Special Programs for the Week of May 21 – May 26

Short List with host Bob Naujoks    

Monday – Friday at 8:35 AM and Saturday at 7 AM  

Corridor Shortlist: Scott Barnum

Bassist Scott Barnum is the focus of this week’s Short List. A graduate of the University of Iowa Music School, he spent a decade in Boston honing his chops and getting his advanced degree. He has played across the country – with gigs in Boston, Chicago, and New York – and with some of Eastern Iowa’s finest musicians, like Eddie Piccard, Steve Grismore, Jim Drier, and Al Naylor.

 

 

 

Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler

Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Freddie Hubbard’s Blue Note Years      

Craig takes another look at trumpet master Freddie Hubbard, this time through his Blue Note releases. We’ll hear records that feature Freddie as a leader, as well as many side-man appearances with artists like Art Blakey, Eric Dolphy, Kenny Drew, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and others!

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Profiles with host Nancy Wilson    

Monday at 11:00 PM 

Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way

Innovative pianist/composer David Brubeck has been a true jazz phenomenon — he and his quartet were the first instrumental group to sell over a million records. This widely popular band had several top ten chart hits, sold out concerts everywhere, and landed Brubeck on the cover of Time magazine. We will explore the career of Dave Brubeck from his Quartet (which made the now legendary “Take Five” recording) through the present day, including his work in classical music.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Night Special

6:00 PM   

The United States Air Force Band “Airmen of Note” with Marshall Gilkes

As Memorial Day approaches, KCCK says Thank You to our armed forces with a third concert with the United States Air Force Band. Trombonist Marshall Gilkes joins the Airmen of Note on stage. Gilkes, a seasoned veteran in jazz circles, is also a true Air Force “brat.” He was born on Andrews Air Force Base, and his father, Colonel Bruce Gilkes, was Airmen of Note’s conductor for many years. Gilkes brings his familiarity of the big band and his innate sense of swing to the show, for this final broadcast of their Jazz Heritage Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Night in America with host Christian McBride

Thursday at 11:00 PM

Gary Burton Retires   Gary Burton’s final stop on his farewell tour was at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Indiana — Gary’s home state. The master vibraphonist has retired from music on his own terms and in the comfort of playing duets with his pianist of three decades, Makoto Ozone. This episode Jazz Night in America features music recorded at The Jazz Kitchen, Burton in conversation with WBGO’s Nate Chinen, and words from some his closest friends and colleagues.

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler

Saturday, Noon – 4:00 PM and Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

A Collection of Miles Davis Tribute Recordings      

Since the passing of Miles Davis, there have been many recordings made by a number of great jazz artists who pay tribute to the legacy and continued inspiration of Miles Davis – arguably one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of 20th century music. Craig presents some of the highlights of these terrific recordings. It’s a great way to celebrate Miles’s May 26th birthday!

 

 

 

 

KCCK’s Midnight CD

The Monday – Sunday Midnight CD for this week can be found at: 

http://www.kcck.org/midnight-cd/

Culture Crawl 351 “Just a Couple of Loud Talkers”

Eric Hansen, radio personality at KZIA and board member with the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance (ICCA), brings his radio voice to the Culture Crawl to talk about the upcoming ICCA Members Mixer on May 23. He also mentions a few of the many cool events going on over the next week.

See hundreds of events for the days and weeks to come at www.culturalcorridor.org.

New Music Monday for May 21, 2018

Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.    

With his gruff, gravelly voice, his penchant for hep cat diction, and the serpentine bebop turns of his vocalese creations, Eddie Jefferson might not seem the ideal match for a classic romantic crooner like Allan Harris. The Brooklyn-born singer has previously paid homage to the songs of Billy Strayhorn and Nat King Cole, repertoire that seems like a more ideal fit. Until embarking on the project that became “The Genius of Eddie Jefferson,” Harris would have agreed wholeheartedly with that assessment. But not only did he discover the depth of Jefferson’s estimable talents and innovations, but he found his own way into Jefferson’s idiosyncratic takes on the classic solos of jazz giants like Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. The disc is an ideal blend of Harris’ rich, beguiling baritone and Jefferson’s bantering cool.

 

 

While the phrase “diamond in the rough” often describes burgeoning talents brimming with potential, Tia Fuller has exhibited impending greatness since emerging on the international jazz scene more than a decade ago. Now, her artistic capacity has blossomed tremendously, resulting in her fourth release, “Diamond Cut,” her first album as a leader since 2012.  In those six years, she’s transitioned from being a member of Beyonce’s touring band to becoming a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music, while still juggling a demanding career as a solo artist and touring with the likes of drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Esperanza Spalding and drummer Ralph Peterson, among others.

 

Also this week, NEA Jazz Master Ellis Marsalisoffers up the very first jazz quintet album of his career, “The Ellis Marsalis Quintet Plays the Music of Ellis Marsalis”.

14-year-old pianist, composer and bandleader Joey Alexander unveils his third studio CD, “Eclipse”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spin Cycle, whom DownBeat magazine describes as “a cohesive unit that commands an exceptional stylistic range and exhibits a go-for-broke attitude,” follows up its critically acclaimed 2016 debut with the release of “Assorted Colors.”

 

 

 

Celebrating Our Donors

KCCK celebrated our most generous and faithful donors at a special dinner held May 16 at the KCCK studios. We recognized those who have donated for 20, 25, and 30 consecutive years.

Special recognition went to the members of the KCCK “Future Fund,” who have remembered KCCK in their will or estate plan. They each received an original art piece, created by KCCK Future Fund member Darrell “Wally” Wahlstrom to applaud the commitment they have made to make sure KCCK is around to benefit our community forever.

Are you in the 20+ year club? See the list at this link.

Culture Crawl 350 “Just Without The Bridges”

Revival Theatre Company presents the musical “The Bridges of Madison County,” May 31- June 2. Director Brian Glick and Christina Farrell, who plays Francesca, talk about the unique solution the production has to staging this show, in which the Iowa countryside and the titular bridges near Winterset play such an important part, in the round and with minimal set pieces.

Information and tickets at www.revivaltheatrecompany.com.

Talking Pictures 5-16-18

Tully and Mahanati with Hollis Monroe, Denny Lynch and Monica Schmidt.

Culture Crawl 349 “Kept Me From Getting Stuffed Into Lockers”

Orchestra Iowa brings the Beatles to life in a way that never happened during the years the Fab Four was actually together in “Classical Mystery Tour,” May 19.

The Beatles never performed live with an orchestra, even though many of their most famous songs, like “Penny Lane,” “A Day in the Live,” and many others, were recorded with orchestras.

Tim Hankewich recalls what it was like to be a young classical player and hear his rock music heroes perform with orchestra accompaniment. And he also reminds you to get your tickets, because the concert is nearly sold out!

www.orchestraiowa.org.

Special Programs for the Week of May 14 – May 19

Short List with host Bob Naujoks    

Monday – Friday at 8:35 AM and Saturday at 7 AM  

Corridor Shortlist: Carlis Faurot

Violinist Carlis Faurot began playing at age three. By 16, he was gigging in coffeehouses. He moved to Cedar Rapids as a young man, and struck up a friendship with guitarist Mike Maas. The two of them have been making jazz, blues, and all kinds of music ever since. Hear the Short List this week to learn about this versatile musician. Tune in weekday mornings at 8:35 and Saturday morning at 7:00. Or log on with our free mobile app.

 

 

 

Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler

Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Blue Note Records in 1958 – Part Two     

Craig continues his look back 60 years with another visit to Alfred Lion’s BLUE NOTE RECORDS in 1958.  This second of two shows covers the last half of 1958.  We’ll hear classic Blue Note releases from the likes of Jimmy Smith, Bud Powell, Lou Donaldson, Dizzy Reece, Donald Byrd, and others.  Don’t miss this one!

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Profiles with host Nancy Wilson    

Monday at 11:00 PM 

Jackie McLean: Jackie’s Bag

In five decades of jazz, Jackie McLean lived the quintessential jazz survivor’s life. A veteran of bebop, he emerged from the shadow of Charlie Parker and drugs to make a music bristling with passion and a Hemingway-esque direction. McLean debuted on Miles Davis’ 1951 album Dig!, and also led his own groups. These raw edged, taut units included Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Billy Higgens, Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Roy Haynes, and others.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Night Special

6:00 PM   

The United States Air Force Band “Airmen of Note” with Peter Erskine

KCCK celebrates our armed forces again this week with a concert by the United States Air Force Band. This week, veteran drummer Peter Erskine takes the stage as special guest. Erskine has been a member of Steps Ahead and Weather Report, and has played alongside a who’s-who of legendary artists. He joins the “Airmen of Note” for a celebration of their Jazz Heritage Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Night in America with host Christian McBride

Thursday at 11:00 PM

The (New) Bad Plus: The Band That Never Stops   

It isn’t typically news when a jazz group makes a change in personnel. But The Bad Plus isn’t a typical jazz group, and its announcement, this time last year, landed like a bombshell. In short: Ethan Iverson, the band’s pianist, would be leaving to pursue his own projects. Orrin Evans, an esteemed peer, would be stepping in. For a group that has always stood for musical collectivism — and never accepted any substitutions — this was a shakeup of existential proportions. Jazz Night in America kept up with The Bad Plus as it made this momentous transition.

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler

Saturday, Noon – 4:00 PM and Monday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Freddie Hubbard’s Blue Note Years      

Craig takes another look at trumpet master Freddie Hubbard, this time through his Blue Note releases. We’ll hear records that feature Freddie as a leader, as well as many side-man appearances with artists like Art Blakey, Eric Dolphy, Kenny Drew, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and others!

 

 

 

 

KCCK’s Midnight CD

The Monday – Sunday Midnight CD for this week can be found at: 

http://www.kcck.org/midnight-cd/