Mike Mainieri and his New Steps Ahead group from 2005. Brilliant! The first line-up of the group originally known as Steps in the period 1979-1981, as can be read on the live album Smokin’ in the Pit, consisted of Michael … Continue reading
Jazz/Funk pioneer Mike Stern talks about his favorite techniques playing over chord changes. The Half-Whole Diminished Scale is particularly useful for using dissonance over dominant 7th chords. Stern’s own words about his style and his journey as a guitarist: I’m … Continue reading
Mike Stern/Bob Berg Band defines Jazz/Rock Fusion. When saxophonist Bob Berg was tragically killed in December, 2002 at the age of 51, he’d just recorded two projects that would demonstrate just how passionate and far-reaching a contemporary post bop player … Continue reading
It’s an old story. A great jazz spot goes out of business and the magic goes silent often with nothing more than a sign on the door. Except in New Orleans where they know how to give people and places … Continue reading
Larry Carlton is unsurpassed in playing complicated chord changes while making them sound smooth and connected to even the musically untrained ear. Larry Carlton was born in Torrance, California. He started learning to play guitar when he was six years … Continue reading
Billy Strayhorn and William “Duke” Ellington got the writing credit on this one. When it became a hit as an instrumental, Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics, though it’s unclear if perhaps Strayhorn alone wrote it. Some time after its instrumental version became a hit, … Continue reading
There’s so little live footage of this groundbreaking band. Herbie moves quickly from period to period. If you’re unaware of this music, you would be doing yourself a huge favor to do some research. Clear your mind a bit, this … Continue reading
This is an hour with pianist Thelonious Monk’s quartet featuring Charlie Rouse (tenor sax), Larry Gales (double bass) and Ben Riley (drums). They play two sets running about half an hour each, filmed in black-and-white in TV studios without an … Continue reading
Larry Young – Groove Street Organist and pianist Larry Young, who took the Muslim name Khalid Yasin (Abdul Aziz), was born on October 7, 1940 in Newark, New Jersey. He got his start in R & B in the 50s before entering … Continue reading
The entire original Gershwin opera performed by the Berlin Philharmonic. One of the essential pieces of American music that went on to play a big role in jazz – plus notes about the amazing back story. So much to say about this piece… Here’s … Continue reading