Most jazz listeners know Hall Overton (1920-1972) for his orchestrations of Thelonious Monk piano solos. Those arrangements are a major factor in the success of Monk’s concert with a 10-piece band at New York’s Town Hall in 1959, preserved in this essential album. Musicians familiar with Overton’s other accomplishments and broad scope respect him for his knowledge of music and his effectiveness in sharing it. During Overton’s time at Juilliard, he learned from great teachers, including … [Read more...]
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
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Barry Bergstrom on Bechet And Bird
Thanks Doug. I'm fond of asking students, especially older ones who seem a little full of themselves; "tell me who Sidney Bechet was?" I have...Ben Makinen on Bechet And Bird
Great footage Doug! Thanks for the link. It is thrilling to watch so many happy people enjoying the jazz! I only see this anymore in...Jack Greenberg on Unburied Treasure: Chick Corea Trio
Well, I'm sure this performance won a lot of new fans for "jazz". I didn't see Ronald Reagan in the audience. Maybe he...Jim Eigo on Unburied Treasure: Chick Corea Trio
Great to see this amazing trio no matter where they play... And don't forget Dizzy and Max doing "Salt Peanuts" with Jimmy Carter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORhqJZfxxcIBill Benjamin on Unburied Treasure: Chick Corea Trio
Just great. The Now He Sings, Now He Sobs trio. The Bush family must have been freaking out on that first tune.