John Coltrane fronts a “Miles Davis-less” Miles Davis Quintet who couldn’t make the gig… A televised performance before a live audience in Germany, 1960. Composed in 1947 by Bronislaw Kaper, “On Green Dolphin Street” was made a jazz standard by Miles Davis’ recording it in the … Continue reading
Otis Rush is back with a mid-60s concert performance of his first hit I Can’t Quit You Baby. Following an introduction to the audience courtesy of Roosevelt Sykes, Otis breaks out with a stunning vocal at the start. Since he recorded it in 1956 this song, written … Continue reading
This session was recorded by German television in 1960. It was part of a tour called “Norman Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic Presents Jazz Winners of 1960.” ‘Trane was touring with Miles – his last tour with him – but … Continue reading
Choice material from the John Coltrane Quartet recorded in the early 60s. A filmed version of “Naima” that I’ve never seen before. You can hear Coltrane shifting from ballad to sheets of sound and back again. The “sheets of sound” approach can be heard as early as … Continue reading
How playing an instrument benefits your brain. Let’s Begin… When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What’s … Continue reading
Happy Birthday, Jaco Pastorius(December 1, 1951 – September 21, 1987) Bassist, composer and bandleader Jaco Pastorius was born John Francis Anthony Pastorius III on December 1, 1951 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Jaco made waves with the release of his self-titled 1976 debut, establishing his inventive … Continue reading
An iconic day in history pushing back against bigotry. Rosa Parks Day. 60 years ago Rosa Parks, in a simple and non-violent act of defiance, catalyzed a movement that toppled a long established way of American life. Today would be … Continue reading