Jazz Focus

Perhaps the first true New Orleans revival session - George Lewis and His Band was essentially the same group that recorded with Bunk Johnson, but with Avery "Kid" Howard bringing a more modern style to the band. Jim Robinson, Lawrence Marrero, Chester Zardis, Edgar Mosely and "Jim Little" (Sidney Brown) round out the group. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Explore the evolution of pianist Earl Hines and His Orchestra from the 1939-42 era, highlighting their transition to a swing band with talented soloists and vocal performances by Billy Eckstine. Discover distinctive jazz compositions like 'Grand Terrace Shuffle' and 'Gator Swing', as well as the repetitive and evocative theme of 'Jelly, Jelly' in their music.

The New Orleans trombone player Preston Jackson was an active participant in Southside jazz bands in the 1920's . .here he is featured with Richard M. Jones Jazz Wizards (Shirley Clay, Artie Starks, Johnny St. Cyr, George Reynolds, Clifford "Snags" Jones), Bertha "Chippie" Hill and his own Uptown Band (featuring Jones' musicians) and also Luis Russell's Heebie Jeebie Stompers with Bob Shoffner, Darnell Howard, Barney Bigard and St. Cyr. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Swing to Bop records made by members of Woody Herman's First Herd in 1944-46 . . groups led by Harris (with Conte Candoli, Alvin Burroughs and Phillips), Berman (Harris, Phillips, Serge Chaloff) and Phillips (Neal Hefti, Harris, Aaron Sachs and Bill Shine) with a more or less steady rhythm section of Ralph Burns, Billy Bauer, Chubby Jackson and either Dave Tough or Don Lamond. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Teddy Wilson solo piano performances, from his first (unreleased) session in 1934 through some occasional 1941 tracks for Brunswick, ARC and Columbia. He was known as the "Quintessence of Swing" and these somewhat rare solos demonstrate why! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Small groups that played regularly at Cafe Society and other New York establishments for about four years, led by the great pianist Teddy Wilson. Columbia and transcription recordings featuring Bill Coleman, Emmett Berry, Benny Morton, Jimmy Hamilton, Edmond Hall, George James, Al Hall, Specs Powell, Sid Catlett, Slam Stewart and others . .also Helen Ward and Lena Horne on vocals! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Small group recordings featuring Woody Herman's First Herd tenor saxophonist - with Earl Hines (Ray Nance, Johnny Hodges, Betty Roche), Red Norvo (Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Teddy Wilson, Slam Stewart) and under his own name with Ralph Burns, Chubby Jackson, Billy Bauer and Don Lamond --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

The largely forgotten clarinet player Archie Semple was a mainstay in Alex Welsh's great band in the 1950's and 60's before suffering an emotional and physical breakdown that sadly ended his playing days. Here is a sample of the relatively few tracks he recorded under his own name, featuring Welsh, Dickie Hawdon on trumpet, Roy Crimmins on trombone, Fred Hunt on piano and others, but focusing on the leader's clarinet, reflecting the twin influences of Pee Wee Russell and Edmond Hall --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Pioneering pianist Lovie Austin and her band's instrumental recordings showcased talents of Tommy Ladnier, Kid Ory, Johnny Dodds. They influenced early jazz scene in 1920s Chicago with innovative style and unique arrangements. Exploring their impact on the music industry and legacy in shaping early jazz genre.

Recordings made by one of the greatest versions of the Basie band for Verve in January, 1956. Featuring arrangements by Ernie Wilkins, Neal Hefti, Joe Newman, Frank Wess and Frank Foster and solos by the two Franks, Newman, Thad Jones, Bill Hughes, Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Bill Graham, Marshall Royal and the great rhythm section of Basie, Freddie Green, Eddie Jones and Sonny Payne. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support