The Track Star Podcast The Evolution of Jazz in 10 Songs
Oct 15, 2025
Join Grammy winners Jon Batiste and Christian McBride, alongside the dynamic New Jazz Underground, for an engaging exploration of jazz's evolution through 10 iconic songs. They delve into the revolutionary sounds of Louis Armstrong, the swing mastery of Duke Ellington, and the groundbreaking bebop era with legends like Charlie Parker. Discover how jazz has transformed from big bands to smaller combos, the significance of bass and drums, and the genre's exciting modern revival. This lively discussion is steeped in rich history, anecdotes, and performances.
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Armstrong As Jazz's Foundational Voice
- Louis Armstrong reshaped jazz by making solo improvisation and personal expression central to the music.
- Jon Batiste frames Armstrong as a foundational, transformative figure whose recordings defined jazz's voice.
Ellington's Orchestral Storytelling
- Duke Ellington's orchestration shapes emotional arc by contrasting registers and textures across sections.
- Jon Batiste calls Ellington the greatest American composer for his consistent, inhabiting music-making.
Let The Bass Be Heard
- Place the bass prominently in recordings so listeners physically feel the music and connect to the groove.
- Christian McBride models this practice by emphasizing audible bass presence on his records.
