Well, actually, we were never gone. However, for several hours, the Rifftides comment mechanism was broken. If you tried to use the "Speak Your Mind" box at the end of an item, or found that it had disappeared, we would like you to know that the feedback function is back in business. Provided that … [Read more...]

For all of the excitement with modes that McCoy Tyner generated with John Coltrane and still achieves in long his post-Coltrane career, I have always been partial to Tyner’s way with standard songs and jazz originals with standard changes in albums like this and this. That aspect of his … [Read more...]

National Public Radio's series "Mom And Dad's Record Collection" recently featured Ravi Coltrane, who has followed his father as a tenor and soprano saxophonist. John died when Ravi was two years old. Most of his son's early musical memories stem from records his pianist and harpist mother Alice … [Read more...]

On today's cycling expedition during rush hour, I saw an amazing sight. A motorist pulled to the side of the road and stopped to use her phone. Hard to believe, I know, but it's true. On the other hand, a man in Naples, Florida, was reaching for his cell phone just as a fire truck arrived in … [Read more...]

I cannot recall having previously posted a promotional video, and I may never post one again. But the video about the Branford Marsalis CD recommended in the new batch of Doug’s Picks has helpful insights into the philosophy of the band’s approach to its work. In addition, it is a nice little … [Read more...]

Bruno Leicht of Cologne, Germany—trumpeter, composer, teacher, and frequent commenter to this blog—has dedicated a four-part suite to Rifftides. The work is based on George Gershwin’s “Oh, Lady Be Good” and played by a band of Bruno’s students. On his web log, Brew Lite’s Jazz … [Read more...]

The latest listening, viewing and reading suggestions are posted immediately below and in the right column with the heading Doug's Picks (scroll down). They include CDs with the music of a forthright quartet, a great 20th century composer-arranger, and the satisfying second volume of a piano trio's … [Read more...]

An outfit called Find The Best has established an online guide to jazz clubs. It could be useful to Rifftides readers planning to travel or, for that matter, who are looking for places to listen in their hometowns. The site lists location, meal policy and cover charges, which range from … [Read more...]

Monarch butterflies are passing through on their migration south. This morning, one rested on a maple leaf outside our window. His or her majesty was no object of pity, but it seemed to call for a performance of that most famous of all butterfly tunes (are there others?). Here’s the late Dave … [Read more...]

If you live in or near Portland, Oregon, this is your lucky week. I am not at all reluctant to plug Ivories Jazz Lounge or this group of elite Portland players. Here’s the announcement from Ivories. Thursday July 12 The Two Tenors & Dave Frishberg play the music of Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, … [Read more...]

Rifftides reader Don Emanuel scanned this listing in the "What's On" section of a recent edition of his local newspaper, The Medway Messenger in Kent, UK. … [Read more...]

A long-running discussion (or argument) about the authorship of a major jazz tune may have been resolved once and for all. The tune is “Solar,” copyrighted in 1963 with the name of Miles Davis as composer, nearly a decade after he recorded it. It is a 12-bar minor blues based, with certain … [Read more...]

After he heard the Eddie Higgins solo on “America The Beautiful” (one exhibit below), Rifftides reader Terence Smith wrote to suggest: Sometime on the 4th let's all listen to the Ray Charles version. That’s a fine idea. There are several versions of the song by Charles, some more … [Read more...]

Two years ago on July 4, we presented this performance by the late Eddie Higgins. When it didn't appear in 2011, we heard from disappointed Rifftides readers. Perhaps we should establish it as an Independence Day tradition. We'll make up for last year's oversight by bringing on Mr. Higgins a day … [Read more...]

Late notice—apologies—but this will be worth hearing: Monday, July 2nd On the Noontime Jamboree Record collector/musician/record producer Tony Baldwin visits the show. Tony is bringing in a mixed sample from his extensive collection of 78s. Join me, host Retta Christie, … [Read more...]

One thing leads to another, if you're lucky. Bear with me; we’re backing into this. I was reading Thomas Vinciguerra’s Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition feature about the 50th anniversary of “The Girl From Ipanema.” When I saw a reference to “…the 1962 album Jazz Samba by Stan Getz and … [Read more...]

Steve Cerra’s Jazz Profiles remembers Tom Talbert, the under-recognized composer and bandleader who died nearly eight years ago in his early eighties. Steve incorporates a passage in which Talbert wrote about his postwar debut. Worked with several bands and met arranger-bandleader Johnny … [Read more...]

Thanks to the many Rifftides readers who are weighing in on the discussion of jazz on public radio in the US. The comments—some from inside the medium—include reasons for the decline, analysis of its nature, reports of a few bright spots, and a good deal of frustration. It seems to be an … [Read more...]