Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Jazz legend George Cables celebrates his 80th birthday with a stunning new recording, “I Hear Echoes,” showcasing the timeless artistry that has defined his illustrious career. Known for his flawless technique and unparalleled musicianship, he has established himself as a towering figure in the jazz world. With icons like Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard, Mr. Cables solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and sought-after pianists of his generation. The new recording features jazz standards by legends like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Horace Silver along with several original compositions.
Trombonist Andy Baker has been a force on the Chicago music scene since arriving from London in 2001.Whether leading his own bands such as the New Standard Jazz Orchestra and BakerzMillion, or playing with the new music ensemble Fulcrum Point, his musical versatility and impeccable technique is matched only by his drive and imagination. For his Calligram Records debut, “From Here, From There,” Baker taps into the talents of three other veterans of the Chicago scene: trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. The result is a joyous collection of original compositions and choice standards.
Also this week, saxophonist and percussionist T.K. Blue taps into his African heritage for the joyous new release, “Planet Bluu”; “Boss Baritones” is the debut release of a quintet that Gary Smulyan and Frank Basile have co-led in New York City since 2019; and three-time Grammy winner Samara Joy presents a collection of thoughtfully reimagined standards and classics on her third release, “Portrait.”
Jazz Night In America
Hey, Jazz fans! Be sure to tune in this week as we celebrate the birthdays of composer Billy Strayhorn, saxophonists Paul Desmond, Gigi Gryce and Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, brassmen Nat Adderley, Chuck Mangione and Terrell Stafford, singers Etta Jones and Holy Cole, pianists Jacky Terrasson and Jon Snell and and more. We’ll also mark the recording anniversaries of Thelonious Monk Quartet w/ John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall (1957), The Cannonball Adderley Quintet – Paris, 1960 (1960), The Modern Jazz Quartet – The Last Concert (1974), John McLauglin Trio – Live at the Royal Festival Hall (1989), The Gerald Wilson Orchestra’s “Theme For Monterey” (1997), Marcus Miller’s “A Night in Monte Carlo” (2009) and many others Mondays thru Fridays and at noon on JAZZ MASTERS on Jazz 88.3 KCCK.