Body and Soul; The Jazz Ballad
- Details
- Saturday, February 23, 2013
- by Jonathan Martin
Undoubtedly the most popular Jazz Ballad of all time. It's been recorded more than 427 times by every major Jazz artist from Louis Armstrong to Esperanza Spalding.
It began in London early in 1930, and quickly crossed the Atlantic to New York and Broadway. Johnny Green wrote the music and the lyrics were co-written by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton.
Off to a brisk start ...
The earliest known recording is from February of 1930 a few weeks before it was even copyrighted. Jack Hylton and His Orchestra recorded it on February 7th. Ambrose and His Orchestra recorded it February 8th. The version eventually released by Hylton's Orchestra was recorded February 14th; a fitting choice for Valentine's Day.
Ambrose and His Orchestra - February 8, 1930 (the earliest known recording)
Vocals by Sam Browne
Our Top 5 Albums for New Jazz Fans
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- Monday, May 21, 2012
- by Jonathan Martin
There are way too many great jazz albums out there to really come up with a definitive or comprehensive list of "The Best" ever recorded. Still, we all need someplace to start. If you're a new listener, or have just discovered the beauty of Jazz, it can be hard to find Jazz that is easy to listen to that also captures the essence and power of the music in a meaningful way.
That's why I've written this list. I've chosen some recordings that are on everyone's list of all time great Jazz recordings. But, I included a couple of more recent alternatives that show how contemporary Jazz can be modern and still be played "straight ahead".
I hope you enjoy these selections as much as I have over the years.
Christian McBride, Jazz Here and Now!
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- Friday, May 04, 2012
- by Jonathan Martin
In the world of jazz music, Christian McBride is no doubt one of the new leaders. Even though not yet 40, he has demonstrated his skills as composer, bassist, curator and educator perfectly well for over 2 decades. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Christian McBride's destiny brought him to New York City to continue his classical studies at the famous Julliard School. The endless list of accomplishments in his life began when he was first spotted by alto saxophonist, Bobby Watson.
In a Sentimental Mood, Remembering Duke Ellington
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- Saturday, April 21, 2012
- by Jonathan Martin
Duke Ellington was one of the most prolific and popular composers in Jazz. He wrote over 1000 compositions of varying size and scope. He mainly wrote songs for Big Band in standard AABA song form.
Some of his most popular songs were written in the 1930's. "Mood Indigo", It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" "Sophisticated Lady" "Solitude" and "In a Sentimental Mood".
Jazz By Any Other Name
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- Thursday, January 26, 2012
- by Jonathan Martin
Jazz by any other name would swing as hard, and sound as cool.
Exclusion was the downfall of Jazz's popularity in the first place. The idea that either you "get it", or you don't; and so called "artists" throwing their intellectual superiority in the faces of their audiences led to the depopularization of Jazz as an art form in the late 1950's and early 1960's.
Just Throw Your Axe Off a Bridge
- Details
- Monday, January 23, 2012
- by Jonathan Martin
One of Aesop's Fables tells the story of a Miller, his son, and a donkey they were taking to sell at the market.
Along the way they get harassed by various people criticizing what they're doing.
The first group doesn't like that they are all walking when they have a perfectly good donkey. So the Miller's son gets on to ride.
Please wait...
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