This Week’s Shows: Week of January 2 – 8

Short List with Bob Naujoks   

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

The Short List: Corridor Jazz (Eddie Piccard) new series

Pianist Eddie Piccard rehearsing prior to leading his quintet at KCCK's Jazz Under the Stars

Pianist Eddie Piccard rehearsing prior to performing with his quintet at KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars

A familiar musician is on The Short List this week as we survey “Corridor Jazz.” If there were a face for jazz music in Eastern Iowa, the leading candidate would be pianist-singer Eddie Piccard. He has been resettled in Cedar Rapids for more than a quarter-century and has brought a lot of joy to both dyed-in-the-wool and casual jazz fans. He is a native of Norway, Iowa, and attended Cornell College back in the days without a jazz program—he and his friends made their own. Eddie spent a few years in Chicago playing clubs like The London House and the Jazz Showcase; then a few more in Florida resorts where comedian Jackie Gleason became a fan. Piccard has played all the great jazz venues in Cedar Rapids (including KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars) and has legions of loyal fans.

 

Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson    

Monday at 6:00 PM

Mary Lou Williams, ‘Perpetually Contemporary’

Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams achieved and maintained a status that many women in jazz found elusive: unwavering respect from male colleagues as a musical equal. Her accomplishments are many as arranger and pianist with Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy, with her own small groups, and with the be-bop artists of the ’40s. Throughout, she was always — as Duke Ellington once said — “perpetually contemporary.”

 

Jazz Corner of the World with Craig Kessler

Monday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (follows Jazz Profiles)

“Birth Date Anniversary Celebration for Gil Melle”    

Craig celebrates the birthday of painter, sculptor, jazz artist, film composer, and pioneering inventor of electronic instruments, GILBERT JOHN MELLE (b.12/31/1931).  We’ll hear a variety of amazing recordings made by Melle, including his respected Blue Note and Prestige dates, most of which fall into the category of “overlooked” and “underrated”.

 

New Orleans Calling with George Ingmire     

Tuesday at 6:00 PM 

Allen Toussaint: Say Yes To Music (Part 1)

Allen Toussaint

Allen Toussaint

Allen Toussaint (1938-2015) was a huge figure in New Orleans music: a producer, songwriter, arranger, musician, and sharp-dressed man. To even begin to give a sense of who he was, we need more than just one hour. So, in this program, part one of a two-hour tribute special, we hear Allen Toussaint’s own voice, from interviews preserved at the Archive of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, as he talks about his early career, in the years leading up to his time in the Army in the mid-1960s.

And in this first part we’ll also hear an exclusive live performance of Allen Toussaint, recorded in 2005 at WWOZ Piano Night, an annual benefit for the radio station where this program is produced. Allen has been a supporter of WWOZ since its inception, and we’re proud to share this recording, which has not been heard in ten years.

As Allen Toussaint said: “Once you have said ‘yes’ to music, it says ‘yes’ back to you.”

 

Jazz Night in America with Christian McBride

Wednesday at 6:00 PM

Jazz Night in Panama

Danilo Perez

Danilo Perez

Jazz and Panama may not have an obvious relationship, yet this tiny country between the Americas and giant oceans, has given us some of its finest musicians dating back to Luis Russell, around the time of construction of the great Canal itself.  Today, no one person is doing more to underscore this connection than Danilo Perez, renown pianist, educator, and country’s official Cultural Ambassador.  We take you to his Panama Jazz Festival, the grand vehicle behind his greater mission of introducing underserved kids to music and inspiring greater social change in his developing nation.

 

Wednesday Night Special               

7:00 PM (Follows Jazz Night in America)

Hot Latin Jazz For a Cold Winter’s Night – Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana (ICJF)

Jane Bunnett

Jane Bunnett

A native of Toronto, Jane Bunnett has become one of the foremost jazz musicians in Canada, and has gained recognition around the world for her improvising talents, technical proficiency, composing and band leading abilities. Following several visits to Cuba, she has devoted much of her music to reflect her own unique experiences with that island’s musical traditions. The result is an infectious blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and straight-ahead North American Jazz. Don’t miss Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana from the 2004 Iowa City Jazz Festival on the next Wednesday Night Special.

 

 

 

Jazz Corner of the World with Craig Kessler     

Saturday, Noon – 4:00 PM and Monday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

“A Look Back at Jazz, 2016”

Paul Smoker: May 8, 1941 - May 14, 2016

Paul Smoker: May 8, 1941 – May 14, 2016

This past year was an especially rough one for having to say goodbye to a particularly large number of jazz personalities.  This week, Craig gives a tip of the hat to many of these folks by spinning some great selections by the likes of Bobby Hutcherson, Kay Starr, Claude Williamson, Toots Thielemans, Sharon Jones, Paul Smoker, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Temperley, Paul Bley, and so many more that left us during 2016.

 

 

Tropical Heat (hosted by Kpoti Senam Accoh)

Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Featured Album: TBD

 

KCCK’s Midnight CD

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

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

New Music Monday for January 2, 2017

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

The music of 613uxcciy0l-_ac_us160_Latin America has long been some of the world’s most beloved, whether Brazilian bossa nova, Argentinean tango, Cuban bolero or irresistible songs from Chile, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Pianist Edward Simon— a native of Venezuela who has made a name for himself in America as a jazz pianist, bandleader and composer/arranger, along with being a Guggenheim Fellow and a member of the SFJazz Collective—has created fresh, supple interpretations of melodies from all these countries for his new CD, “Latin American Songbook.” The San Francisco Bay Area-based pianist leads his working trio with bassist Joe Martin and drummer Adam Cruz.

 

919gloagupl-_sx355_The music of composer Anthony Branker stands firmly on jazz traditions while simultaneously pushing the boundaries in bold and beautiful new directions. In describing his music, Jazz Times magazine says, “Honing a hybrid of freewheeling postbop and social commentary, abetted by judicious dollops of funk, fusion, spoken word, clave and polyrhythmic percussion, Branker incorporates these elements in broad, bold strokes, like a muralist. He has yet to make a bad record.” For his newest disc, “Beauty Within,” Branker presents brilliant new works as performed by his newest ensemble, Imagine, with longtime collaborator-saxophonist Ralph Bowen, guitarist Pete McCann, pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Linda Oh and drummer Rudy Royston.

 

 

51wgus6ugbl-_ac_us160_Also this week, saxophonist and flutist Steve Slagle is joined by special guest Joe Lovano on “Alto Manhattan”.

 

 

 

 

 

61ix2vh0ycl-_ac_us160_Saxophonist Shawn Maxell, one of the preeminent performers on the Chicago jazz scene, adds the singular trumpet voices of three of Chicago’s finest—Victor Garcia, Chad McCullough and Cory Wilkes—to his working quartet on “Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Terell Stafford, hailed by legendary pianist McCoy Tyner as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player,” performs the music of Herb Harris on the new CD, “Forgive and Forget.”

 

 

Clean Up Your Act 1-25-17

A successful conservation program seeks more participation from dairy farmers.

Talking Pictures 12-29-16

Passengers with Hollis Monroe, Denny Lynch and Phil Brown.

First Friday Jazz June 2

fristfriday-2-300x119The TYE Male Quartet will perform at First Friday Jazz at the Opus Concert Cafe Friday, June 2, at 5 p.m. The first set will be broadcast live on KCCK. The First Friday Jazz Series features an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin, contemporary music and more in an intimate, upscale environment. For a $12 cover, enjoy live music and drink specials at the Opus Concert Café bar, on the first Friday of every month. Purchase tickets.

This Week’s Shows: Week of December 26 – January 1

KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars 2016 – Day after Christmas Special! 

Eddie Piccard Quintet at the McGrath Amphitheatre for Jazz Under the Stars 2016

Eddie Piccard Quintet at the McGrath Amphitheatre for Jazz Under the Stars 2016

Monday, December 26th 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (repeated 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Mirage (indoors at Parlor City Pub)  6am – 8:am / 12pm – 2pm

A downpour forced our 2nd scheduled Jazz Under the Stars concert of the 2016 season indoors at Parlor City Pub in Cedar Rapids, but that didn’t put a damper on the area’s newest band from playing their own unique brand of high energy Fusion-Celtic-Funk, or keep the crowd from groovin’ to the music. Mirage, led by violinist and long-time area educator Natalie Brown, plays a lot of Jean-Luc Ponty – classics such as New Country, Mirage, Enigmatic Ocean, Infinite Pursuit and Ponty collaborations with Frank Zappa and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Mirage also performs Ponty influenced fusion, jazzy funk, and their own, original creations! In addition to Natalie, the band features Ryan Phelan – guitar, vocals Luke Viertel, – keys, vocals, Richard Wagor – bass and Matthew Bernemann – drums. Check them out at: http://www.facebook.com/mirageponty

SUMMIT  8am – 9:55am / 2pm – 3:55pm

SUMMIT plays tunes from jazz standards to jazz/funk/fusion to new jazz artists and originals. The quartet is comprised of some of the top jazz professionals and music educators in the creative corridor with over 60 years combined experience playing and teaching music of all types. The SUMMIT features Peter Hart; tenor saxophone, John Reasoner; guitar, John Hall; bass, and Dennis McPartland on Drums.

Eddie Piccard Quintet  10am – 11:55am / 3:55pm – 6pm  

Eddie Piccard grew up only a few miles from Cedar Rapids, but soon left for the jazz scene in Chicago, for famous Rush Street and the playboy clubs, appearing opposite the likes of Ramsey Lewis and George Shearing.

After cutting his chops with his first trio in Chicago, Piccard moved on to the lights of the Florida resorts. Later, he formed another trio in Florida, which became a favorite of Jackie Gleason’s.

A class act in Cedar Rapids for many years, Piccard and his sidemen delight with everything from Sinatra standards to an amazing Ray Charles tribute.

The group has entertained couples spending a night out for live music, family birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, office parties, ballroom dancers, friends who just want to enjoy live jazz–and even music students who just come to take notes. Eddie has been a jazz fan since the age of sixteen when Mr.Penn, one of his teachers, introduced him to jazz; and a family friend, Homer Monk, loaned him his personal jazz record collection. Eddie was hooked!!

Eddie loves jazz, but he does have other interest as well. Playing golf and collecting wine! When he is not performing, you can find him on the golf course, or out searching for some new “find” for his wine collection. He is fondly called “The Wine Bully” by his closest friends.

The Eddie Piccard Quintet is: Eddie Piccard, Piano and vocals; Scott Barnum, Bass; Jon Wilson, Drums; Rich Martin, Vibraphone; and Dave Richter, Guitar. Check Eddie out at: http://eddiepiccardjazz.com/

 

Short List with Bob Naujoks   

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

The Short List: International Jazz Stars (Dave Holland)

Dave Holland

Dave Holland

The final Short List International Jazz Stars series introduces English bassist Dave Holland. He has been a prominent musician on the jazz scene for over five decades. His first major gig was with the Miles Davis Quintet in the late 1970s. In that group was pianist Chick Corea, saxophonist Wayne Shorter and drummer Philly Joe Jones. That Miles group set the standard for fusion jazz. Holland would go on to record with the ECM label for three decades and pair up with many of their top stars. In the early twenty-first century Holland formed a big band and won two Grammy awards with it. He’s still a busy guy who has reaped many awards over the years.

 

 

 

Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson    

Monday at 6:00 PM

Sidney Bechet, ‘Soprano Sax King’

Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet (1897-1959) started playing the clarinet when he was 13 years old. By the time of his death, at age 62, he was considered one of the most innovative and original clarinetists and soprano saxophonists in jazz. He brought to the instrument an unequaled energy, clarity and verve and was best known for his heavy vibrato. Temperamental and creative, Bechet left a profound mark in the way the clarinet and the soprano saxophone is played today. His autobiography, “Treat It Gentle” is still considered one of the best personal accounts of the life and times of a jazzman. This show explores his legacy.

 

Jazz Corner of the World with Craig Kessler

Monday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (follows Jazz Profiles)

“Tribute To Mose Allison – Part Two”                                   

In a special live MONDAY EVENING broadcast (7pm to 11pm), Craig continues his tribute to the recently departed jazz and blues master, Mose John Allison, Jr. We’ll hear additional goodies from his 150+ original compositions, as well as more material from his work as a sideman and more of his own recordings. Don’t miss it!!

 

New Orleans Calling with George Ingmire     

Tuesday at 6:00 PM 

Let The Good Times Roll 

Basin St. Station in New Orleans

Basin St. Station in New Orleans

This week’s episode of New Orleans Calling takes us on a visit to Basin St Station, which sits on layers of history and memories, from being a hub of boat and train commerce to witnessing the meetings of many different cultures and neighborhoods, resulting in the creation of jazz, R&B, and rock and roll as we know it. It’s a site that resonates with musicians, and on the show we’re showcasing five different artists performing just for New Orleans Calling at Basin St Station: Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, the Leroy Jones Quintet, the Mario Abney Septet, Doreen Ketchens, and Seva Venet and the Storyville String Band.

All the interviews and live tracks you hear in this show were recorded at Basin St Station.  This historic building, now described as “the cultural crossroads of New Orleans,” is indeed a location with layers of history, and stands at the edge of what was once Storyville, and overlooks the famous St Louis No 1 cemetery, Basin Street, Congo Square, and the French Quarter.  In the 1800s it was the site of the “turning basin,” the final destination of boats reaching the center of the city from Lake Pontchartrain via Bayou St John and the Carondelet Canal.

After the canal was filled in around the turn of the 20th century, the current building was constructed and served as the administrative offices of the Southern Railway.  In the 21st century, the building has been renovated, and its facade now emulates the original Southern Railway Passenger Station, which once stood several blocks away at Canal and Basin Streets.

 

Jazz Night in America with Christian McBride

Wednesday at 6:00 PM

In Memoriam

Toots Thielemans April 29, 1922 – August 22, 2016

Toots Thielemans: April 29, 1922 – August 22, 2016

Jazz Night in America commemorates some of the legends we lost this year, including Bobby Hutcherson, Toots Thielemans and Victor Bailey with never-before heard live recordings from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Night Special               

7:00 PM (Follows Jazz Night in America)

Eddie Piccard Quintet at KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars 2016                                      

(Please see program description at the top of this post under KCCK’s Jazz Under the Stars 2016 – Day after Christmas Special!)

 

 Jazz Corner of the World with Craig Kessler     

Saturday, Noon – 4:00 PM and Monday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

“Birth Date Anniversary Celebration for Gil Melle” gm     

Craig celebrates the birthday of painter, sculptor, jazz artist, film composer, and pioneering inventor of electronic instruments, GILBERT JOHN MELLE (b.12/31/1931).  We’ll hear a variety of amazing recordings made by Melle, including his respected Blue Note and Prestige dates, most of which fall into the category of “overlooked” and “underrated”.

 

 

 

 

Tropical Heat (hosted by Kpoti Senam Accoh)

Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Featured Album:   

(pre-empted this week for KCCK’s Special Holiday programming)

 

KCCK’s Midnight CD

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

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

New Music Monday for December 26, 2016

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

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After a recorded trio encounter in 2005 known as Mondo Trio (with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta) that became a musicians’ favorite, kindred spirits and fellow Jeffs, keyboardist Babko and reedman Coffin, knew they had to reconvene. When drummer Keith Carlock relocated to Nashville, where Coffin resides, it seemed to be the moment they had waited for. In between Carlock’s touring with Steely Dan, Coffin’s touring with the Dave Matthews Band and Babko’s moments off from the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band, they found a shared window to record “City of Cranes.” Not wanting to repeat the trio format, they asked Will Lee if he’d be interested in playing bass and young guitar master Nir Felder if he had the same time window free. Both agreed and Band of Other Brothers was born!

 

 

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Reflecting on the inspiring spiritual presence of John Coltrane, Ruby Bridges (the first student to desegregate an all-white New Orleans elementary school in 1960), and spiritual writer and social activist Thomas Merton, Chicago guitarist John Moulder composed a set of music in celebration of their ongoing influence. “Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit” features saxophonist Donny McCaslin and trumpeter Marquis Hill, along with a cast of Moulder’s longtime musical colleagues, including drummer Paul Wertico, bassists Steve Rodby, Larry Gray and Eric Hochberg, and others. The Chicago Tribune says, “The radiant, life-affirming glow of the music is unmistakable,” while Jazz Times says, “The sound is tremendous, as are the performances.”

 


Also this we170x170bbek, Honey Ear Trio, featuring bassist and keyboardist Rene Hart, drummer Allison Miller and saxophonist Jeff Lederer, unveil their second disc, “Swivel”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tenor saxophonist Richard Elliot is joined by trumpeter Rick Braun on “Summer Madness”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bassist Peter Brendler’s new quintet recording, “Message in Motion,” is his second as a leader.

 

 

 

 

Clean Up Your Act 12-21-16

Some Hy-Vee stores add special charging stations for Teslas.