Jazz vocal legend Sarah Vaughan was born on this day (March 27) in Newark, New…
Song of the Day
James Moody & Eddie Jefferson -“Moody’s Mood for Love”
Saxophonist and flutist James Moody was born on this day in Savannah, Georgia, in 1925. After an early stint with the Dizzy Gillespie bebop orchestra, Moody ventured out to form several outstanding ensembles under his own name.
Don Friedman – “Strength and Sanity”
In 1961, the 23-year-old trumpet phenomenon Booker Little recorded two extraordinary albums: Out Front and Booker Little and Friend. Booker was a visionary musician, possessing a flawless technique, a burnished tone and a purely modern artistic vision.
George Benson – “Give Me the Night”
JAZZIZ wishes a very happy birthday to guitarist and vocal sensation George Benson, who was born on this day (March 22) in 1943.
Andrew Hill – “Refuge”
Pianist Andrew Hill, whose cerebral, loosely hinged brand of jazz was an essential link between…
Miles Davis Sextet – “Someday My Prince Will Come”
On this day (Mach 20) in 1961, Miles Davis recorded the track “Someday My Prince…
Herbie Hancock – “Blind Man, Blind Man”
Herbie Hancock recorded My Point of View, his sophomore album for Blue Note Records, on this…
Bill Frisell – “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”
Bill Frisell, whose career as a pathbreaking guitarist spans more than 40 years, was born…
Quincy Jones – “Soul Bossa Nova”
You may know it as the theme song from the goofy 1990s spy satire Austin Powers,…
Roy Haynes – “Green Chimneys”
Today is drummer Roy Haynes’ birthday. The jazz legend, who has been a major force…
Charles Mingus – “Haitian Fight Song”
Bass great Charles Mingus recorded tracks from his album The Clown on this day (March 12) in…
Bobby McFerrin – “Baby”
Bobby McFerrin, a vocalist with a near-limitless range whose use of overdubs and multiphonics would…
Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane – “Freight Trane”
Recorded on this date in 1958, Kenny Burell & John Coltrane was a pairing of two…
Wes Montgomery – “Four on Six”
This version of “Four on Six,” from his album Smokin’ at the Half Note with the Wynton Kelly Trio, has all the trappings of a Montgomery classic: an unforgettable melody, a steamrolling hard-bop groove, and plenty of head-spinning guitar acrobatics.
McCoy Tyner – “What the World Needs Now”
Here, McCoy Tyner trades in his volcanic left-hand chords and heavy pentatonic lines for some rather gentle playing in the piano’s upper register, revealing a decidedly softer side to his musical character.
Charlie Christian – “Solo Flight”
“Solo Flight” would establish Charlie Christian as one of the earliest guitar heroes in jazz, the man responsible for bringing his instrument out of the background and into the frontline.
Glenn Miller Orchestra – “Moonlight Serenade”
Glenn Miller was among the most iconic figures of the Big Band Era, and the composition “Moonlight Serenade” was among his most timeless tunes.
Chet Baker – “Someone To Watch Over Me”
The song has everything we’ve come to expect from Baker: the whispy vocals, the signing trumpet, and, of course, that heavy presence of hipness.
Dexter Gordon – “Round Midnight”
Saxophonist Dexter Gordon, the “Sophisticated Giant” known for his velvet tone, elastic use of rhythm…
Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five – “Heebie Jeebies”
Recorded in Chicago on this day in 1926, Louis Armstrong’s “Heebie Jeebies” is said to contain the first example of scat singing in jazz history.
