Show Notes for 2/20-23

Re-evaluating Jazz

There are a lot of opinions out there of what Jazz is. Sure, I suppose you could define it in empirical terms, but then, that would spoil it somehow, wouldn't it? Because Jazz has no finite limitations, it can be just about anything the player, composer or listener wants it to be. 

When I tell people I do a Jazz show on the radio, their eyes generally roll up in their heads as they try to imagine themselves sitting through a torturous two hours of "that music." In fact, they are likely to be completely wrong about what the music sounds like. The very first Jazz records were made in 1917, just barely over 100 years ago. In that time, Jazz has grown and developed far beyond the wildest imaginings of its originators. It is more exciting, more confusing, more engaging, more daunting, looser and more disciplined than ever, and it's still changing with each new generation. 

The music we play on In the Mood concentrates on a particularly exciting period in Jazz history - the Big Band Era, which, for the purposes of this show, covers a period of 1925 to 1950 or so. This music is sophisticated, yet still elemental. It's easy to understand, both for musicians and fans alike. And yet, it beautifully demonstrates the principles of melody, harmony, rhythm and self-expression.

In the last 100 years, no one has done more to advance the range and appeal of Jazz than Duke Ellington. As a composer, he has led the way through the Twentieth Century and into the modern world. Hundreds of his original compositions remain Jazz standards today. As a pianist, his considerable talents (often overlooked) are well-documented in his thousands of recordings, providing inspiration and direction to the artists of today. And as a bandleader, he used his orchestra as his palette, writing to the strengths of his soloists, forever inventing new devices to help them showcase their talents. 

It is with great pleasure that we spend the first 20 minutes of Hour 1 of this week's In the Mood in a loving listen to some of Duke's creations that populated the Big Band Era. His trusty soloists Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Barney Bigard, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Cootie Williams and Jimmy Hamilton are like quickly-recognized old friends dropping by.

We start Hour 2 with a celebration of Les Brown and his Band of Renown. We trace Les's solid musical education through the 1920s and early '30s, all the way through the hit years with Doris Day, and the multiple USO tours in the 1960s and '70s. I think we may even listen in on a Bob Hope monologue straight from DaNang.

Other highlights in this week's show include major hits from Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Jimmy Dorsey and the Andrews Sisters. We'll hear Glen Gray's landmark Capitol recording of the No Name Jive, and the immortal Summit Ridge Drive from Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five. 

What other delights await our faithful listeners this week? You'll just have to tune in and see. Visit our Facebook Page for the broadcast schedule, and feel free to comment either here or there. And don't forget to Keep Swinging!