This podcast explores the history of the love-hate relationship of the jazz world and the Beatles. We trace the evolution of the Beatles initial, devastating … Continue reading "Beatle Jazz"

One of Duke Ellington’s most famous compositions, “Sophisticated Lady,” actually had its genesis in two of his band members’ original musical ideas. In this podcast … Continue reading "Sophisticated Lady"

Trumpeter Miles Davis was famous for how he used his unique concept of space to create indelible, dramatic solos. In this episode we explore how … Continue reading "Miles Davis, Space Man"

Charlie Christian was the first superstar of the electric guitar, ultimately paving the way for future greats like Wes Montgomery and Jimi Hendrix. As his … Continue reading "Solo Flight"

Langston Hughes’ love of jazz suffused his work as a poet. Hughes was considered a pioneer in jazz poetry, and collaborated with numerous jazz musicians … Continue reading "Hughes Blues"

“Strange Fruit” is the iconic lynching protest song written by a Jewish schoolteacher from the Bronx, and immortalized by Billie Holiday. Time Magazine named it … Continue reading "Strange Fruit"

We’ve had many great jazz critics and writers, but perhaps no one whose work rose to the literary, and even poetic, reaches of Whitney Balliett’s. … Continue reading "Whitney Balliett, Jazz Poet"

This is the story of how a piece of classical music composed in 1893 crossed over to other genres, tapping into a universal longing for … Continue reading "Goin’ Home"

Thelonious Monk was not known for his volubility. This podcast focuses on a few of his known conversations, and one notable missed opportunity. Playlist “Blues … Continue reading "Conversations with Thelonious"

As a fledgling jazz disc jockey in Newark, New Jersey in the early sixties, the author had an unexpected encounter with a future jazz great.