Jazz Is: 39 – Blue Rondo à la Turk

. Giving Los Angeles (or West Coast) cool jazz a whole new meaning. These guys simply take wing. The Dave Brubeck Quartet on “The Lively Ones” television show, first broadcast July 25, 1962. Related articles Forgotten Gems From The Dave Brubeck Quartet (npr.org) My music playlist for today (May 6, 2012 edition) (viewfrommiddleclass.wordpress.com) Take Five by […]

How We Lived On It (49) – The First Hippie

. “When I was young, I dreamed of a boy searching for God. Now I am old, and I dream of God searching for a boy.” The focus of yesterday’s Jazz Is, the vocal standard “Nature Boy,” was written by eden ahbez. This is not like saying written by Johnny Mercer or  Jimmy Van Heusen. ahbez […]

Jazz Is: 38 – “Nature Boy”

. For a marvelous contrast, sample both of the versions below of eden ahbez‘s famous jazz ballad, “Nature Boy.” The first is a classic, serenely tasteful rendition by Nat King Cole, who first performed and recorded the song. The second, longer performance is the stunningly inventive rendition arranged by Ross Burford and Connaitre Miller for Howard University’s Jazz […]

Jazz Is: 37 – Nina Simone, “Love Me or Leave Me”

. Just take this as an add shot to your morning espresso. Related articles Here, There & Everywhere: Jazz at the Federal opens (irom.wordpress.com) Jazz For Young People: What Is New Orleans Jazz? At Jazz At Lincoln Center (bxcheapskate.com) New Orleans Jazz Sensation’s New Album Highlights a Montage of Music Culture (pr.com)

Jazz Is: 36 – White Tie & Reefer

. Cab Calloway and “Reefer Man.” My favorite part is watching his hair fly. And here’s a little background on the Cab: Prince before Prince. Related articles Cab Calloway Sings “Minnie The Moocher” (treeofmamre.wordpress.com) Video Proves The Power Of Music: Dementia Patient Loves His Cab Calloway (towleroad.com) Cab Calloway Song On iPod Awakens Senior In […]