Week 42:: Bye-Bye Bishkek

After 2 months abroad, it's finally time for me to pack it up and fly back to the states. Actually, my plane leaves in just a few hours, and thanks to the magic of spherical terrain, lands on the same day, 26 hours later. But this is not a web-radio-blog about my travels; it's about the music, silly. So what changes? Basically nothing. We're back to Jazz (as I missed it and ran out of excuses), but with the serene setting of a night spent nostalgically packing to leave.

I did throw in one topical dose of celebration at the end, but neglected to mention (in audio) that this was in tribute to my best friend's birthday. So just to set the record straight, "Balls" is dedicated to Davey.

Audio

Playlist

1. Junior Mance - Letter From Home
2. Keith Jarrett - Rainbow - Silence
3. Dave Holland - Procession - Pass it One
4. Duke Ellington - Sultry Serenade
5. Dave Douglas & Nomad - Gumshoe - Mountain Passages
6. Ella Fitzgerald - It's a Pity to Say Goodnight - Decca Recordings
7. Ella Fitzgerald & Her Orchestra - Sly Mongoose
8. Lester Young - New D. B. Blues
9. Dizzy Gillespie - Blue'n'Boogie - Best of Odyssey
10. Charlie Hunter - Balls! - Mystico
11. Medeski, Martin & Wood - Jelly Belly - Shackman
12. Quincy Jones & Bill Cosby - Hicky-burr - Original Jam Sessions 1969

::WSRP:: Broadcast 'Round the World in No-Wave Digital Lo-Fi.

Week 41:: Kyrgyz Style

After almost 2 months of bringing you jazz and indie rock while abroad in Bishkek, I thought I would be doing you a disservice to leave this fascinating little country without sharing with you some of the sounds which emanate from it. Another departure from our jazz focus, but I think you'll agree - an appropriate one.

If you've never heard Kyrgyz music before, or are a closet "world music" fan - this is the WSRP you've been waiting for.

For the rest of you - keep waiting. Next week we're back to tired old normality. I promise.

Audio

(partial) Playlist

1. Ordo Sakhna (band) - Aitysh
2. Ordo Sakhna - Omur
3. Ordo Sakhna - Op Maida
4. Saamal (style) - Jol Jurush
5. Saamal - Ich Myynak
6. Saamal - Kara Ozgoi
7. Saamal - Ak Tamak, Kok Tamak
8. Saamal - Jailoo
9. Samaal - Kerbez
10. Samaal - Koktom
11. Samaal - Ak Satkyn menen kulmurza
12. Aktan (band) - Sozulma

::WSRP:: Welcome to the Yurt, please take off your shoes. Would you like some Kuurut with your Kumis?

Week 40:: Happy Birthday to Me

Don't bother with a gift this year, just join me for a 1-hour celebration as I embark on my 28th lap around the fiery center of our solar system. Rather than awaiting the 44th week, I unleash some of the more promising new tunes on my (faux) iPod on the syzygetical alignment of my birth, the 40th episode, and your patient willingness to endure my eccentricities.

Audio

Playlist

1. Bishop Allen - The Ancient Common Sense of Things - Grrr...
2. The Strokes - You Only Live Once - First Impressions of Earth
3. Vampire Weekend - Ottoman - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
4. Los Campisinos - You! Me! Dancing!
5. The Mae Shi - Run to your Grave - HILLYH
6. XX Teens - Darlin' - Welcome to Goon Island
7. The Dead 60s - Riot Radio - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
8. Man Man - Hurly Burly - Rabbit Habit
9. Animal Collective - Lion in a Coma - Merryweather Post Pavilion
10. The Folds - Cassius
11. Clap Your Hands say Yeah - By the Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth
12. Wolf Parade - Shine a Light - Apologies to the Queen Mary
13. Band of Horses - Our Swords - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
14. We Are Scientists - After Hours - Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

::WSRP:: Because Consistency is Almost Always Over-Rated.

Week 39:: Ambassador Satch

I hope you still have enough July 4th BBQ leftovers to nuke a rib and dole out the coleslaw for this festive celebration of an American Icon. While Louis Armstrong was not, in fact, Born on the 4th of July, he certainly celebrated as if he was, and so shall we, with one hour of various ditties from his long, well-documented, and ridiculously important career.

Audio

Playlist

1. Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars - Struttin' with some Barbeque
2. Louis Armstrong - Lazy River
3. Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars - Cornet Chop Suey
4. Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra - Satchel Mouth Swing
5. Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars - Bugle Call Rag / Ole Miss
6. Louis Armstrong - When the Blues were Born in New Orleans
7. Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra - When the Sains Go Marching In
8. Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra - Ain't Misbehavin'
9. Louis Armstrong - Ain't Misbehavin'
10. Louis Armstrong - Hello, Dolly
11. Louis Armstrong - I Love Jazz
12. Louis Armstrong - Now You Has Jazz
13. Louis Armstrong & Friends - What a Wonderful World

::WSRP:: Ooooooh, Yeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaah!