Episode 68:: Needlework

While the irony of an anti-technology, retro-philic webradioblog is not lost on this independent content producer, large segments of our Jazz heritage simply do not exist - and probably will never exist - in a digital format. For the last 1-2 decades, we could talk convincingly about how not all of Miles Davis's recordings were on CD... "yet," but as we enter the second decade of the 21st century, it's about time we faced the facts. Not all Jazz will be with us in the digital age. Sure, we'll save the high profile stuff, and essentially anything with a commercially-viable name affixed to it is likely to get at least one CD issue before CDs go the way of the cassette. But this will still leave the majority of Jazz recordings, by many of the greats and all of the lesser lights, completely inaccessible to a digital audience, and in the worse case scenario, lost to Jazz fans for all time.

It's something to think about, and it brings us to this week's episode, playing music exclusively from vinyl. Ok, it's not as strong a message as it could be - several of these songs are available in digital format - but not all, and that's the point I'm trying to make. Enjoy.

Audio

Playlist

1. Count Basie/ Billy Eckstein - Little Mama - Basie/Eckstein, Inc.
2. Max Roach - Memo to Maurice - On the Chicago Scene
3. Stan Getz/ Charlie Byrd - Samba de Una Nota So - Jazz Samba
4. Dick Sutton Sextet w/ Steve Lacy - Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise - Jazz Idiom
5. Hank Mobley - Chain Reaction - Straight, No Filter
6. Lionel Hampton - High Society - Jivin' the Vibes
7. Lionel Hampton - It Don't Mean a Thing, if it Ain't Got that Swing - Jivin' the Vibes
8. Dave Brubeck - Nomad - Jazz Impressions of Eurasia

::WSRP:: the Washington State Republican Party and Wisan Smith Racker & Prescott, LLP have each contributed to this project's stubborn refusal to take itself seriously. Thank You.

Episode 67:: Newport Jazz Festival 2010

Like any TV series, sports franchise or wise old elephant that's been around for more than half a century, the Newport Jazz Festival has had its good, and not-so-good, years. The sheer brilliance of its founding in 1954 was quickly eclipsed by the legendary moments and luminous artists that graced its stages by the droves. It has spawned controversy, even driven some to found 'rebel' festivals in protest, and since the 1980s has been often criticized for drowning Jazz content in crass capitalist commercialism. In 2009, the festival took an abrupt turn - in the right direction - with the return of its founder, George Wein, and the 2010 festival bore all the rewards.

For this week's episode of WSRP, we will listen to songs from some of the best acts recorded live, just 1 week ago! This tremendous access and turnaround is only possible due to the good folks at NPR, the generosity of the participating musicians, and the cooperation of the CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival itself. To all of them, I say "thank you," and to you the listener, I say "enjoy."

Audio

Playlist

1. Matt Wilson - If I Were a Boy
2. Amina Figarova - Ernie's Song
3. Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstacy - United Front
4. Ben Allison & Man-Sized Safe - Kramer vs. Kramer vs. Godzilla
5. Rez Abassi Acoustic Quartet - Personal Mountain
6. Fly trio - Lady B
7. David Binney 3rd Occasion Quartet - Aliso

::WSRP:: We don't just bring you Jazz history; We Are Jazz History.

Episode 66:: Monday Morning Blues

The title is allusion to more than just my slightly tardy "weekly" deadline, but rather to the true theme of this show: the blues. Or at least, some vestiges of the blues in a variety of Jazz and semi/non-Jazz environments. Think of this not as a Blues episode, but a Jazz episode that has a case of the (little-b) blues. You'll find no Sonny Liston Smith, Keb 'Mo or BB King in these playlists, but rather a selection of guitar-inflected AABA tales of remorse for the wrongs of one's past and the rights (rites?) of music present.

Audio

Playlist

1. Tiny Grimes - Durn Tootin' - Tiny Grimes In Swingville
2. Milt Jackson - Five O'Clock in the Morning - The Prophet Speaks
3. Lionel Hampton - Hamp's Salty Blues - Midnight Sun
4. Grant Green - Iron City - Iron City
5. Stanley Turrentine with the 3 Sounds - Blue Riff - Blue Hour: The Complete Sessions
6. Louis Armstrong - St. James Infirmary - The Complete RCA Recordings
7. Lou Rawls - St. James Inrfirmary (live)
8. Cassandra Wilson - St. James Infirmary - Loverly
9. The White Stripes - St. James Infirmary - Elephant
10. Charles Mingus - Hog Callin' Blues - The Complete Atlantic Recordings

::WSRP:: ::WSRP:: ::WSR-got-it-in-my-soul-P:: ::WSRP::

Episode 65:: Land of Giants

As broad as the world of Jazz may be, and as many diverse genres, instruments, and musicians may occupy it, one must exert some considerable effort to resist the almost gravitational pull of the masters - the giants - of the form. This episode represents one attempt not to resist this natural inclination. Without any special effort or intent, we simply bump into Duke, Mingus, Miles, and Louis. Why? Because they're HUGE. Because you can't just waltz through the Jazz world without running into them at almost every turn. Make no mistake - any Jazz radio that doesn't feature these names prominently and often is working hard to reduce their audio footprint. And that should make you wonder why.

Audio

Playlist

1. Hank Jones - Satin Doll - Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life
2. Charles Mingus - For Harry Carney - Changes Two
3. Duke Ellington - Sophisticated Lady - Ellington at Newport
4. Duke Ellington - In a Mellow Tone - Masterpieces 1929-1949
5. John Coltrane - I Hear a Rhapsody - Lush Life
6. McCoy Tyner/ Bobby Hutcherson - Manalayuca - Land of Giants
7. Ben Allison - Fred - Think Free
8. Joshua Redman - Can't Dance - Freedom in the Groove
9. Roy Eldridge - Fish Market - After You've Gone
10. Louis Armstrong - Jack-Armstrong Blues - Complete RCA Victor Recordings
11. Miles Davis - Milestones - Complete Savoy and Dial Studio Recordings

::WSRP:: Good thing for us it takes hard work to ruin Jazz radio; lazy finally paid off.