Jazz Focus

These 1995-2002 sessions for Challenge records feature the crack Dutch big band playing published and unpublished arrangements and compositions by Billy Strayhorn, including a very early version of "Lush Life" (aka "Lonely Again") all featuring tremendous solos by the members of the band --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Unusual sessions during the Depression - black big bands active in Chicago in the 1930's (most musicians from the previous decade) playing good jazz! . .Richard M. Jones (with Artie Starks, Preston Jackson, Herschel Evans, Louis Metcalf, Ed Saint, others), Frankie Half Pint Jaxon (with Guy Kelly, Al Wynn, Dalbert Bright, Dave Young, others), and Reuben "River" Reeves (with Gerald Reeves, Franz Jackson, Norval Morton, Tubby Hall, others) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

On the face of it, the New Orleans trumpeter Manone and the great swing tenor sax player Berry were ill-fitted, but these 1938 and 1939 sessions were remarkably successful, featuring jazz standards and some pop tunes as well as Buster Bailey, Gus Fetterer, Buck Scott, Joe Marsala, Conrad Lanoue, Danny Barker, Zeb Julian and Cozy Cole --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

The Chicago-based West End Jazz Band (featuring Mike and Leah Bezin, Frank Gualtieri, John Otto, Mike Walbridge, Wayne Jones and Mike Albiniak) was especially active in the first fifteen years of the 21st Century and specialized in Hot Dance. Here, they play a series of selections recorded in the 1920's by the Coon Sanders Nighthawks. Terrific arrangements - the six piece band sounds like at least ten! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Talented singer Ethel Waters and His Orchestra deliver great recordings in the late 1930s, accompanied by a stellar lineup of musicians. Explore emotional turbulence, loyalty, and unrequited love through powerful renditions of songs like 'Frankie and Johnny'. Dive into the musical journey of Ethel Waters in 1938-1939, highlighting Benny Carter's alto sax solos and unique arrangements. Celebrate simple joys, gratitude, and love while enjoying humorous updates and misunderstandings in a letter of love.

Rhapsody in Blue is 100 years old as of Febuary, 2024! Here are some historical as well as great jazz performances of the iconic piece - George Gershwin on piano roll and with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, Bert Firman (with Carroll Gibbons), Eddie South, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Leroy Smith and Glenn Miller --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Tune in to explore the vibrant Southside Jazz scene in Chicago during the 1920s-30s with guests like Luis Russell, Tiny Parham, Frankie Half Pint Jaxon, and Banjo Ikey Robinson. Discover unique recordings, misattributions, and the dynamic music landscape of early jazz influenced by these legendary musicians.

Illinois Jacquet, known for his tenor playing, discusses forming his band in 1945. Highlights include recording sessions with Charles Mingus, classic solos, 'Flying Home' parts, and yearning lyrics. The podcast explores blues music, solitude, and emotive compositions.

Guests Harry Dial, a drummer from Chicago, and Alex Hill, a pianist and composer from Chicago, discuss their bands and the Chicago to New York jazz migration in the 1920s. The podcast explores their talented band members, influential recordings, personal tastes, and the evolution of jazz during that era.

Great unheard jazz from various black groups active in Chicago in the late 1920's - Dave Nelson, Kline Tindall, Vance Dixon, Ernest "Mike" Michall, Cicero Thomas and others producing some exceptionally hot sounds just below the radar . .recordings for Paramount and Gennett. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support