Marcus Strickland on We Insist: Jazz Speaks Out

April 4, 2008. Posted by Angelika Beener.

Add new comment | Filed under: Discovery, Interviews, Jazz Alive, Jazz Community, Jazz Education, Listening Post, News

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing a dear friend and an overwhelmingly talented musician. Marcus Strickland, winner of the 2006 Jazz Times Reader's poll for Artist of the Year, is a unique and special artist.

On this episode of We Insist: Jazz Speaks Out, we discuss the role of jazz in the "X" generation, and the new roles jazz musicians have to take in being proactive int heir careers, in the ever-evolving record business. Marcus talks about his new album Open Reel Deck his work with musicians outside of the jazz community and how hip-hop is influencing his music more than ever. He also discusses the idea of "young lions" in jazz, and how it's really not so different from Charlie Parker, and Trane. This was a great interview. Check it out.
www.wbgo.org/weinsist

© 2008 WBGO

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"DIGGIN' THE CLASSICS": BOBBI HUMPHREY EDITION

April 1, 2008. Posted by Stevan Smith.

Add new comment | Filed under: blacks and blues, bobbi humphrey, cool jazz, funk, funk classic, fusion, harlem river drive, jasper country man, jazz, Jazz Alive, Jazz Community, Jazz Education, jazz funk, mizell, true jazz

This edition celebrates: Bobbi Humphrey- Blacks and Blues (1973)

Tracklisting:
01. Chicago, Damn
02. Harlem River Drive
03. Just a Love Child
04. Blacks and Blues
05. Jasper Country Man
06. Baby's Gone

A true jazz-funk classic, and Humphrey's biggest hit, Blacks and Blues is a lesson in "cool jazz". Composed, produced, and partly arranged by the fantastic Mizell brothers (Larry & Fonce), this is an Lp that trend sends generations. Humphrey is never drowned out by her collaborators. Her performance as flautist (if you didn't know) fits snug in each melodic masterpiece. Bobbi even makes her vocal debut on the tracks, "Just A Love Child" and "Baby's Gone".

"....Yeah, it's kind of like that".

Some of my favorite tracks include "Chicago, Damn", "Harlem River Drive", and the title-track "Blacks and Blues".

Here is an updated version of "Harlem River Drive" (Sorry no embed available). This had to be the late 80's or early 90's. Lol.

Look what else I found: [display_podcast]

Though this is not an album that would delight a purist, it is an excellent addition to any jazz collection. The moods are laid-back, soothing, and romantic. This is in heavy rotation on my (insert plug). If you haven't had the opportunity to check this album out. Please do. It is worth every minute (hint...ladies...hint...fellas).

Perfect soundtrack for the Spring weather....well when it finally gets here.

Peace....

© 2008 WBGO

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Dr. Billy Taylor's Online Video Archive

March 6, 2008. Posted by Joshua Jackson.

Add new comment | Filed under: 1950s, billy taylor, broadcaster, cbs sunday morning, correspondent, duke ellington, gems, good doctor, half a century, Interviews, Jazz Education, jazz message, jazz musicians, kennedy center, Masters, npr programs, param name, platforms, radio program, seven years, Video, web presence, willie the lion smith, www youtube

Dr. Billy Taylor, at 86, is still a great broadcaster. The good doctor has been spreading the jazz message on multiple broadcast platforms for more than half a century. In the 1950s, he was one of the first jazz musicians to have a daily radio program. He also hosted a weekly television show, The Subject is Jazz. He was the jazz correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning. He hosted two NPR programs, Jazz Alive and Jazz at the Kennedy Center. He founded Jazzmobile. And he's had a web presence for the last seven years. Dr. Billy Taylor's website now includes many classic videos culled from an extraordinary life in jazz. Here's one of the many gems you'll discover - a performance with Billy Taylor, Duke Ellington and Willie "The Lion" Smith:

While you're here, dig this interview with Dr. Taylor and WBGO's Gary Walker.
-Josh

© 2008 WBGO

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