10 June 2014 — Jazz on the Tube
In my top ten list of jazz greats, Ahmad Jamal’s Poinciana was one the first albums I ever bought. Recorded in Marciac, France. Written by Nat Simon in 1936, “Poinciana” has since become a jazz standard. The Cuban folk melody “La canción del árbol”, “The Song of the Tree” – provided the inspiration for Simon’s composition.
Personnel: Ahmad Jamal, piano; James Cammack, bass; Idris Muhammad, drums
19 June 2021 — Jazz on the Tube
Dave Lambert: June 19, 1917 – October 3, 1966
A tribute to the pioneering vocalese lyricist and singer
Dave Lambert was born June 19, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts.
13 May 2021 — Jazz on the Tube
Gil Evans – May 13, 1912 – March 20, 1988
Arranger, composer, leader, and pianist Ian Ernest Gilmore Green (who became known as Gil Evans) was born May 13, 1912 in Toronto Canada.
Gil Evans began his career as a bandleader quite early, leading his own orchestra during 1933-38 which eventually became the backup band for singer Skinnay Ennis (for whom he arranged).
21 Jan 2020 — Youtube
Legendary jazz drummer Stan Levey was not only on the scene for the birth of bebop music, he also played a significant role in its delivery. This documentary is a fascinating inside look at a musician who was both a participant and an observer, whose briskly swinging skills as a drummer were matched by an insightful understanding of the jazz history-making surroundings of his youth. Featured are commentaries from Stan and his contemporaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Hank Jones, Terry Gibbs, Nino Tempo, Bill Henderson and Charlie Watts. This is a non-profit video strictly made for the enjoyment and education of you the viewer. Produced by Arthur Shelby Pritz & Stan Levey. Directed by Arthur Shelby Pritz.
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20 December 2020 — Youtube
Released Dec 15, 2020 on his 91st birthday
A short movie capturing the amazing synergy of Barry Harris & people. Filmed during the Barry Harris Workshop Rome, March 2019. Harris is 89 at that moment. Made with the ear of a musician, with the eye of a reporter and most of all: straight from the heart. A film by Heleen Schuttevaêr; video editing Hidde Kroonbergs.
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Remember what normal life used to be like? Well here’s a beautiful reminder in one, beautiful concert.
30 October 2020 — Daily Maverick
‘Zombie’ by Fela Kuti – Cover by Lemi Ghariokwu (Composite image design by Marushka Stipinovich for Maverick Life)
By Lusanda Luthuli
They worked together, weaving powerful art and music on 26 album covers, all of which explode with colours and striking imagery. Continue reading
28 August 2020 — Gilad Atzmon
Dear friends and music lovers:
Here is our last night’s Livestream from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club.
The reaction to the performance was astonishing. Many people were watching us live and shared their thoughts. For the musicians this was a very unique experience. We played in an empty club, yet communicated in real time with so many people around the world.
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31 August 2020 — Jazz on the Tube
The jazz historian and poet Dave Oliphant reads selections from his epic poem “KD: A Jazz Biography”, his tribute to trumpet great and master musician Kenny Dorham, born August 30, 1924 in Post Oak, Texas.
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20 November 2020 — Youtube
SHAYA! is Documentary about Amapiano music, lifestyle and culture in South Africa. The inside story about the culture and how certain things became the way they are. This 26 minute documentary features: Kabza De Small, MFR Souls,Tall Arse Tee, DJ Jaivane, JazziDisciples, Papers 707, Dimpie Dimpopo, Mbali Sibeko, Dinho Cafe, Kwiish SA, Pencil, Stokie and more…
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6 July 2020 — MRonline — Open Culture
Consider the influence of television, even in the digital age. Consider the power that networks like Fox and CNN continue to wield over that nebulous thing called public opinion; the continued dominance of NBC and CBS. These giants don’t really inform so much as sell packaged ideological content paid for and approved by corporate sponsors. There’s really no need to update poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron’s radical, 1971 classic “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” unless we wanted to change the names. His voice still speaks directly to the moment we live in.
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12 May 2015 — Open Culture
Last week, we posted an interview with the late, great Ray Bradbury that was brilliantly animated by the folks over at Blank on Blank. This week, they unveil a new piece featuring John Coltrane. You can watch it above.
