Tag: jazz

Ahmad Jamal: ‘Autumn Leaves’

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Monday, 6 February 2023 — Jazz on the Tube

I just love Ahmad Jamal!! WB

Ahmad Jamal became a significant pianist in the early 1950s and he was still at the top in 2017 when he was 87.

Jamal’s “less-is-more” approach was a contrast to the dominant bebop style in his early days, his use of space and dynamics in his continuous close interaction with his sidemen remained a constant, and he continued to grow within his own individual style for decades.

On this intriguing and often-surprising version of “Autumn Leaves,” Jamal is joined by bassist James Cammack, drummer Herlin Riley, and percussionist Manolo Badrena

-Scott Yanow

Eddy Wiggins – The Lost Historian

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18 August 2022 — Blue Lion Films

“Eddy Wiggins: Le Noir et Le Blanc”

[It’s unlikely that you’ll ever find this stunning book, unfortunately, I’ve tried, I was lent a copy by a friend. It’s an incredible document of the most beautiful photographs of African-American musicians hanging out in Paris in the 1950s. Absolutely stunning! The photographer, Eddy Wiggins almost completely unknown. B]

Eddie Wiggins

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‘It’s not the notes, it’s how they’re played’

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Friday, 28 January 2022 — New Frame

Pianist Sibu Mashiloane’s new album enacts the collective dance of South African jazz. It is his sixth album in six years, and a work of many trusted hands.

9 January 2022: A portrait of pianist Sibu Mashiloane. His new album, Music From My People, is his sixth in six years. (Photograph by Hugh Mdlalose)

Setting goals is one thing; meeting them sometimes another. But pianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane vowed in 2017 he would release an album a year until 2023 – and number six, Music From My People, has just landed. Conceived on a much grander scale than its predecessors, it involves 17 other musicians and brings together his music praxis and the theoretical insights his academic research into the identity of South African jazz is mining.

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Ahmad Jamal: ‘Poinciana’

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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

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Listen: Gil Evans Day – ‘Boplicity’

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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).

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Watch: Stan Levey – The Beginnings of Bebop

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21 Jan 2020 — Youtube

TubeworksVideo

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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Watch: The Wonderful World of Pianist Barry Harris

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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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Watch: Return Sessions – Charlie Parker Centenary with Gilad Atzmon & the Sigamos Quartet – 27/08/20

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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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An Improvisation 2004 – The Andrew Hill Trio

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31 December 2019 — Jazz on the Tube

[One of my favourite artists. I actually met him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1975. WB.]

A dynamic performance by pianist Andrew Hill and his trio

Andrew Hill (1931-2007) was a masterful pianist and a very original composer whose music fell into the avant-garde but was really in its own category.

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Duke Ellington – V.I.P. Boogie/Jam With Sam

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2 May 2018 —Jazz on the Tube

“Ellington in 1962 performs a medley of two numbers”

In 1962, the Goodyear Tire Company sponsored a series of half-hour shows that showcased swing-oriented performers.

This color excerpt from the Duke Ellington program features baritonist Harry Carney and clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton in the spotlight during the medium-tempo blues “V.I.P. Boogie.”

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Remembering Bra Hugh Masekela

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26 January 2018 — Jazz on the Tube

Hugh Masekela (April 4, 1939 – January 23, 2018)

Hugh Masekela “Grazing In The Grass” live at the Kuumbwa, March 24th, 2014

I had the pleasure, and the honour of hanging out with Bra Hugh on a number of occasions when I lived Johannesburg as well as here in London when he visited here. A modest and honest human being, who was the same offstage as we was on, and who dedicated his life, not only to the wonderful music of South Africa but to the struggle to free its people from the evil of Apartheid.

As they say  in SA, Hamba Kahle Bra Hugh, you are forever in our memory Continue reading →