CiTR -- The Jazz Show

This episode originally aired on January 6th 2025 Tonight's Jazz Feature is the American debut album of Alphonso Son "Dizzy" Reece. Dizzy was a very distinctive and creative trumpeter/composer. He was born in Kingston Jamaica on January 5,1931 and has resided in New York since 1959. Although now inactive as a musician, he is still alive and well. This album although recorded in London was the the first American album by Reece and was on Blue Note Records and called "Blues In Trinity" Dizzy leads on trumpet with the great Tubby Hayes on tenor saxophone, Terry Shannon on piano and Canadian Lloyd Thompson on bass and Arthur Taylor on drums. They are on 3 tunes then Donald Byrd, the fine American trumpeter is added on the rest. Both Byrd and Taylor were touring Europe and England during the time this date was recorded on August 24,1958. With the exception of two standard tune ballads the rest of the 6 tunes are compositions of Dizzy Reece. This album marked his migration to New York and a long productive career. Make no mistake, Dizzy Reece was a major trumpeter. Enjoy his music tonight on our Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a style known as "Mainstream Jazz". It really represents a concept where young and older musicians share a common ground. Some players are adaptable and some are not . This session called "The Jo Jones Special" represents some of the old and some of the new. It was recorded in August of 1955 with the leader Jonathan "Jo" Jones on drums. A master drummer was Jo. He assembled a fine group here with Emmett Berry on trumpet, Bennie Green on trombone and Eli "Lucky" Thompson on tenor saxophone on the front line. On piano is Nat Pierce, Basie stalwarts Freddie Green on guitar and Walter Page on bass work hand in glove with Jo Jones. An honored guest on the first and last tune of this album is Count Basie himself replacing Nat Pierce. Enjoy this fine music tonight on "The Jo Jones Special".

Tonight's Jazz Feature is Part 2 of the major stylistic changes that Miles Davis explored. Trumpeter Miles Davis needs no introduction here but over the years he altered his style and musical context several times. Some of the changes caused him to lose some of his audience but alternately he gained new followers. Miles always followed his own artistic muse. We'll hear these stylistic changes from some selected recordings beginning with two from his iconic and classic "Kind of Blue" from 1959 and go from there until the mid 1980's. Enjoy part 2 of the many styles of Miles Davis.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is different from the usual as it will present a selective groups of performances by trumpeter, band leader and Jazz icon Miles Davis over his career and his various changes throughout the years from his early days in the 1940's through the 50's.. Miles Davis was born on May 26,1926 and passed away at age 65 on September 26, 1991. These performances will reveal some of the stylistic changes that Miles Davis went through and pioneered. He is arguably one of the most important musicians in Jazz History and in many ways changed the way we perceive Jazz Music. Many of his changes alienated his fans but brought new ones to the forefront. We'll hear some of these changes tonight as out Jazz Feature. We covered the 40's and early 50's including Davis' "First Great Quintet. Next week we'll continue the Davis odyssey from the late 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Be sure to be here.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a fine album that never saw the light of day until the early 80's despite being recorded in August 1963. It was the first album by trumpeter Richard "Blue" Mitchell for Blue Note Records. It was given a catalogue number and advertised in the Blue Note brochure but never released. It's a fine date with Blue on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone. Joe also did most of the arrangements on this date as well. Leo Wright is here on alto saxophone, Herbie Hancock is on piano, Gene Taylor on bass and Roy Brooks is on drums. Two standards and four original tunes make up this fine date. It simply got lost in the shuffle but finally was issued after research into the Blue Note files.It's a fine and enjoyable date with some solid playing by all. Enjoy "Step Lightly" as tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a belated Birthday tribute to one of the the most unique and individual voices of the alto saxophone John Lenwood "Jackie" McLean. Jackie was born in Harlem, New York City on May 17,1931 and passed away at age 74 on March 31, 2006 after a long illness. Jackie made his first recording at age 19 with Miles Davis as a disciple of Charlie Parker and with his own sound. It wasn't long before Jackie developed his own ideas and phrasing. The Jazz Feature is a rare and previously unissued Blue Note Records date from 1966 that has Jackie exploring linear modal forms on the five tunes on the album. He also presents along with bassist Don Moore, two relatively new players on the New York scene: pianist Larry Willis who contributes the title track and and one other tune and a great young drummer from Chicago named Jack DeJohnette! Jackie's sound has been described as "sugar free saxophone" and you'll hear that in abundance tonight. Happy Birthday Anniversary Mr. McLean and to our listers: enjoy "High Frequency".

Tonight's Jazz Feature spotlights a unique talent who explored various styles of Jazz throughout a long career. Jimmy Giuffre played all the saxophones and most famously, the clarinet. In his early years his clarinet style in which he focused on the lower register of the clarinet (the chalumeau register) was his unique achievement and hallmark. He later explored the clarinet's full register when he turned to more free form Jazz. Of the many styles he performed, tonight's Jazz Feature focuses on his first trio called The Jimmy Giuffre Three. It had Giuffre on tenor and baritone saxophones plus his low register clarinet with the great Jim Hall on guitar and bassist Ralph Pena. This living room sized band explored Giuffre's compositions and dipped into blues and folk music. It's first recording done in Los Angeles on December 3 & 4 1956 was an early masterpiece and issued by Atlantic Records. There was really nothing on the Jazz horizon like this music at this time and this album was greeted warmly by the critics and fans. Enjoy The Jimmy Giuffre Three as tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is by one of trumpet master and Jazz pioneer John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie's finest groups. It's both fun and serious and an off the wall tribute to some music from the Caribbean, hence the title: Jambo Caribe. The music is by Dizzy's long standing Quintet with James Moody on tenor saxophone and flute, Kenny Barron on piano, Christopher White on bass and vocal, Rudy Collins on drums and added on some tunes Kansas Fields on percussion and surdo drum. Dizzy of course on trumpet and some vocals. The selections include some calypso flavored tunes that are fun and serious at the same time and some straight up Jazz. This album was recorded in November of 1964 in Chicago and although it's a lesser known album from Dizzy's vast output it demonstrates Dizzy's always serious approach to music and his love of entertaining people with style and humor. Enjoy Jambo Caribe, tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a very fine album by boss trumpeter Blue Mitchell. Mitchell was a mainstay in pianist Horace Silver's Quintet for 4 1/2 years and grew to maturity in that band. His style is devoid of showy pyrotechnics but with a sharp precise tones and a lyrical melodic concept. He's one of the few trumpeters who could sustain interest for a whole album without another horn like a saxophone. Blue is ideally paired here with piano great Wynton Kelly and they are perfect for one another and reflect the pure joy of making music. Blue and Wynton are backed superbly by bassist Sam Jones and drummer Roy Brooks. The tunes are standards and a few original compositions by Blue and others. This is one of the most enjoyable albums as it's easy on the ears. Blue's Moods...tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature should need no introduction to Jazz people as it is an essential classic and arguably one of bassist/composer Charles Mingus' finest albums. It was done for Columbia Records and it was Mingus' first album for a major label which guaranteed wide distribution and a quality product. It became a best seller for Mingus and Columbia. It was critically acclaimed and literally brought Mingus out of the Jazz underground to the Jazz fore forefront.. It featured Mingus' basic Jazz Workshop quintet augmented by a few Mingus alumni from previous Workshop editions. The regulars were: John Handy on alto and tenor saxophones, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Horace Parlan on piano, Mingus on bass and Dannie Richmond on drums.. The added horns were Shafi Hadi on tenor and alto in an ensemble role, Jimmy Knepper or Willie Dennis on trombone. Mingus had full control of the date and supervised the post production editing and the sequencing of the tunes on the recording. With this album Mingus widened his audience and his musical influence everywhere. Enjoy Mingus Ah Um tonight as our Jazz Feature celebrating Mingus' 103rd Birthday Anniversary tomorrow April 22.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an early version of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop recorded on his independent record label: Debut Records. Mingus and drummer Max Roach owned the label during it's short existence (1952 to 1957). Mingus in 1955 had begun a new concept for his bands. No written music. Mingus taught the players from the piano as Mingus was a more than competent pianist. The players memorized the compositions, background riffs and everything without written music and it gave Mingus' bands more what he was aiming for. This band reflects his new concept and hence the name The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop. This edition was recorded on Sunday evening from 5:50pm to 8:30 pm on December 18,1955 at a small New York club called The Cafe Bohemia.. The band includes George Barrow on tenor saxophone a fine underrated player with a big sound and a cliche-free concept. Eddie Bert, one of the finest trombonists is on the front line. Mal Waldron is on piano, Mingus leads and is on bass and Willie Jones is on drums. The tunes are all arranged by Mingus and with two exceptions the 8 selections are Mingus compositions. This is a fine solid set and is a new beginning for one of the most innovative and creative minds in Jazz music: Charles Mingus.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a true classic and an essential recording for anyone interested in Jazz music. Tenor and alto saxophonist/composer/arranger Oliver Nelson is the leader and his hand picked sideman include the innovative Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone and flute and a young Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, baritone saxophonist George Barrow anchors the horn section in a non-soloing role. The great Bill Evans is on piano with Paul Chambers on bass and "Mr. Snap Crackle", Roy Haynes on drums. The six compositions are by Oliver Nelson and arranged by him. "The Blues and The Abstract Truth" is a true classic and always worth rehearing anytime!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the first great soloists on the vibraphone: the amazing Lionel Hampton. This was his first session after he signed up with Jazz producer Norman Granz. Granz wished to present the artistic side of Lionel and this recording does the job in a big way. Lionel, who's style works in so many contexts is joined here for the first time by the great Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, bassist Ray Brown and master drummer Buddy Rich. The band selected the 6 tunes and delivered them with swing and soul. All of this was recorded in New York on September 2, 1953. Lionel the magnificent!

Tonight's Jazz Feature had one of the most widely recorded trumpeters from the 50's and 60's who eventually went into other fields after being a big part of Jazz for so many years. Donald Byrd was one of the many young trumpeters who reflected in their own way the influence of the late Clifford Brown, who died at age 25 in a car crash. Byrd along with Lee Morgan were the young heralds of the trumpet in the 50's and in the 60's Freddie Hubbard was added to that list. Byrd recorded a lot and this is from his period just before he left Jazz for other musical pursuits. This band was one he worked with frequently during the mid-60's. The Jazz Feature album is called "Blackjack" . It spotlights a sextet with Byrd leading alto saxophonist Sonny Red (aka Sylvester Kyner), tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Cedar Walton, Walter Booker on bass and the always smiling Billy Higgins on drums. The tunes are mostly original creations by Sonny Red and Donald Byrd. Byrd wrote the title track "Blackjack", a hip funky tune. Enjoy this fine date from Blue Note Records.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a round about tribute to St. Patrick's Day in that our Jazz Feature tonight is the initial album by master guitarist Grant Green entitled "Green Street". It was recorded by Blue Note Records on April 1,1961 but despite the date, Mr. Green was no fool! It put Grant Green who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on the national Jazz map.as one of the two foremost guitarists to emerge in the 1960's along with Wes Montgomery. Green played the guitar like a saxophone and emphasized single lines and delivered these with his huge pure sound. He's featured here with just a trio, Green with Ben Tucker on bass and Dave Bailey on drums. The album consists of five selections with Monk's classic "Round About Midnight" being one and "Alone Together" being the other standard tune. The other three are Green's original tunes. This shows Green's talents in a pure light all the way and marked a great debut recording. "Green Street" is tonight's Jazz Feature...relax and enjoy.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to the late vibraphonist Roy Ayers. Roy passed away recently on March 4,2025 at age 84. Although he was more famous for a style called Neo Jazz/Funk Fusion and had many hit recordings we're going to return to his more than promising debut album called "West Coast Vibes". It was done before Roy moved to that other area which he gained the most fame. Roy proved on this debut album that he was a new fresh voice of the vibraphone. It was recorded in July of 1963 in Los Angeles, Roy's home town with the fine tenor and soprano saxophonist Curtis Amy, the fine pianist Jack Wilson, Bill Plummer or Victor Gaskin on bass and Tony Bazley or Kenny Dennis on drums. The album wa produced by the great Jazz writer, Leonard Feather and gives us 10 tunes mixing standards with original compositions. "West Coast Vibes" is a fine debut for someone who went a long way in music and never lost the respect of his peers. Enjoy!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the most individual and passionate voices of the alto saxophone William "Sonny" Criss. The album is his second for Prestige Records called "Portrait of Sonny Criss". He recorded for Prestige from 1966 to 1969 and these albums remain his best known. Sonny here is accompanied by the great under rated Walter Davis Jr. on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Alan Dawson on drums and was done on March 23, 1967 at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio. The album mixes standard tunes and a couple of Jazz favorites but each track demonstrates Sonny's passionate sound and intensity. A musical portrait indeed of an unsung great: Sonny Criss.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to Canada and all things Canadian. It's been heard on The Jazz Show before but in these unsettled times I think it's time to hear it again. It's The Canadiana Suite played by and composed by the great Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson. Oscar performs the suite with his working trio of the time with Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. It was recorded on Sept.9,1964 in New York. The 8 movement suite takes us across Canada from East to West in a series of musical portraits. It's time to be proud of Canada and the Canadiana Suite represents that pride.

Tonight's Jazz Feature celebrates the 92nd Birthday on February 3rd of John Handy one of the great living masters of music and the alto and tenor saxophones on a fine rather obscure album entitled "Excursion in Blue". It was recorded in Menlo Park California in August 9, 10,1988. Handy plays alto on three tracks backed by Jim McNeeley on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and the great Billy Hart on drums. The remaining four tunes Handy switches to tenor saxophone and is backed by the late Buddy Montgomery on piano, Reid on bass and the late Eddie Marshall on drums. This is one fine recording and very representative of John Handy's artistry. Happy 92nd old friend! Enjoy this fine document as our Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a brand new recording by seasoned musicians that are an important part of today's Jazz scene. This date newly issued on the Cellar/Live label is by drummer Carl Allen leading a bare bones trio with the incredible tenor and soprano saxophonist Chris Potter, who also is heard on bass clarinet. The equally accomplished Christian McBride on bass plus a cameo appearance on piano by Vancouver's John Lee. The repertoire is varied with compositions by Carl Allen, drummer Lenny White, Freddie Hubbard, ,pianist James Williams and Charlie Parker. This recording demonstrates that great solid, uncompromising Jazz is still alive and well and is like a breath of fresh air. The albums is entitled "Tippin'".