In this podcast, Jazz History professor, biographer, musician, and popular podcaster Jay Sweet will help guide you through the tunes included in the Jazz Real B...
(64) "Chitlins Con Carne" and Kenny Burrell Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 4Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne," from his 1963 album Midnight Blue, is a masterful blend of blues and jazz. The track features a groovy bassline and a relaxed tempo, with Burrell and Stanley Turrentine sharing the melody. Burrell's first solo highlights his clear, bluesy phrasing and rich jazz guitar tone, while Turrentine’s soulful tenor saxophone adds depth during his solo. The song follows a 12-bar blues progression, infused with jazz inflections, including the signature C7#9 chord. Burrell’s unique style bridges the gap between genres, making the track a timeless favorite. Covered by artists from blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy to jazz icons like Horace Silver, "Chitlins Con Carne" remains an enduring classic that showcases Burrell's profound influence on both blues and jazz guitar.Kenny BurrellStevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Spotify Playlist
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Dan Pugach Interview
Dan Pugach, an Israeli-born composer, drummer, and bandleader, is pushing the boundaries of big band jazz with his Grammy-winning album Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence. The album, inspired by Pugach and his wife Nicole Zuraitis' love for rescue animals, combines personal stories with a tribute to their late dog Bianca. Pugach's unique journey from rock drummer to big band leader has shaped his innovative style, which blends influences from jazz greats and rock music. His Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble places him alongside legendary jazz figures, and his compositions reflect both personal and cultural narratives. Pugach's drumming and leadership in big band music reflect his deep understanding of rhythm and tradition. As he continues to write and perform, Pugach is dedicated to pushing the genre forward and staying connected with his audience, performing regularly in New York and worldwide with his big band and nonet.Website https://www.danpugach.com/Dan Pugach Big Band: Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws and Persistence https://youtu.be/hGX65TdtkGQ?si=FHQKEO6s2tcQc4iB
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Chippie and Don Cherry
(63) :Chippie " and Don Cherry Standard Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 8 Don Cherry (1936–1995) was a groundbreaking jazz trumpeter known for his role in pioneering free jazz alongside Ornette Coleman. Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Los Angeles, Cherry was influenced by Clifford Brown before joining Coleman’s quartet in the late 1950s. His work on The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959) and Free Jazz (1961) helped redefine jazz by embracing spontaneity and rejecting traditional harmonic constraints. Beyond his collaborations with Coleman, Cherry explored world music, blending African, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds into his work. His group Codona and projects like the Organic Music Society in Sweden exemplified his adventurous approach. Cherry’s impact on jazz remains profound, inspiring generations of musicians."Chippie" is a hard-swinging tune from Ornette Coleman’s 1958 album Something Else!!!!, featuring Cherry on cornet. It is structured around a 32-bar AABA form and draws from “I Got Rhythm” chord changes but introduces modern harmonic twists. The angular melody, reminiscent of Charlie Parker, poses challenges with its speed and rhythmic complexity. Cherry’s solo on the recording is fluid and well-connected, staying closer to the harmonic framework than Coleman’s more exploratory approach. The rhythm section, with Walter Norris on piano, Don Payne on double bass, and Billy Higgins on drums, drives the piece with intensity. “Chippie” highlights Cherry’s ability to balance bebop traditions with his evolving avant-garde sensibilities.Ornette Coleman Stefano Bollani Spotify Playlist
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Tal Yahalom Interview
Tal Yahalom, a Brooklyn-based jazz guitarist and composer, is set to release his highly anticipated ensemble-focused album Mirror Image on March 21, 2025, following the singles Hymn for Tomorrow (Feb. 24) and Tri-Tonal (March 10). Known for his intricate compositions and virtuosity, Yahalom brings together a stellar group of musicians, including David Leon (alto saxophone and flute), Ledah Finck (violin), Irene Han (cello), and Rogerio Boccato (percussion), to create a blend of chamber music and jazz that defies traditional boundaries. For more on Mirror Image, check out its official release on Bandcamp, and catch Yahalom live at the album release show on April 10 at Jazz Gallery, NYC.https://www.talyahalom.com/
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A Child is Born and Thad Jones
(62) “A Child Is Born” and Thad Jones Standards Rating 8 Difficulty Rating 4Thad Jones (1923–1986) was a pioneering jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. A key figure in Count Basie’s Orchestra (1954–1963), he crafted classics like The Deacon and To You. In 1965, he co-founded the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, establishing it as a premier big band through legendary Village Vanguard performances. Moving to Denmark in 1979, he revitalized the Danish Radio Big Band and formed Eclipse. He briefly led the Count Basie Orchestra before health issues forced his return to Copenhagen, where he passed away in 1986. Thad Jones’ most famous composition, “A Child Is Born” (1969) is a jazz ballad later given lyrics by Alec Wilder. Its 30-bar form in 3/4 time features lyrical phrasing and rich harmonies. A staple of jazz repertoire, the tune has been recorded by artists like Tony Bennett, Bill Evans, and Dianne Reeves, embodying Jones’ melodic brilliance and harmonic depth.Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Dianne ReevesSpotify Playlist
In this podcast, Jazz History professor, biographer, musician, and popular podcaster Jay Sweet will help guide you through the tunes included in the Jazz Real Book. For decades, this book (often called "The Jazz Bible") has been a resource for jazz musicians looking to learn jazz standards and repertoire. This podcast will discuss essential recordings and details associated with the songs in the Jazz Real Book, the musicians who created the material, and the recordings that inspire jazz musicians and fans worldwide.
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