Lester Young is recognized as one of the all-time great tenor saxophonists, and one of the all-around giants of jazz. But in this episode we … Continue reading “Genius on a Cheap Clarinet”

Featuring an interview with jazz trumpeter Charlie Porter, this episode explores the living legacy of trumpet great Clifford Brown. Though gone for over sixty years, … Continue reading “Clifford Brown LIVES!”

It’s rare to be able to hear about the Harlem Stride greats from someone who knew several of them personally, but that’s exactly what Stride … Continue reading “More Harlem Stride!”

Harlem Stride was one of the most vibrant and sophisticated piano styles in the history of jazz—it was the greatest musical creation of the period … Continue reading “Harlem Stride!”

This is the story of one of jazz’s most heart-wrenching compositions, written on his deathbed by one of jazz’s greatest composers. Billy Strayhorn wrote “Blood … Continue reading “Billy Strayhorn’s “Blood Count””