Rare Sun Ra Interview

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount (later Le Sony’r Ra) in 1914, was a visionary American jazz composer, bandleader, pianist, and philosopher. He is best known for his pioneering work in free jazz, his eclectic fusion of genres, and his elaborate, otherworldly persona. Sun Ra claimed to be from Saturn, often speaking of cosmic philosophy, Afro-futurism, and the spiritual significance of music. In the mid-1950s, he founded the “Arkestra,” a large ensemble that would evolve over time and serve as a vehicle for his unconventional musical ideas. His music spanned everything from swing and bebop to avant-garde free jazz, with a strong emphasis on space-age sounds, electronic instruments, and African rhythms. The Arkestra performances were often accompanied by theatrical elements, such as elaborate costumes, futuristic imagery, and mystical themes. Sun Ra was a key figure in the development of the avant-garde jazz movement, blending philosophy, mythology, and music into a unique vision that influenced a wide range of genres. He remained active until his death in 1993, leaving behind a massive catalog of recordings and a lasting legacy in both jazz and experimental music. His work also had a significant impact on Afro-futurism, inspiring later generations of artists, musicians, and thinkers.

Mel Tormé - You Are My Sunshine - 13/03/1976 • World of Jazz

 

Mel Tormé (USA, 1925 - 1999) is one of the most versatile jazz artists ever. He composed and arranged songs, he was a drummer as well as a movie and tv-show actor. Long ago he starred in sitcoms with Judy Garland and Lucille Ball, more recent in the popular series Night Court and Seinfeld. But he became really famous with his special voice. He was rewarded the nickname “Velvet Fog”, because of his high tenor and smooth style of singing. And singing that was what he did. 200 concerts a year was no problem for him. And he had his radio shows and his own tv show in the '50’s.

In our archives, we found a performance of Mel in the famous Dutch programme Music All In, recorded 19-03-1976. Host Pim Jacobs accompanied him on piano at several songs, and the big orchestra was conducted by the great Rogier van Otterloo, known as composer from box office movie soundtracks like “Soldier of Orange”.  It’s widely known that Tormé wasn’t a big fan of rock and roll music, which he once called “three tone manure”, but although he loved classic music, he also liked some pop songs. In this "tribute to Gene Krupa", we' see him ging a big drum solo, as a real tribute.

Phish "Bathtub Gin" (revisited, again)

 

Revisiting (once again), a favorite Phish song of mine.  This is the classic, "Bathtub Gin" which it's whimsical melody and trippy lyrics.  This particular version comes from Phish's October 26th, 2024, concert held at MVP Arena in Albany, New York.  

Canned Heat "Future Blues"

 

Canned Heat is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group has been noted for its interpretations of blues material and for its efforts to promote interest in this type of music and its original artists. It was launched by two blues enthusiasts, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, who took the name from Tommy Johnson's 1928 "Canned Heat Blues", a song about an alcoholic who had desperately turned to drinking Sterno, generically called "canned heat" (from the original 1914 product name Sterno Canned Heat),[1] After appearances at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals at the end of the 1960s, the band acquired worldwide fame with a lineup consisting of Hite (vocals), Wilson (guitar, harmonica and vocals), Henry Vestine and later Harvey Mandel (lead guitar), Larry Taylor (bass), and Adolfo de la Parra (drums).

Gerry Mulligan - Pianist

 

This week's Sunday Special.  From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.  Darn That Dream featuring baritone saxophone legend Gerry Mulligan on piano, Rich DeRosa drums, Frank Luther bass.

Phish "Monsters"

 

"Monsters" from Phish's 10/25/2024 show at MVP Arena, Albany, NY. 

Joe Bonamassa "I Got All You Need"

 

From Joe Bonamassa's "Tour de Force" live record recorded at Shepherd's Bush Empire in England, here is "I Got All You Need".