Night Lights Classic Jazz

Dolphy ‘64

David Brent Johnson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:49:58 +0000

Eric Dolphy, a highly-skilled musician who played alto sax, bass clarinet, and flute, created a bracing, unique sound forged in both bop and the avant-garde. His last year was one of his greatest, as he worked with pianist Andrew Hill and bassist Charles Mingus, and recorded an album for Blue Note that many consider to be his masterpiece.

“Jazz Is An Accident Waiting to Happen”: Spinal Tap Weighs In

David Brent Johnson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:25:47 +0000

Forget time-consuming books or hip artistic koans--the members of Spinal Tap tell you what jazz is really all about:

Come On Down to Central Avenue: Jazz in Mid-20th Century L.A.

David Brent Johnson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:36:22 +0000

In this program we explore the sounds of the mid-20th-century Los Angeles jazz scene with historian Steve Isoardi. Jam sessions, bebop, r and b, big bands, visits from Hollywood celebrities--as the center of African-American culture in L.A., Central Avenue had it all.

Halloween: Haunted Love Songs, Strange Enchantment

David Brent Johnson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:54:04 +0000

Haunted late-night love songs and some "spirited" jazz for your Halloween holiday.

Sweet Smell of Success

David Brent Johnson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:47:09 +0000

In 1957 a fading Depression-era playwright, two hot box-office stars and a West Coast jazz group all played prominent parts in creating a dark portrayal of New York City showbiz life that’s now considered a cinematic masterpiece. Film-expert James Naremore and musicologist Phil Ford us to talk about the look and sound of "Sweet Smell of Success."

Before Rock, There Was Jazz: Tom Wilson and Transition Records

David Brent Johnson — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:47:18 +0000

Tom Wilson produced rock albums by Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Velvet Underground that were some of the most influential records of the 1960s, but he got his start in the 1950s running his own adventurous jazz label, recording artists such as John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Cecil Taylor, and Sun Ra.

Oscar Peterson Sings, Revolutionary Jazz Cover Art, Time Travel

David Brent Johnson — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:23:52 +0000

Oscar Peterson as singer, a new book of jazz album covers from the 1960s and 70s, and more.

Art Tatum: the Group Masterpieces

David Brent Johnson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:52:33 +0000

Pianist Art Tatum's speed and harmonic imagination often left other musicians astonished, inspired, or in despair. By way of a centennial tribute, here are some who managed to keep up with him, including Benny Carter, Ben Webster, and Roy Eldridge.

The Hank Williams Songbook, a New Thelonious Monk Biography And…

David Brent Johnson — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:13:49 +0000

Hank Williams goes pop 'n jazz, Robin D.G. Kelley's new Monk biography is out, and more in the weekly round-up.

John Zorn: Tradition and Transgression

David Brent Johnson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:33 +0000

A new book takes an in-depth look at the sources and inspirations behind the music of avant-garde artist John Zorn.