Jazz

A concert and conversation with Eric Comstock. He's a cabaret singer and pianist whose love is rediscovering lesser known songs in American popular music history. InTheater magazine wrote, "Comstock tickles the ivories like a virtuoso and sings in a clear, warm straightforward style that owes much to Fred Astaire." For today's concert, he'll be joined by Dean Johnson on bass. Comstock has a new album, called "Young Man of Manhattan." (Harbinger Records)

Music critic Milo Miles reviews two "outstanding" world music CDS from 1996: "The Subtle Body" (Bar/None label) by Brazilian singer/guitarist Arto Lindsay, and "Money No Be Sand" (Original Music) an anthology by world music pioneer John Storm Roberts.

Biographer Laurence Bergreen talks with Terry about his newest book "Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life". It is published by Broadway books. While this is certainly not the first biography of Armstrong, Bergreen used many of Armstrong's previously unexplored personal letters and diary entries. Bergreen traces Armstrong's life from his birth in New Orleans in 1901, through his four marriages, and his many contributions to American Jazz.

The popular Cuban ensemble recently played a few dates in the States. Music critic Milo Miles saw them perform and has some thoughts about the band's lively career.

Jazz critic Kevin Whithead reviews "Spinning Song" featuring guitarist Duck Baker playing the music of Herbie Nichols.

Michael Hashim talks about and and shares a recent recording of a rare and newly discovered composition of Billy Strayhorn "Up There." The composition had previously been recorded as the tune "Skippy." Strayhorn was best known for his collaborations with Duke Ellington.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Abbey Lincoln's new release " Who Used to Dance." Lincoln is now in her 60s.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Bob Wills, who helped define the western swing sound while in the band The Texas Playboys.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the reissue collection "Lee Konitz meets Jimmy Giuffre" (Verve).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the 4-CD box set "Count Basie: The Golden Years," which features recordings the pianist made after the age 70.

We remember jazz drummer Tony Williams, who died of a heart attach Sunday at the age of 51. As a teen prodigy, Williams played with the Miles Davis Quintet, and later drummed with Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. (REBROADCAST from 5/25/90)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the re-issued CD "New and Old Gospel" by Jackie McLean. It was a collaboration with Ornette Coleman--who played trumpet during the session--and originally recorded in 1967.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Apollo Records. Many of their albums are being reissued by Delmark.

Jazz critic Kevin Whithead reviews Sun Ra's album "The Singles," which compiles songs he wrote in different styles, and that never made it onto his albums.

A concert and interview with singer Rosemary Clooney taped before a live audience in San Francisco, January 18th, as part of the City Arts & Lectures series. Clooney sings some of her best known songs, accompanied by a quintet directed by John Oddo. She also talks with Terry about her life. Her 1996 album "Dedicated to Nelson" has been nominated for a Grammy.

Commentator Milo Miles looks at the singing career of Jesse Stone. Stone helped shape the sound that was to become rock and roll. As chief arranger during the early days of Atlantic records, he guided the company towards a more swinging, urbane sound. A new collection focuses on his own singing career.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the CD "Serpentine," featuring drummer Han Bennink and trumpeter Dave Douglas.

A live concert in the WHYY Forum with jazz clarinetist Don Byron and his "Bug Orchestra." On their new recording "Bug Music," they play the music of The Raymond Scott Quintette, John Kirby & His Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra -- and a lot of cartoon music. Byron has become best known for playing klezmer, but musically he's all over the map: he plays jazz with his Don Byron Quintet, modern classical music with the Semaphore quintet, and he toured Europe with Music for Six Musicians, an Afro-Cuban ensemble.

Born in Connecticut, Brubeck is the son of jazz pianist Dave Brubeck. He's been involved in classical music since college at Yale, and is a member of the Berkeley Symphony. In addition, he performs jazz both locally and internationally, composes for Club Foot Orchestra and leads the group Oranj Symphonette. Their debut album is"Oranj Symphonette Plays Mancini," which features original interpretations of the easy listening music of Henry Mancini.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Sun Died," by tenor saxophonist Ellery Eskelin. It's a tribute to to the late musician Gene Ammons.