By Bernie Brink In May of 1912, bandleader James Reese Europe and his Clef Club Orchestra made history in becoming the first Black ensemble to appear at the famed Carnegie Hall, presenting a program of ragtime and proto-jazz. This momentous performance brought Black American music to Carnegie Hall more than a decade before Paul Whiteman’s...
By Bernie Brink In the 21st century, April has become recognized as Jazz Appreciation Month (initiated by the Smithsonian and the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation in 2001) and host of International Jazz Day (established by UNESCO and its Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, Herbie Hancock), observed each year on April 30th. While these distinctions are obvious...
In March, we look forward to celebrating the great ladies of jazz during Women’s History Month, an opportunity to highlight the contributions of leagues of women in the historically male-dominated field of jazz. One of those figures is pianist Hazel Scott, a pioneering musician, entertainer, and activist. In jazz circles, Hazel Scott is best remembered...
By Bernie Brink We look forward to February each year to commemorate Black History Month. In recognizing the innumerable contributions of black Americans to American and global culture, it’s a formal opportunity to celebrate the “Great American Art Form” of jazz. But jazz itself – and virtually all forms of contemporary, popular music –...
This month, we celebrate the centenary of a jazz luminary and pioneering drummer, Max Roach. Born this month in 1924, Roach enjoyed a career spanning nearly six decades, collaborating with virtually all of the greatest jazz figures of the twentieth century. He performed and recorded with Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie,...
By Bernie Brink The holiday season is a harbinger of many gifts. But on Christmas Eve in 1964, the world was bestowed an especially auspicious and enduring gift when Wayne Shorter stepped into the studio to record his third studio album for Blue Note Records, Speak No Evil. As children slept and visions of sugar...
One of the elements that often defines “jazz” music in many peoples’ minds is instrumentation. The term “jazz” immediately elicits sounds of a swinging big band, a hot New Orleans combo, or a driving hard bop quintet. Another definitive format has long been a favorite of fans and afficionados across the globe, appreciated because its...
The first day of fall is (officially) right around the corner, but already one can sense its presence. Light falls to dusk a little earlier as temperatures cool while once bold, verdant trees stand blushing. Some love the turning of the seasons and welcome the arrival of autumn; others mourn the passing of long, carefree...
In recent weeks, the world lost an iconic vocalist, jazzman, and entertainer, Tony Bennett. For many listeners, he is ensconced as one of the great “crooners” alongside Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others. But with more than 150 recordings spanning a 70-year career, Bennett holds a unique place in the pantheon of...
Jazz 93.5 has a rich and varied playlist for you right at your fingertips all throughout the year. But now that we’re into the dog days of summer, perhaps you’re seeking sounds with a summer sensation, and as much as we love Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, and the Jazztet, you won’t find them on any...
