Talk about a sound that's both sensual and captivating! Argentine tenor saxophonist and composer, Leandro Barbieri, better known as Gato Barbieri, plays some of the smoothest saxophone you'll ever hear. Born to a family of musicians, Barbieri began playing after hearing Charlie Parker's "Now is the Time." He began his career playing the clarinet and alto saxophone. By the early 1960s, Barbieri was playing tenor saxophone and let the influences of John Coltrane's late recordings, as well as other free jazz saxophonists such as Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, shape his unique sound. It was then a that Barbieri developed that warm, "gritty" tone, which would become Barbieri's trademark.
By the late 1960s, Barbieri was fusing sounds of South American music into his recordings and introduced a whole new world of passionate music. He won a Grammy for his score for Bernardo Bertolucci's film Last Tango in Paris, which led to a record deal with Impulse Records. He's worked with some of music's most recognizable artists such as Carlos Santana, and jazz music giants like Don Cherry and Charlie Haden. Gato Barbieri's smooth, sexy, passionate latin sound has truly made him a jazz icon among the free, latin, and smooth jazz communities.
Here are two of my favorite Gato Barbieri's songs:
She is Michelle - A song Gato Barbieri wrote for his wife Michelle some years after her tragic death. A personal favorite since my name is Michelle :D
To help 88.1FM KKJZ kick off Jazz Appreciation Month, let's take a look at one of jazz's greatest figures, Duke Ellington.
Duke Ellington was best known for leading his orchestra and composing music specifically for the style and skills of the members in his orchestra. "Jeep's Blues" was composed for Johnny Hodges, "Concerto for Cootie" for Cootie Williams, which later became "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" with Bob Russell's lyrics, and "The Mooche" for Tricky Sam Nanton and Bubber Miley. Because of Ellington's compositions, many of the orchestra members remained with the orchestra for several decades.
Here is a sample of Ellington's song "The Mooche", again composed to showcase Tricky Sam Nanton on flute and Bubber Miley, jazz trumpeter and cornet player (specializing in using the plunger mute):
"The Mooche" was a great example of how Ellington composed his music to showcase the members of his orchestra. It's no wonder as to why Duke Ellington was hailed as one of the greatest figures in jazz music history. Here's another cover of "The Mooch" by the Royal Crown Revue. Enjoy! :D
If you're looking for a jazz radio station, look no further! Cal State University Long Beach broadcasts one of the best jazz stations in southern California on 88.1 FM KKJZ. KKJZ has been broadcasting since 1981. It's funded by contributions from listener members and other donors, with about 75% of its funding coming from station memberships. KKJZ offers memberships to their listeners which gives insight on local jazz events, discounts at various local businesses and concerts, chances to win tickets, CDs, exclusive invitations to meet jazz artists, and much more.
KKJZ features a jazz musician and their music in their weekly "Jazz Master of the Week." Here listeners can learn all about the featured musician's music, life, and possible upcoming shows. DJs are quite insightful and have a true passion for jazz and blues music. During the broadcasts, listeners can call in and make pledges that help fund the station. Many promotional offers are available for donations as well.
If you're looking for any upcoming jazz shows, KKJZ has great information on upcoming events and jazz festivals. Traditionally, KKJZ has broadcast at the Long Beach Jazz & Blues Festival, as well as the Playboy Jazz Festival. They also highlight smaller festivities such as the Hollywood & Highland Summer Jazz Concert Series, a great summer event for food, wine, and great music!
Make sure to check out their website for updated shows, artist information, and anything about jazz. April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Make sure to contact the station with your comments and questions about jazz, and your emails could be read on air! Once you discover 88.1 FM, KKJZ, you'll be hooked. It's easily my favorite jazz station. Check out the link below to visit their website.
A jazz music staple, George Gershwin's Summertime from the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess is one of the most remade songs in music history. There are over 2600 known covers with new renditions being recorded each year. It's believed that Gershwin tried to base Summertime on a Ukrainian lullaby, Oi Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon (A Dream Passes By The Windows). In 1933, He composed to include his own spiritual sound in the style of African American folk music of that period.
Here's a perfect example of how a new sound can totally change a song. This version is done by Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans. In this song, the saxophone is the highlighted instrument, which gives the tune a smooth sound. This version is definitely my favorite, but that's mainly because I am so in love with the sound of the saxophone. Enjoy! :D
Ok, I know I'm way late on the subject, but I figured I had to give these ladies some love. March is the month for women's appreciation, and what better way to appreciate the females than through their beautiful music. As you all know, jazz music has had an array of amazing female innovators, voices, songs, stories, and legacies. Here are just some of those fabulous voices:
Billie Holiday (1915-1959)
Billie Holiday began singing for tips in various Harlem night clubs during the early 1930s. A penniless Holiday moved an audience to tears when she sang "Body and Soul" in a local club. In 1933, she was discovered by John Hammond, who arranged for her debut recording with Benny Goodman that same year. Two years later, Holiday once again recorded with Goodman along with a group led by pianist Teddy Wilson in which they recorded "What A Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Miss Brown To You." These tunes helped launch Billie Holiday as a major female vocalist, and she began recording under her own name in 1936. One her most famous songs, "Strange Fruit", a song based on a poem about lynching, was highly controversial for its time. Unfortunately, Holiday felt that the song's message had been misconstrued; saying that people would always ask her to sing that sexy song about people swinging. "Strange Fruit" still remains one of her most notable tunes. Other Holiday songs: "Your Mother Son In Law," "Riffin' the Scotch," "What A Night, What A Moon, What A Girl," "Fine and Mellow," "God Bless This Child," and "Lady Sings the Blues"
Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) Ella Fitzgerald was one of those stellar finds. She loved the works of Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and The Boswell Sisters. Her career began after winning a contest at the Apollo and joining Chick Webb's band. Fitzgerald had several hits with Webb's Orchestra including "Love and Kisses" and "If You Can Sing It, You'll Have To Swing It." But in 1938, she became widely known across the music scene after the recording of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." From there, Fitzgerald started performing solo and then became big during the big band and swing eras. But probably the one thing most notable thing about Ella Fitzgerald was her invention of scat singing. She developed this style of singing while working with Dizzy Gillespie's band, and she had said that she tried to do with her voice what she heard the horns in the band doing. Little did she know, this improvised way of singing would make her one of the most influential singers in jazz music history. Some of her works would include "Flying Home," "How High the Moon," "That Old Black Magic."
Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) Sarah Vaughan, also known as "The Divine One," began her career very similar to Ella Fitzgerald. She won a talent contest at the Apollo just like Fitzgerald did. Shortly after her Apollo performance, band leader and pianist Earl Hines and singer Billy Eckstine had been credited for discovering Vaughan. In April of 1943, Vaughan became Hines' leading female singer. During her time with the Earl Hines band, Vaughan worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Bennie Green. After some time with Hines, Vaughan started her solo career in 1945. Like Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan could move swiftly from pop songs to jazz show tunes. Some of her work includes "Black Coffee," "All Or Nothing At All," and "My Funny Valentine."
Obviously, these are only some incredible women that touched that jazz scene. I'll try to put some others up to continue the celebration of women in jazz. Until then, enjoy the fabulous women!
One of my all time favorite songs is Take Five. Which version? Heck, I've got the ear that wanders its way to the saxophone...but the original by Dave Brubeck puts up a mean fight.
Written by Paul Desmond and played by The Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959 on their Time Out album, Take Five is famous for its catchy saxophone melody and use of the quintuple (5/4) time (or more correctly 3+2/4), which was an irregular meter. This meter is what helped the group decide on the track's name. It's been said by some jazz experts that Take Five was originally written for a drums solo. Below is a video of The Dave Brubeck Quartet, and you can really see/hear the mastery of Joe Morello on the drums.
As mentioned, Take Five has been made over countless times. Everyone from Chet Atkins to George Benson to Grover Washington Jr. and even The Specials remade this classic tune. For me, my favorite cover has got to be Quincy Jone's 1983 rendition. Jones heavily emphasized the sound of the saxophone (such a beautiful thing) and gave Take Five such a smooth sound.
These are just two examples of how different a song can sound. You take a melody, add a twist, emphasize something different, and you get magic all over again! I personally enjoy both versions. I think the originality of Desmond's and Brubeck's version is timeless and unique, while Jones' version is sleek and suave. You be the judge and decide which one catches your attention. This last video is really cool. It's a mix or "mash up" of Radiohead's 15 Steps to the background music of Take Five. Enjoy!!!!! :D
Louis Prima. What can you say? The man who gave swing a vibrant energy, Prima was quite the talented trumpet player who was influenced by Louis Armstrong and the rich heritage of his hometown of New Orleans. He was best known for his performances with singer Keely Smith, and for his Las Vegas nightclub show during the 1950's. Prima's unique, rambunctious on stage persona put his band in high demand among some of entertainment's finest. The Brat Pack were known to frequent Prima's show once they had completed their nightly acts.
In 1967, Prima signed on to voice the character of King Louis in Disney's Jungle Book, which he performed the hit song "I Wanna Be Like You" on the soundtrack. King Louis was considered to be an exact portrayal of Prima's personality.
Some of Louis Prima's most famous songs:
Angelina Buona Sera Jump Jive An 'Wail Just A Gigolo That Old Black Magic - Won Grammy in 1958 for this rendition with Keely Smith Sing Sing Sing Oh Marie Night Train The Lip I've Got the World on a String
Prima will always be remembered for his energy while performing. His crazed antics, charming personality, and talented trumpet playing are what truly make him that krazy kat... King Louis. Enjoy!
My name is Marty. Well, actually, my name is Michelle but I gave myself the nickname "Marty" when I was three because I was in love with Marty McFly. I'm a crazed college student, trying to find her way in this world. I really believe that I was born in the wrong era. I have an old, old soul that comes alive with jazz. Jazz music has accidentally become a passion of mine, and what a great accident that turned out to be. Music with a great melody, tune, and meaning are what my ears thrive to. Jazz music has enriched my ears, heart, and soul, and I share it with you through this blog only hoping that all who read it can enjoy jazz just as I do.
Talk about a sound that's both sensual and captivating! Argentine tenor saxophonist and composer, Leandro Barbieri, better known as Gato Barbieri, plays some of the smoothest saxophone you'll ever hear. Born to a family of musicians, Barbieri began playing after hearing Charlie Parker's "Now is the Time." He began his career playing the clarinet and alto saxophone. By the early 1960s, Barbieri was playing tenor saxophone and let the influences of John Coltrane's late recordings, as well as other free jazz saxophonists such as Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, shape his unique sound. It was then a that Barbieri developed that warm, "gritty" tone, which would become Barbieri's trademark.
