RIP, Sun Ra (1914-1993)

Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount) died on May 30, 1993, in Birmingham, Alabama, just 8 days after his 79th birthday. His death was attributed to stroke and pneumonia. He was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham.

Jazz critic Scott Yanow said that "Of all the jazz musicians, Sun Ra was probably the most controversial," primarily because of Sun Ra's eclectic music, unorthodox lifestyle, and claims that he was of the "Angel Race" and that he was from Saturn. Ra himself said, "I write about whatever I hear, whenever the spirit hits me to write.""

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons describes Sun Ra's Arkestra as "a band of high contrast in which driving riffs, free soloing, sensuous orchestration, and atonal collective blowing spin like the vanes of a pinwheel."

Sun Ra and His Arkestra play "Paradise" from their Sound of Joy album here:

Lyons recommends Sun Ra's album, Live at Montreux (Inner City). The album is available on CD from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Benny Goodman

Clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman was born on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois. Goodman was, as critic William Ruhlmann says, "the first celebrated bandleader of the Swing Era ..."

Goodman led one of the most popular musical groups in America, and his January 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City is described by critic Bruce Eder as "the single most important jazz or popular music concert in history: jazz's 'coming out' party to the world of 'respectable' music." Goodman's bands also launched the careers of many major names in jazz, including Chrlie Christian, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, and Lionel Hampton. During the age of segregation, Goodman also led one of the first well-known racially-integrated jazz groups.

Goodman's band can be heard playing "Sing Sing Sing" from that Carnegie Hall concert here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Goodman's Carnegie Hall Concert - 1938 (Columbia), which, according to Lyons, "catches the band at its peak." The album is available on CD from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Recent Links :: 28 May 2013

• Louis Armstrong: Ricky Riccardi discusses a YouTube video featuring footage of Louis and the All Stars in Indiana in 1961 at The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong.
• Miles Davis: On May 26, his birthday, Miles Davis was Jazz Musician of the Day at All About Jazz.
• Coleman Hawkins: An excerpt from Clifford Thompson's story "For Bean," about Coleman Hawkins, appears at All About Jazz. (The story is available in the book, Love for Sale and Other Essays, which can be purchased from Amazon.com.)
• Woody Herman: David Brent Johnson discusses the bands of Woody Herman in the 1940s in an episode of "Night Lights" at Indiana Public Media.
• Jelly Roll Morton: According to Brilliant Corners, the Duplex Mystery Jazz Hour at WZBC 90.3 is starting a new series, "I Know the Name, But Why Should I Care?," the first episode of which features Jelly Roll Morton.
• Sarah Vaughan: Kevin Whitehead reviews the new Sarah Vaughan box set, Divine: The Jazz Albums 1954-1958, on Fresh Air from WHYY. (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Miles Davis

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis was born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois. Davis was one of the great innovators in jazz and, in fact, in 20th century music in general. As critic William Ruhlmann notes, "To examine his career is to examine the history of jazz from the mid-'40s to the early '90s, since he was in the thick of almost every important innovation and stylistic development in the music during that period ..."

Davis helped found several of the major genres of modern jazz, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. His groups included many musicians who went on to greatness, including John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, John McLaughlin, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, and Jack DeJohnette. His album, Kind of Blue, is generally regarded as the best selling jazz album of all times and one of the most influential albums in jazz.

"So What," the cut that begins Davis's great Kind of Blue album, can be heard here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends seven albums by Miles Davis, more than any other artist. These include:

• 'Round About Midnight (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Porgy and Bess (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Milestones (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Kind of Blue (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Four & More (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Miles Smiles (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)
• Bitches Brew (Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.)

Robert
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Recent Links :: 24 May 2013

• George Benson: Brian Arsenault reviews the new George Benson album, "Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole," at The International Review of Music. (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday: Open Culture shares a 1935 video of Duke Ellington's "Symphony in Black," which starred the 19-year-old Billie Holiday.
• Duke Ellington: At NPR's A Blog Supreme, David Brent Johnson discusses Duke Ellington's later years and recommends five albums from that period:
  • "... And His Mother Called Him Bill" (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
  • "Latin American Suite" (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
  • "Second Sacred Concert" (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
  • "New Orleans Suite" (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
  • "The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse" (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• Keith Jarrett: At The Guardian, John Fordham reviews "Somewhere," the new album by Keith Jarrett's Standards Trio. (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• Sun Ra: On May 22, his birthday, Sun Ra was the Jazz Musician of the Day at All About Jazz.
• Woody Herman: Alan Greenblatt discusses Woody Herman on the 100th anniversary of his birth at NPR's A Blog Supreme.

Robert
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RIP, Duke Ellington (1899-1974)

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia on May 24, 1974, in New York City. His funeral was held in New York's Cathedral of St. John Divine and was attended by thousands of individuals, including numerous celebrities. He is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.

Jazz critic Bob Blumenthal of The Boston Globe put it best when he said that "In the century since his birth, there has been no greater composer, American or otherwise, than Edward Kennedy Ellington." Ellington, who won 12 Grammy Awards, was not only a great composer and a great bandleader; he merged the two talents. As jazz critic William Ruhlmann notes, "Ellington used his band as a musical laboratory for his new compositions and shaped his writing specifically to showcase the talents of his bandmembers."

Ellington's band plays "Sophisticated Lady" here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Lyons recommends five of Ellington's albums:

• Rockin' in Rhythm, Duke Ellington and the Jungle Band, Vol. 3, 1929-1931 (MCA>, available on vinyl only.
• Duke Ellington - 1940 (Smithsonian), available on vinyl only.
• The Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts: January 1943 (Prestige), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• The Golden Duke (Prestige), available on vinyl only.
• Pure Gold (RCA), available on vinyl only. 

Because so many of these recommended albums are available on vinyl only, Jim Determan has recommended the following alternatives on CD:

• The Original Decca Recordings (The Complete Brunswick and Vocalion Recordings of Duke Ellington, 1926-1931) (Decca/GRP), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• The Okey Ellington (Columbia Jazz Masterpieces), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• The Blanton-Webster Band (RCA Bluebird), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• Great Times! (Original Jazz Classics), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• Happy Go Lucky Local (Discovery), available on CD from Amazon.com.
• The Popular Duke Ellington (RCA Victor Europe), available on CD from Amazon.com. 

Robert
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RIP, Joe Pass (1929-1994)

Jazz guitarist Joe Pass died on May 23, 1994, in Los Angeles from liver cancer. He was 65 years old. He is buried in the Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Pass had, as Len Lyons puts it, "a prodigious dexterity, an encyclopedic harmonic knowledge, and a driving sense of swing." Jazz critic Scott Yanow said that "Joe Pass did the near-impossible. He was able to play up-tempo versions of bop tunes such as 'Cherokee' and 'How High the Moon' unaccompanied on the guitar."

Pass plays "How High the Moon" here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the Joe Pass album, Virtuoso (Pablo), which is available on CD from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Sun Ra

Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, 1914-1993) was born on May 22, 1914, in Birmingham, Alabama. Jazz critic Scott Yanow said that "Of all the jazz musicians, Sun Ra was probably the most controversial," primarily because of Sun Ra's eclectic music, unorthodox lifestyle, and claims that he was of the "Angel Race" and that he was from Saturn.

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons describes Sun Ra's Arkestra as "a band of high contrast in which driving riffs, free soloing, sensuous orchestration, and atonal collective blowing spin like the vanes of a pinwheel."

Sun Ra and His Arkestra play "Of the Other Tomorrow" from that album here:

Len Lyons recommends Sun Ra's album, Live at Montreux (Inner City). The album is available on CD from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Recent Links :: 21 May 2013

• Louis Armstrong: Ricky Riccardi discusses Louis Armstrong's 1938 recording of "When the Saints Go Marching In" at The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong. (The song is available on the album, The Complete Decca Recordings of Louis Armstrong (1935-1946), which can be purchased from Mosaic Records.)
• Dave Brubeck: At Jazz Backstory, Monk Rowe discusses the Dave Brubeck song, "Unsquare Dance."
• Chick Corea: At JazzTimes, Russ Musto reviews the recent Chick Corea concert in New York City.
• Duke Ellington: New Jazz United shares an audio of Ray Nance with Duke Ellington playing "Just Squeeze Me."
• Keith Jarrett: At All About Jazz, John Kelman reviews the album, "Somewhere," by Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette. (Purchase the album from Amazon.com.)
• Fats Waller: On May 21, his birthday, Fats Waller was the Jazz Musician of the Day at All About Jazz.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Fats Waller

Jazz pianist Fats Waller (1904-1943) was born on May 21, 1904, in New York City. Jazz critic Richard S. Ginell said that Waller was "one of the greatest pianists jazz has ever known" and "also one of its most exuberantly funny entertainers" with an "extraordinarily light and flexible touch."

Waller was a protege of the great stride pianist James P. Johnson, an influence on painists from Earl Hines to Art Tatum, an incredible commercial success, and the author of popular songs such as "Honeysuckle Rose", "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Squeeze Me."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Waller's album, Fats Waller Piano Solos, 1929-1941 (Bluebird). Unfortunately, that album is only available in vinyl, and Jim Determan recommends as an alternative Turn on the Heat — The Fats Waller Piano Solos (RCA), which is available on CD from Barnes & Noble.

Waller plays his composition, "Honeysuckle Rose," here:

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Woody Herman

Jazz clarinetist and big band leader Woody Herman (1913-1987) was born on May 16, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Critic Scott Janow describes Herman as "A fine swing clarinetist, an altoist whose sound was influenced by Johnny Hodges, a good soprano saxophonist, and a spirited blues vocalist" but adds that his "greatest significance to jazz was as the leader of a long line of big bands."

Herman was particularly good at finding talented individuals — like Stan Getz, Bill Harris, and Zoot Sims — and allowing them to "find themselves." Herman was also interested in playing and creating new music, and his band was the first to absorb the innovations of bebop.

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the album, The Three Herds (Columbia). The album is available as an import from Amazon.com.  Jim Determan also recommends as an alternative The Thundering Herds 1945-1947 (Columbia), and this album can be purchased at Amazon.com.

His first band — sometimes known as "The Band That Plays the Blues" — plays its first hit, "Woodchopper's Ball," here:

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Betty Carter

Jazz singer Betty Carter (1929-1998) was born in Flint, Michigan, on May 16, 1929. Carter was especially known for her ability to capture the instrumental timbres in her voice. In fact, she insisted that the voice was as legitimate an instrument in jazz as any other. She was also fiercely independent and had her own Bet-Car label in the 1970s.

Jazz critic Steve Huey said that Carter was "Arguably the most adventurous female jazz singer of all time," and fellow vocalist Carmen McRae once claimed that "there's really only one jazz singer - only one: Betty Carter."

Carter sings "How High the Moon" here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the album Betty Carter (Bet-Car MK 1002). Jim Determan, who updated the Lyons list, also recommends The Audience with Betty Carter, which was not available when Lyons wrote his book.

• Purchase Betty Carter from Amazon.com.
• Purchase The Audience with Better Carter from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Recent Links :: 12 May 2013

• Louis Armstrong: Ricky Riccardi discusses Louis Armstrong's 1933 recording of "Dusky Stevedore" at The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong. (The song is available on the album, The Complete RCA Victor Recordings, which can be purchased from Amazon.com.)
• Clifford Brown, Charlie Christian, Fats Waller: At Groovenotes, Kevin Kniestedt discusses a planned film, "They Died Before 40," which includes Clifford Brown, Charlie Christian, and Fats Waller.
• Miles Davis: At Rolling Stone, R.J. Cubarrubia discusses plans by Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and Paul McCartney to record together in the late 1960s.
• Benny Goodman: Jazz Lives shares a video of Benny Goodman playing with Buddy Rich, Jimmy Rowles, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Jack Six on the Merv Griffin Show in 1979.
• Keith Jarrett: On May 8, his birthday, Keith Jarrett was the Jazz Musician of the Day at All About Jazz.
• John McLaughlin: Guitarist John McLaughlin just announced his first U.S. tour in three years, according to Jeff Tamarkin at JazzTimes.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, King Oliver

Joe "King" Oliver (1885-1938) was born on May 11, 1885, in Aben, Louisiana. Oliver played cornet in New Orleans brass bands and dance bands before forming his own group, which included talents like Kid Ory, Baby Dodds, Johnny Dodds, Lil Hardin, and Louis Armstrong, who once said that "if it had not been for Joe Oliver, jazz would not be what it is today."

Oliver was also a well-known composer, and his tunes include "Dipper Mouth Blues", "Sweet Like This", "Canal Street Blues", and "Doctor Jazz."

Oliver's band plays one of his compositions, "Dipper Mouth Blues," here:

In his 101 Best Jazz Albums, Lyons recommends the album, King Oliver's Jazz Band, 1923 (Smithsonian). Unfortunately, that album is not available in CD or MP3 format.

Jim Determan recommends the following alternatives on CD. He calls the Retrieval CD "the definitive reissue." He also lists the Milestone CD below, although he adds that the "only reason to pick up this set is for the seven interesting tracks by The Red Onion Jazz Babies, featuring Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Alberta Hunter; or if you can't find the Retrieval set."

• King Oliver: King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band: The Complete Set (Retrieval), available from Amazon.com.
• King Oliver: Louis Armstrong with King Oliver (Milestone), available from Amazon.com.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Keith Jarrett

Jazz pianist Keith Jarrett turns 68 today. Jarrett, whom critic Scott Janow calls "one of the most significant pianists to emerge since the 1960s," was born on May 8, 1945, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons notes that "During the 1970s [Jarrett] revived and reshaped the virtually dormant solo piano medium, and inspired pianists to continue the tradition ..." In 2008, Jarrett was inducted into the Downbeat Hall of Fame.

In Lyons's book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Lyons recommends Jarrett's album, The Koln Concert, which is available on CD from Amazon.com.

Part 1 of that concert can be heard here:

Robert
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Recent Links :: 4 May 2013

• Louis Armstrong: At the Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong, Ricky Riccardi discusses Louis Armstrong's 1933 recording of "Tomorrow Night (After Tonight)." (The song is available on the album, The Complete RCA Victor Recordings, which can be purchased from Amazon.com.)
• Miles Davis: Open Culture shares two Miles Davis videos — one at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival and one in Antibes in 1969.
• Duke Ellington: On April 29, his birthday, Duke Ellington was Jazz Musician of the Day at All About Jazz.
• Duke Ellington: New Jazz United shares a video of Duke Ellington and His Orchestra playing "Satin Doll" from 1962.
• Charlie Parker: Tom Reney discusses Charlie Parker's influence on pianist Lennie Tristano at JazzTimes.
• Sonny Rollins: Sonny Rollins was given a special award as Emeritus Jazz Artist/Beyond Voting from the Jazz Journalists Association.
• Wayne Shorter: Wayne Shorter was given a Lifetime Achievement in Jazz award from the Jazz Journalists Association. Shorter was also named the Soprano Saxophonist of the Year, and the Wayne Shorter Quartet was named Small Ensemble of the Year.
• Wayne Shorter: Wayne Shorter discusses the meaning of International Jazz Day with Jeff Tamarking at JazzTimes.

Robert
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Happy Birthday, John Lewis

Jazz pianist John Lewis was born on May 3, 1920, in La Grange, Illinois.

Lewis is best known as the musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, which was formed to provide members of Dizzy Gillespie's band more improvisational freedom.  As critic Scott Yanow points out, Lewis had a vision of "making jazz seem respectable by occasionally interacting with classical ensembles and playing concerts at prestigious venues, but always leaving plenty of space for bluesy and swinging improvising."  Unfortunately, differences between vibraphonist Milt Jackson and Lewis led to the former's departure from the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1974 and the group's break-up.

The Modern Jazz Quartet, with Lewis on piano, plays one of his compositions, "Django," here:

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the Modern Jazz Quartet's album, European Concert (Atlantic).  The album is available from Amazon.com.

Robert
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