Chicago, IL

Columbus, OH

This week, for our first hour, we'll present a free-from 45 format. Spinning singles from this box of mini platters I have right here. Reading the recently released book titled "In with the In crowd, Popular Jazz in 1960s Black America" by Mike Smith, I was reminded that jazz artists in the mid-century were part of pop culture—electrifying dance clubs, permeating radio waves and releasing top-selling records. Jazz 7" singles thrived as a medium to deliver the music to the masses who enjoyed popular jazz. For tonight's show, I'll randomly select tracks and give them a spin, a listen and some radio play. Sit back and enjoy a free-form 45 set here on the Jazz Continuum.

A Free Form 45 Format + Davis, Rollins & Hill

When you first listen to "Departure No. 1," from John Escreet's The epicenter of your dreams (Blue Room Music, 2024), you might well ask, Who wrote that? At once familiar but tantalizingly hard to pin down, the composition sounds like a Bud Powell tune or maybe an undiscovered Herbie Nichols gem, perhaps in an edition by Jaki Byard. Nope. It's by Stanley Cowell, a pianist/composer who matches those luminaries for brilliance and singularity. The Yorkshire-born Angeleno pianist, bassist Eric Revis and powerhouse drummer Damion Reid roar through Cowell's playful chart like children rushing for shelter in a sudden downpour. On tenor, Mark Turner eats up the changes with an almost absurdly videogame-level speed and agility, nailing the arrival.

John Escreet: Departure No. 1

New Jersey State

The New Jersey Sessions is a testament to the vitality of jazz brought to life by pianist Jeremy Monteiro and tenor saxophonist Sean Hong Wei, with the iconic Houston Person adding his legendary sound to a couple of notable tracks. The album serves up a rich tapestry of eight jazz standards (and one original from Monteiro) which provide a road map to blending traditional jazz elements with a modern sensibility by an ensemble which includes trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Evan Sherman in addition to the two principals.

Sean Hong Wei & Jeremy Monteiro: The New Jersey Sessions

Firstly, Michael Ruth goes by the name of Rich Ruth. When asked about the conversion from Michael to Rich, Ruth had a clear and simple response "I chose to go by Rich Ruth because I felt it had a more distinct ring to it and Rich is my mother's maiden name as well as my middle name." As for influences, at times it seems Ruth believes he is channeling sounds and vibrations from a higher order. When citing the inspiration for music he performed or recorded in the past, Ruth stated "I constantly experiment with sound until it reflects the way I am feeling, and attempt to sculpt something meaningful from it." As for more earth-bound influences, he has acknowledged being inspired by the meditative pieces of artists including John Coltrane and Keith Jarrett.

Rich Ruth: Water Still Flows

The shrinkwrap comes off several new albums sampled in this show, and there's a decided tilt to Europe. One of the stalwarts of the European avant-garde, Rudi Mahall, offers The Straight Horn Of Rudi Mahall, his first album playing only clarinet. Another reed player from Germany, Fabian Dudek doesn't hold anything back on his intriguing Distant Skies We Dream, while bassist Jasper Hoiby continues with his impressive trio, 3Elements. From Portugal comes a somewhat unusual pairing—saxophone and vibes—on Trafiklys by João Gato and Duarte Ventura. Cradled Cravings is a hard-nosed debut from a typical European quintet these days—The Gatherers with musicians from different countries and led by Slovenian saxophonist Luka Zabric. Over on this side of the Atlantic, new releases continue to drop; this time from Tarbaby (Orrin Evans, Eric Revis & Nasheet Waits), Dave Douglas' Gifts and underground avant-garde pianist John Blum.

Rudi Mahall, Fabian Dudek, John Blum & Tarbaby

New York City, NY

The John & Alice Coltrane Home and the Coltrane Family, in partnership with Impulse! Records, Detroit Jazz Festival, Hammer Museum, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, The New York Historical Society and others, have declared 2024–2025 to be The Year of Alice, celebrating the extensive life work of spiritual leader, composer and musician Alice Coltrane.

The Year of Alice Initiative Celebrates a Coltrane Family Legacy

Eric Hollaway, known online as “thatbassvoice," is a renowned bass vocalist celebrated for his rich, resonant bass tone. “Hollaway" has leveraged social media to share his talent with a global audience. His online presence is significant having fans all over the world tuning in to listen to his covers. He has carved a unique niche with his vocal artistry. In addition to being a singer he is an established voice over artist and podcaster. He has performed collaborations with various artists and musicians showcasing his versatility with various musical styles. His collaborations have gone viral spanning multiple genres and have been featured in numerous media outlets, including TV, film, video and gaming franchises.

Eric Hollaway - Thatbassvoice - Jazz•ish - New Release July 15th!

Through the prism of music Northern Expo also helps advance the cause of Norway’s ethnic minorities, thus promoting a cultural heritage to be valued by all Norwegians. The organizers of Northern Expo, a showcase for musical talent from Northern Norway, do not do things by halves. Why stop at Oslo, the logical meeting point for the 50 music industry delegates flown in from various points on the globe, when you can transport them 100 kilometers above the Arctic Circle to Bodö?

Northern Expo 2024

We celebrated one of South Africa's most extraordinary piano talents this week with Thembi Dunjana. Dunjana has established herself as a star in Cape Town's rich jazz scene. Drawing upon varied inspirations that range from the American influences of John Coltrane Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner to South African legends like Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and Bheki Mseleku. Dunjana released her Mzantsi jazz award-winning project Intyatyambo in 2020, winning best Best Jazz & Best Female Jazz in 2021. She is back in 2024, with her follow up sophomore project God Bless Ikapa. God Bless Mzantsi, A dedication to the the people of Cape Town and South Africa. The album was released through the US based Ropeadope Records in collaboration with AfricArise.

Celebrating Thembi Dunjana's 'God Bless Ikapa, God Bless Mzantsi'

Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948, is a British singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s. He is known for his introspective lyrics, melodic folk-rock songs, and distinctive voice, which earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Stevens’ early music career...

10 Best Cat Stevens Songs of All Time

Edwin Starr, a legendary figure in soul and R&B music, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his powerful voice and captivating performances. Known for his energetic and socially conscious songs, Starr’s music resonated with audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best songs by Edwin Starr, highlighting his incredible talent and lasting impact on music.

10 Best Edwin Starr Songs of All Time

Https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xref74fpdboVbypa2NuLl?si=d9771a83dca54345. Gerald Mac McKenzie, was a composer and bassist who changed Cape Town's Goema music tradition forever. McKenzie grew up in the city's carnival culture and he helped form The Genuines, combining styles like rock, punk, classical and jazz with the music of his childhood. We got together with my musical guest, musician, songwriter and educator including and friend of "Mac," Leslie Javan, to pay homage to this son of the soil and forever preserve the memories of his contributions to this indigenous South African sonic.

Remembering Gerald Mac Mckenzie: A Goema Superstar

Tornado Watch is a uniquely attractive album from pianist Adam Hersh and his terrific sidemen. It offers ten tracks of intelligent, intensely-performed music. All the songs here are Hersh originals (save one) and each was recorded live in Los Angeles at the "Sam First" jazz club. "Woe V Shade," obviously...

Adam Hersh: Tornado Watch

Brooklyn, NY

Celebrating 30 years to the date since the release of their pivotal debut album Cool And Steady And Easy, cult acid-jazz ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials are back today with the release of a new double-single comprised of reimagined versions of two classic songs from the Arthur Baker-produced record: “Blow Your Brains Out" and “Brooklyn Recycles". Listen here via Dorado Records.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials Releases Re-Recorded Classic Songs 'Blow Your Brains Out' And 'Brooklyn Recycles' From Pivotal Debut Record 'Cool And Steady And Easy'

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People have different levels of maturity. An individual’s age or upbringing can make them possess certain traits. Yet, most people believe that one matures as they grow old. On the contrary, some zodiac signs appear childish in old age. They are jumpy and careless. This strains their relationships with signs who misunderstand them. Air and fire signs are temperamental and some people refer to them as being childish. How can you identify an immature sign?

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Immature

This episode features recent releases by Leigh Pilzer and the duo of Mal Waldron and Steve Lacy. It also includes older music by Patricia Brennan, Michael Gibbs, and the Mark Masters Ensemble. Playlist. Henry Threadgill Sextett "I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings...

Leigh Pilzer, Patricia Brennan, and Mark Masters

Van Morrison has crafted a musical legacy that spans decades, marked by soulful lyricism and timeless melodies. His career is a tapestry of profound storytelling and musical innovation, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. In exploring the top 10 best Van Morrison songs of all time, we delve into a journey of poetic introspection and heartfelt emotion. From his early days with Them to his illustrious solo career, Morrison’s songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance” have become anthems of love and nostalgia. Each track embodies his unique ability to blend genres, infusing elements of jazz, blues, and folk into a seamless harmony that defines his sound. Songs such as “Into the Mystic” and “Astral Weeks” showcase his spiritual depth and mystical allure, capturing listeners with their ethereal beauty. Morrison’s music is a testament to his artistic prowess, earning him acclaim as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. Join us as we celebrate the essence of Van Morrison through a compilation of his most iconic and enduring musical masterpieces.

10 Best Van Morrison Songs of All Time

Bill Withers was a highly influential American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s with his soulful voice and introspective lyrics. Born on July 4, 1938, in Slab Fork, West Virginia, Withers left a lasting impact on music with his distinctive blend of soul, R&B, and blues. Withers’ breakthrough...

10 Best Bill Withers Songs of All Time

Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled to find any traction in 2023. While there is no questioning the greatness of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the rest of the roster never stepped up. This offseason, the Lakers are reportedly aggressively trying to add another star, but any championship roster is defined by the pieces around those stars. The Lakers re-signed one of those pieces today. Guard Max Christie is coming back to the team on a four-year deal.

Los Angeles Lakers Re-Sign Promising Young Guard To 4-Year Deal

Cicero, IL

Oak Park, IL

Berwyn, IL

Forest Park, IL

River Forest, IL

Elmwood Park, IL

Riverside, IL

Lincolnwood, IL

Hines, IL

Evanston, IL

Maywood, IL

Lyons, IL

Harwood Heights, IL

River Grove, IL

Evergreen Park, IL

NewsBreak

Jahari Stampley: Winner of The 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute Competition

Chicago-based pianist Jahari Stampley is a prodigious talent who has won, among other accolades, the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition. Born into...

Jahari Stampley: Winner of The 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute Competition

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