumental in shaping the "Ellington sound," with memorable contributions to ballads and blues, such as his work on "Prelude to a Kiss" and "I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good." While often overshadowed by Ellington's legacy, Hodges' influence on future alto saxophonists, including Charlie Parker, is undeniable. "Come Sunday," a ballad composed by Duke Ellington, is a perfect showcase for Hodges' delicate phrasing and vibrato. The song’s straightforward melody, rich with emotional depth, allows Hodges to express the soulful quality that defined his playing. His ability to convey feeling through subtle nuances in tone and phrasing is exemplified in his rendition of "Come Sunday," a beautiful moment within the larger context of Ellington's visionary work.Duke EllingtonEric Dolphy Spotify Playlist
--------
21:56
Chitlins Con Carne and Kenny Burrell
(64) "Chitlins Con Carne" and Kenny Burrell Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 4Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne," from his 1963 album Midnight Blue, is a masterful blend of blues and jazz. The track features a groovy bassline and a relaxed tempo, with Burrell and Stanley Turrentine sharing the melody. Burrell's first solo highlights his clear, bluesy phrasing and rich jazz guitar tone, while Turrentine’s soulful tenor saxophone adds depth during his solo. The song follows a 12-bar blues progression, infused with jazz inflections, including the signature C7#9 chord. Burrell’s unique style bridges the gap between genres, making the track a timeless favorite. Covered by artists from blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy to jazz icons like Horace Silver, "Chitlins Con Carne" remains an enduring classic that showcases Burrell's profound influence on both blues and jazz guitar.Kenny BurrellStevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Spotify Playlist
--------
12:46
Dan Pugach Interview
Dan Pugach, an Israeli-born composer, drummer, and bandleader, is pushing the boundaries of big band jazz with his Grammy-winning album Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence. The album, inspired by Pugach and his wife Nicole Zuraitis' love for rescue animals, combines personal stories with a tribute to their late dog Bianca. Pugach's unique journey from rock drummer to big band leader has shaped his innovative style, which blends influences from jazz greats and rock music. His Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble places him alongside legendary jazz figures, and his compositions reflect both personal and cultural narratives. Pugach's drumming and leadership in big band music reflect his deep understanding of rhythm and tradition. As he continues to write and perform, Pugach is dedicated to pushing the genre forward and staying connected with his audience, performing regularly in New York and worldwide with his big band and nonet.Website https://www.danpugach.com/Dan Pugach Big Band: Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws and Persistence https://youtu.be/hGX65TdtkGQ?si=FHQKEO6s2tcQc4iB
--------
54:18
Chippie and Don Cherry
(63) :Chippie " and Don Cherry Standard Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 8 Don Cherry (1936–1995) was a groundbreaking jazz trumpeter known for his role in pioneering free jazz alongside Ornette Coleman. Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Los Angeles, Cherry was influenced by Clifford Brown before joining Coleman’s quartet in the late 1950s. His work on The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959) and Free Jazz (1961) helped redefine jazz by embracing spontaneity and rejecting traditional harmonic constraints. Beyond his collaborations with Coleman, Cherry explored world music, blending African, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds into his work. His group Codona and projects like the Organic Music Society in Sweden exemplified his adventurous approach. Cherry’s impact on jazz remains profound, inspiring generations of musicians."Chippie" is a hard-swinging tune from Ornette Coleman’s 1958 album Something Else!!!!, featuring Cherry on cornet. It is structured around a 32-bar AABA form and draws from “I Got Rhythm” chord changes but introduces modern harmonic twists. The angular melody, reminiscent of Charlie Parker, poses challenges with its speed and rhythmic complexity. Cherry’s solo on the recording is fluid and well-connected, staying closer to the harmonic framework than Coleman’s more exploratory approach. The rhythm section, with Walter Norris on piano, Don Payne on double bass, and Billy Higgins on drums, drives the piece with intensity. “Chippie” highlights Cherry’s ability to balance bebop traditions with his evolving avant-garde sensibilities.Ornette Coleman Stefano Bollani Spotify Playlist
In this podcast, Jazz History professor, biographer, musician, and popular podcaster Jay Sweet will help guide you through the tunes included in the Jazz Real Book. For decades, this book (often called "The Jazz Bible") has been a resource for jazz musicians looking to learn jazz standards and repertoire. This podcast will discuss essential recordings and details associated with the songs in the Jazz Real Book, the musicians who created the material, and the recordings that inspire jazz musicians and fans worldwide.
UK