You'll Hear It

Delve into the transformative journey of Miles Davis and his groundbreaking work, 'Birth of the Cool.' Discover how he collaborated with Gil Evans and a unique ensemble to redefine jazz through intricate arrangements and fresh sounds. Explore the evolution from bebop to cool jazz, featuring solos by legends like Lee Konitz. Reflect on the emotional depths of jazz performance and the lasting influence of iconic musicians. The conversation blends humor, insightful anecdotes, and a celebration of musical innovation that continues to resonate today.

Learn what makes Marvin Gaye’s protest album a timeless masterpiece. Adam and Peter go deeper than deep—layer by layer—using stems to find out. Listen to the full arrangement in a way you’ve probably never experienced, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times. Strings, bass, background vocals, Marvin’s multi-tracked leads, percussion, vibes—it’s all here, isolated and exposed.We also dig into the story behind the album, and how a protest record became a timeless masterpiece.A must-listen for anyone who cares about music—and how it’s made.ABOUT OPEN STUDIO------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor. Play better in 2026 and beyond at Open Studio. Join today with our last BIG savings of the year at openstudiojazz.com/yhi

Kirk Hamilton, host of the Strong Songs podcast, joins to dive deep into the iconic 1973 self-titled album by Tower of Power. They explore the band’s legendary musicianship, from David Garibaldi's precise drumming to Rocco Prestia's bass lines. Kirk highlights standout tracks like 'What Is Hip?' and 'Soul Vaccination,' discussing their intricate horn arrangements and the blend of funk and soul. The conversation also touches on the band's rich history in the Bay Area and the dynamic interplay that defines their unforgettable sound.

Explore the impact of synthesizers in jazz with a dive into Chick Corea's electrifying fusion music. Delve into Corea's musical journey and how technology reshaped jazz in the '70s and '80s. Highlights include iconic tracks, the balance of rhythm and improvisation, and the emotional depth of 1980s compositions. Enjoy humorous debates on music aesthetics while uncovering the unique blend of masculine and feminine elements. It's a vibrant discussion that celebrates the evolution of jazz and encourages listener engagement.

Who swings harder: Oscar Peterson with guitar or drums? In this jazz piano trio showdown, Adam and Peter go head-to-head with seven scorching tracks spanning OP’s career. Team Guitar brings Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, and Joe Pass, while Team Drums is anchored by the ever-swinging Ed Thigpen.  We break down comping chemistry, shifting textures, virtuosic solos, and how each setup shaped the trio’s iconic sound. Which format delivered the best Oscar Peterson performances? Join us for a deep dive into Canada’s greatest jazz export.🟠 Open Studio Members:Nerd nook → https://www.openstudiojazz.com/community/c/as-seen-on/yhi-nerd-nook-classic-op-soundsABOUT OPEN STUDIO------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor.Try OS Membership today! → https://osjazz.link/aboutAll about YHIhttps://lnk.to/youllhearitYB Play better in 2026 and beyond at Open Studio. Join today with our last BIG savings of the year at openstudiojazz.com/yhi

What happens when a 21-year-old Stevie Wonder gets the keys to the Motown kingdom? You get Talking Book, a no-filler masterpiece. Adam and Peter go track-by-track through Stevie’s first fully self-driven album, where he played nearly everything himself. From the sticky funk of “Superstition” to the guitar-like tones of “Big Brother,” we break down Stevie’s best clav sounds, synth bass lines, and his surprisingly killin’ drum takes. You’ll hear how this record captured the cutting-edge of music tech while remaining deeply human – and why it may be even better than Songs in the Key of Life. Let’s talk the genius of Stevie Wonder.🟠 Open Studio Members → Nerd nook ABOUT OPEN STUDIO------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor.Try OS Membership today! → https://osjazz.link/aboutAll about YHIhttps://lnk.to/youllhearitYB Play better in 2026 and beyond at Open Studio. Join today with our last BIG savings of the year at openstudiojazz.com/yhi

One afternoon in Oslo changed the course of jazz piano history! In this episode, Adam and Peter dive into Facing You, the hit 1971 ECM release where a 26-year-old Keith Jarrett – torn between Miles Davis’ electric band and his own acoustic instincts – walked alone into a studio and recorded eight completely improvised masterpieces. From the gospel-tinged “In Front” to the apex moment in “Lalene,” we explore his remarkable touch, bluesy intuition, and the distinctive distorted Steinway that producer Manfred Eicher perfectly captured. We place this album among solo piano giants (Monk, Tatum, Evans), lovingly examine Jarrett’s “fussy” reputation, and show how this afternoon session laid the blueprint for his legendary Köln Concert. Five decades later, we jazz pianists are still chasing the magic Keith created that day.🟠 Open Studio Members → Nerd nook ABOUT OPEN STUDIO------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the premier online jazz education platform, with an ever-expanding course library and 20,000+ members, Open Studio (OS) has everything you need to excel and thrive on your jazz journey.Featuring everything from beginner to advanced lessons, engaging courses from A-list instructors, step-by-step curriculum, real-time classes and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, OS is the perfect platform to level up your jazz playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level improvisor.Try OS Membership today! → https://osjazz.link/aboutAll about YHIhttps://lnk.to/youllhearitYB Play better in 2026 and beyond at Open Studio. Join today with our last BIG savings of the year at openstudiojazz.com/yhi

Dive into Herbie Hancock's transformative journey from jazz to funk as the hosts highlight his groundbreaking work during the Headhunters era. They discuss the iconic ARP bass line of 'Chameleon' and the innovative contributions of musicians like Paul Jackson. Personal anecdotes reflect on the joy of crossing paths with jazz legends in Japan. The episode celebrates Hancock's unique use of synthesizers, examines his genre-defying impact, and encourages listeners to rethink jazz's boundaries. Get ready for a musical adventure filled with nostalgia and insight!

Dive into the revolutionary jazz years of 1923-1933 as Louis Armstrong redefines improvisation and popularity. Discover the origins of scat singing and how Armstrong's genius changed the game. Delve into the emotional pulse of swing and syncopation, celebrated through performances with Earl Hines. Learn about impactful tracks like 'Black and Blue,' which tackled racism head-on, and explore the rich legacy and enduring connections of jazz. The lively discussions also compare iconic jazz albums, inviting listeners to join the debate.

Join Roberta Flack, the iconic soul and jazz singer renowned for her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, as she reflects on her remarkable journey. Discover how this classical piano prodigy, who made her mark at Howard University, transformed into the Quiet Storm Queen. Flack shares insights on her hit "Killing Me Softly" and the emotional depth of her music. The discussion honors her legacy, highlighting the influence she had on generations of artists in soul, R&B, and jazz.