CiTR -- The Jazz Show

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a belated tribute to the Birthday of bassist/pianist/composer/iconoclast/ Charles Mingus. Mingus was born on Earth Day, April 22, 1922 in Nogales, Arizona and died in Cuernavaca, Mexico on January 5, 1979 from ALS. This album on tonight's Jazz Feature is his first for Columbia Records and it literally brought Mingus out of the Jazz underground and into the forefront. It was also his best selling album and widened his audience by leaps and bounds. The album is one of the many classics that were recorded in 1959 like "Kind of Blue". "Time Out", "Giant Steps" this is of course "Mingus Ah Um". With his basic Jazz Workshop quintet of 1959 with John Handy on alto and tenor saxophones and clarinet, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Horace Parlan on piano, Dannie Richmond on drums and Charles Mingus on bass that is augmented by three Mingus alumni from previous Jazz Workshops, Jimmy Knepper on some tracks and Willie Dennis on others on trombones and Shafi Hadi as a non-soloing addition on alto and tenor saxophones in the ensembles. The album was done in two sessions, the first on May 5, 1959 and the second on May 12, 1959.Nine compositions in all and presented in the sequence that Mingus wished. Tonight's Jazz Feature: ":Mingus Ah Um"......as Mingus would say "DIG IT".

Tonight's Jazz Feature honors the Birthday Anniversary of one of America's most important artists. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C.and he passed away in New York on May 24, 1974 at age 75 from cancer. Tonight The Jazz Show presents one of Ellington's latter day masterpieces, "The Far East Suite". It commemorates a US State Department tour the band took in late 1963 to the Middle east, India and Japan. The music was written by Ellington and his partner Billy Strayhorn and recorded in late 1966. The band is at it's best and the prominent soloists are alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, Ellington himself on piano and baritone saxophonist Harry Carney and trumpeters Cootie Williams and Cat Anderson. The bassist is John Lamb and the drummer is the great Rufus Jones. Enjoy this classic and marvel at how contemporary this music sounds today.

Tomorrow is vibraphonist Walt Dickerson's Birthday Anniversary on April 16. Dickerson was born in Philadelphia on April 16. 1928 and passed away ay age 80 on May 15, 2008. He made his first album in March of 1961 and it is one of the finest debut recordings ever. He did 4 albums for Prestige/New Jazz that are all classics. He was recommended to the label by his friend Eric Dolphy. His debut album was called "This is Walt Dickerson" and was a Jazz Feature years ago on this show. Tonight's album in honor of his Birthday Anniversary is called "A Sense of Direction" and it's his second for Prestige/New Jazz. It is on the same level as his first with slightly different personnel. Dickerson is on vibes with Austin Crowe on piano, Eustis Guillemet Jr. on bass and Edgar Bateman on drums. Dickerson was really the first modern Jazz vibist NOT influenced by Milt Jackson . Walt's style is very original with busy metallic lines governed by his amazing technique yet Dickerson has a warm bell-like sound on his instrument. This album has 8 tunes and 5 by Dickerson and 3 well chosen standards."Sense of Direction"...tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a latter day classic and one of the finest outings by pianist/composer Chick Corea. It consists of three extended compositions hence the title "Three Quartets" The late Mr. Corea needs no introduction to the Jazz listening public of course but the band he has chosen for this date done in early 1981 is exceptional. On tenor saxophone is the late, great Michael Brecker and on bass is the accomplished Eddie Gomez and on drums is the phenomenal Steve Gadd. Fortunately Gadd and Gomez are still alive and active. This album was produced by Chick Corea for his own label and is a valuable music document of four wonderful artists. "Three Quartets" is tonight's Jazz Feature.

This classic album is tonight's Jazz Feature recorded 64 years ago on April 1, 1960 at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio for Prestige/New Jazz Records. It was Eric's first album under his name and leadership. Dolphy, who was from Los Angeles had moved to New York and after working in L.A. for many years came to New York as a member of drummer Chico Hamilton's Quintet. After leaving Hamilton and settling in the big city, Eric began working with Charles Mingus in early 1960 and recorded this album with his room mate, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Eric wisely selected veteran drummer Roy Haynes and a strong bassist named George Tucker plus piano giant Jaki Byard who he met in the Mingus band. They formed a very cohesive band for this date and it sounds like a working band. The date is a classic and marked the real beginning of Eric's short but eventful career. His unique compositions are heard here as well as his alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute. Eric sadly died at age 36 in Germany from undiagnosed diabetes. "Outward Bound" stands as a great early milestone to Eric's life and music. It's tonight's Jazz Feature.

The Jazz feature tonight is an album that this writer deems an essential Jazz album. "Out of the Afternoon" presents drum master Roy Haynes leading a very special quartet. Mr. Haynes just celebrated his 99th Birthday recently. Roy presents a young up and coming phenomena called Roland Kirk on tenor saxophone, manzello (an elongated alto saxophone) and the stritch (a soprano saxophone variant) and the flute and various whistles. Roland is a creative force here and a one-man band sometimes blowing all 3 horns at once! On piano is Tommy Flanagan and on bass is the great Henry Grimes. This album issued first on Impulse Records is a true classic and one for the ages. Tonight's Jazz feature "Out of the Afternoon".

Alto saxophonist Frank Strozier remains one of the great underrated masters of his horn. He was born in Memphis and came up with his friends, George Coleman, Harold Mabern, and the great Booker Little. After Memphis he moved to Chicago and attained several university degrees and began building his reputation as a prime voice on the alto. He later moved to New York and played with many important people like Miles Davis and drummer Roy Haynes. Later moving to Los Angeles he worked in the studios and performed Jazz with Oliver Nelson's Band and Shelly Manne's groups among others. He returned to New York in 1973 and continued to record under his name and appear as a sideman until the mid-80's when he stopped playing the saxophone and flute and did some gigs playing piano, . He also taught ischool until he retired. Strozier is still alive. He was born in Memphis on June 13,1937 and as of now he's be 86. We'll hear him in 4 extended pieces recorded in January 1976 in concert at the Ramada Inn inn Schenectedy, New York than have never been heard on any commercial recordings. This is Frank at his unfettered best with Frank Stagnitta on piano, Frank Tate on bass and Larry Jackson on drums. Look out! Frank Strozier our Jazz Feature artist tonight!

Tonight's Jazz Feature focuses on the obscure but fine trumpeter and flugelhornist named Wilbur Harden. Little is known about Harden other than he was born in Birmingham, Alabama on Dec. 31,1924 and after working in some major R&B bands moved to Detroit in 1957 and began working with Yusef Lateef.. He became part of the talented Detroit Jazz scene then ventured to New York to record as he signed with Savoy Records. His 4 albums for Savoy were done in 1958 and he also recorded with John Coltrane as well in 1958 and later with trombonist Curtis Fuller. After 1960 nothing more was heard from Wilbur and ill health and a nervous breakdown forced him to stop playing. He died in obscurity in New York on June 10,1969 at age 44. This fine recording called "Mainstream 1958" is an excellent one and features Wilbur and his compositions. It is a solid date with Harden and John Coltrane, at an early peak, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. If there is a masterpiece in Harden's short discography this album may qualify. Enjoy the sounds of Wilbur Harden, John Coltrane and company on tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the most intense and incendiary recordings by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. It was done in February 1964. The fire and intensity was perhaps driven by the fact that several of the members of this long standing edition of the Messengers were hinting at leaving to move on to other bands or forming their own groups. The personnel of this band had been together since the end of 1961 and consisted of Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone and was also the band's musical director, Cedar Walton on piano, Reginald Workman on bass (the only living member) and of course the master fire stoker Art Blakey on drums. "Free For All" is the apt album title and the album was issued on Blue Note Records and is tonight's Jazz Feature. Listen here!!!

Tonight is a special Jazz Feature as we present and interview by the author of the newest and indeed one one the finest documents on the Vancouver Jazz scene. The book is a series of 30 biographies that cover the spectrum of the Jazz scene from the mid 1950's up to the present. It's called "Journeys To The Bandstand" by Chris Wong. Mr.Wong is my guest then we return with a Jazz Show debut recording done at Vancouver's original Cellar with alto and tenor saxophone master Art Pepper playing with three of Vancouver's finest players: pianist Chris Gage, bassist Stan "Cuddles" Johnson and drummer Jimmy Wightman all from an evening on July 23.1959. This wonderful recording was made by the ex-manager of the club, Dave Quarin and it's with his kind permission that you can listen to it on The Jazz Show tonight.

In Vancouver B.C. where we broadcast today is a statutory holiday called Family Day. In honor of Family Day we will present tonight a wide variety of famous Jazz families, We'll hear selections by The Montgomery Brothers, The Adderley Brothers, The Heath Brothers, The Mangione Brothers, The Turrentine Brothers, The Shorter Brothers, The Ayler Brothers, The Newborn Brothers (Phineas and Calvin), The Jones Brothers, A wide variety of music by all of them. Relax and enjoy The Jazz Show's tribute to Family Day.

Tonight's Jazz Feature will be heard a bit later than usual as a guest was expected. The Jazz Feature will be pianist Andrew Hill's Blue Note debut album "Black Fire". Andrew Hill was somewhat unfairly lumped into the "free form Jazz" category as his music was different from the norm and innovative and Hill did emerge in the 1960;s, a time of change for Jazz. However Hill's music while different and fresh was structured and defined by chord progressions. His compositions were unique and took odd turns and twists much like Thelonious Monk's tunes. Producer Alfred Lion new Hill's music wasn't for everyone but he believed in Hill's genius and talent much like he did of Monk a decade earlier. Lion was the first to record Monk and his music. Hill on piano is supported by some great musicians such as Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone delivering some of his most creative work here. Richard Davis on bass and the great Roy Haynes on drums who was a last minute replacement for Philly Joe Jones who was unable to make the date. I can't imagine any other drummer than Roy Haynes for this music. "Black Fire" is the beginning of a long list of important recordings by Andrew Hill for Blue Note. We must thank Blue Note's Alfred Lion for believing in Andrew Hill's talent. "black Fire": tonight's Jazz Feature.

Along with the Fundrive promos an exciting variety of music from various eras of Jazz tonight. The Jazz Feature will return next week.

Tonight The Jazz Show celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the birth of one of the important pioneers of Modern Jazz and the definitive voice of the trombone: Mr. J.J.Johnson. Johnson was born on January 22,1924 and passed away on February 4,2001 at age 77. He recorded a lot in his long career with small bands and large ensembles and of course was an accomplished composer, arranger. The album on hand is to this writer a definitive album with J.J. and his working band with Harold Mabern on piano, Arthur Harper on bass and Frank Gant on drums. It was recorded for Impulse Records on May 1, 1964. The album is called "Proof Positive" and it has been a favorite and a worthy 100th Birthday tribute to one of Jazz Music's great master, Mr. J.J. Johnson.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a recording done at San Francisco's Jazz Workshop on October 27,1962 by the Max Roach Quartet with drum master Max Roach at the helm with Clifford Jordan on tenor saxophone, Mal Waldron on piano and Eddie Khan on bass. Two extended works are featured. The first is the title track "Speak Brother Speak" depicts speakers on a soapbox expounding on the state of the nation. The second piece is an extended work based on a theme by Villa-Lobos called Prelude by retitled by Max Roach as "A Variation". It again offers extended solo opportunities for everyone to say their say. The band is so fine that these extended performances stand up and never drag on. "Speak Brother Speak" celebrates the accomplishments of Dr.Martin Luther King and Martin Luther King Day today January 15,2024.

Tonight's Jazz Feature honors the late, great Les McCann who passed away December 29,2023 at age 88. This fine album featuring pianist McCann's working trio with bassist Herbie Lewis and drummer Ron Jefferson was called "Les McCann LTD". McCann had been appearing at New York's Village Gate with the LTD and recording for his label Pacific Jazz but this was a one-night only get together with very limited rehearsal with three of McCann's favorite horn players including trumpeter Blue Mitchell, and the great tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine and the lesser known Frank Haynes. All six compositions are by McCann and reflect his talents as a writer. This is one fine way to honor a musician that was loved by just about everyone. Les McCann in New York is tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature has been an important part of tonight's Christmas Jazz Show for many years and tradition will continue with the famous and lasting Christmas Eve (1954) recording session with the Miles Davis All-Stars. It's sometimes known as the "Bags' Groove Session" as that tune written by Milt Jackson is the opener. The All-Stars are of course, Miles Davis on trumpet, Milt Jackson on vibes, Thelonious Monk on piano, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. Four tunes were recorded and the session has gone into Jazz History as a very important document and timeless music. The men creating this music were just playing what they always played doing it so very well. The tunes are "Bags' Groove by Milt Jackson, Bemsha swing by Thelonious Monk, The Man I Love by the Gershwin Brothers, and Miles Davis', Swing Spring. The spirit of Christmas seems to be evident throughout the session without any actual reference to Christmas music, There will be more tributes to Christmas tonight so when the big day rolls around..... Merry Christmas to Jazz fans everywhere and to a brighter 2024.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an obscure by excellent album by a group of fine players based in Los Angeles. The leader is the great Harold Land on tenor saxophone along with a fine lesser known trumpeter named Martin Banks. Amos trice is on piano, Clarence Jones on bass and Leon Pettis on drums. Save for Land, none of these players are well known but their music is world class. The album was recorded in 1960 and not ever issued until 1980, undeservedly delayed. The tunes are by Land(2) Amos Trice(1), Martin Banks(1) and one by original producer, writer Leonard Feather plus a well chosen ballad standard. The album is entitled "Take Aim" and it aims to please those who love real Jazz. It's tonight's Jazz Feature.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a one time meeting of two great Jazz stars. They knew one another but never played together and were brought together by the producing genius of Norman Granz. Granz was one of the great entrepreneurs of Jazz. Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz was one of the major voices of that instrument and vibraphonist Lionel Hampton was one of the pioneers of that instrument and had been prominent since the early 1930s. Creative sparks flew on this session and the combination of Getz and H Hampton worked beautifully. The rhythm section was made up of people who worked with Getz throughout most of 1955 and Lou Levy is on piano, Leroy Vinnegar is on bass and the drummer is the magnificent Shelly Manne. The repertoire is a collection of good standard tunes, a ballad medley and two up tempo burners. Enjoy this classic one time get together from August 1, 1955. Hamp and Getz!

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a suite in 6 movements written by the late Gary McFarland and it's titled "America The Beautiful: An Account of It's Disappearance". McFarland wrote this music in 1968 over deep concerns about his beloved America which was in that year in turmoil...race riots, assassinations, the Vietnam War plus the wanton destruction of the environment manifested by endless shopping malls, tract housing, garbage strewn everywhere and unmitigated greed. This suite is McFarland's protest of all of these happenings. However it is not an angry suite but more a lament for what was happening to the nation. It is an orchestral piece with the odd solo movements and played by first call New York musicians such as trumpeters, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young and reed masters like Jerome Richardson, Romeo Penque, pianist Warren Bernhardt, guitarist Eric Gayle, bassist Jerry Jemmott and Chuck Rainey and drummer Bernard Purdie to name but a few. The music of Gary McFarland and his "America The Beautiful" suite is tonight's special Jazz Feature.