The World Saxophone Quartet Plays Duke Ellington's Come Sunday

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

The World Saxophone Quartet (WSQ) is a renowned jazz ensemble that was formed in 1976. The group is known for its unique and innovative approach to saxophone music, blending elements of jazz, free improvisation, and world music. The original members of the World Saxophone Quartet were Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Hamiet Bluiett, and David Murray.

Each member of the quartet brings their own distinctive style and musical background to the group, resulting in a rich and diverse sound. The WSQ has been influential in expanding the possibilities of saxophone ensembles in jazz and has released numerous critically acclaimed albums over the years.

The World Saxophone Quartet's repertoire includes original compositions, as well as arrangements of jazz standards and traditional tunes from various musical traditions. They have collaborated with a wide range of musicians and have performed all over the world, gaining a loyal following and international recognition for their artistry and musicianship.

The quartet has undergone some lineup changes over the years, with various renowned saxophonists joining and departing the group. Despite these changes, the WSQ continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories, maintaining its status as a leading force in contemporary jazz.

Sonny Rollins on Tokyo TV 2008

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Sonny Rollins's significance lies in his vast contributions to jazz as a performer, composer, and innovator. His impact on the art form is undeniable, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

Tokyo TV, more commonly referred to as "Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc." or "TBS," is a major television network in Japan. Established in 1951, TBS provides a variety of programming, including news, dramas, variety shows, and other entertainment content.

Frank Gambale - Big Charmer

Released in late February 2024.  Gambale's latest song is a fantastic variation of his classic Little Charmer.  This is a reupload of the video.  The first time it was uploaded by Frank and his production company on his YouTube channel, there were sync issues.  No sync issues here.  So, enjoy the video.  

Joe Bonamassa "Living on the Moon"

 

From a performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York, here is Joe Bonamassa with the song "Living on the Moon".  

Joey DeFrancesco "Misty"

 

This week's Sunday Special.  The late, great Hammond B3 organ maestro, Joey DeFrancesco playing "Misty".  “Misty” recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, PA 2003.

Joey DeFrancesco - Organ 
Larry Carlton - Guitar  
Gerald Veasley - Bass
Byron Landham - Drums 
Chris Farr - Saxophone, percussionist 
Emedin Rivera - Percussion

Joe Henderson, Bob Berg, and Joe Farrell play Tenor Madness at the 1985 Madrid Jazz Festival

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Tenor Madness (Rollins).  Joe Henderson, Bob Berg and Joe Farrell, tenor saxophones; George Cables, piano.

Madrid Jazz Festival, April 18, 1985.

The American Dream - Jazz at the Philharmonic

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

This performance, it should be noted, is another rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's composition "Ow".  

Ow (Gillespie).  Jazz at the Philharmonic, 1967.  Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Teddy Wilson, Bob Cranshaw, Louis Belson.

"Jazz at the Philharmonic" (JATP) was a concert and recording series organized by jazz impresario Norman Granz. The first "Jazz at the Philharmonic" concert took place in 1944 at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The series featured performances by some of the greatest jazz musicians of the era, including Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, and many more.

These concerts were significant for several reasons:

1. Integration: At a time when the United States was still largely segregated, JATP concerts were among the first to feature racially integrated lineups. Norman Granz was a strong advocate for civil rights and insisted that his concerts not be segregated.

2. Popularization: The concerts helped popularize jazz by bringing it into major concert halls and introducing it to wider audiences. Previously, jazz had largely been confined to nightclubs and smaller venues.

3. Musical Freedom: The format of the concerts often involved loose, jam-session style performances, which gave musicians a high degree of artistic freedom and the chance to engage in improvisational interplay.

4. Recordings: The concerts were also recorded and widely distributed, contributing to the popularization of the music and the musicians involved.

5. Innovation: The musicians who played at JATP concerts were often on the cutting edge of jazz, and the concerts served as a platform for the introduction of new styles and ideas.

The "Jazz at the Philharmonic" series was hugely influential in shaping the course of jazz history and played a role in the careers of many of the genre's most important musicians. It ceased its regular activities in the late 1950s but has had an enduring legacy, inspiring subsequent generations of jazz musicians and fans alike.

Maynard Ferguson on a German Variety Show 1970

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

From Acid to Indian gurus, Maynard led a fascinating life.  While he was living in Europe in the late 60s and early 70s, he appeared on European television.  Always the performer, one of his strengths was his ability to quick adapt to any performing situation.  It something he did his entire life, leading his first big band when he was a teenager.

@maynardferguson

Gerry Mulligan Sextet Live on Italian Television, 1956

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Bernie's Tune (Miller) Gerry Mulligan Sextet, RAI Television 1956.  Gerry Mulligan, baritone sax; Bob Brookmeyer, valve trombone; Zoot Sims, tenor saxophone; Jon Eardley, trumpet; Bill Crow, bass; Dave Bailey, drums

Buddy Guy "Hoochie Coochie Man" & "One Room Country Shack"

 

From the 2000 Bern Blues Festival in Bern, Switzerland, here is Buddy Guy and his band playing a medley of Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man", and "One Room Country Shack".  Check it out.  

The String Cheese Incident - "Whiskey River" (Willie Nelson) - Austin, TX - 7/6/13

 

SCI performs Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River" in the hometown of Willie himself, Austin TX @ The Backyard on 7/6/13.  A great band performing a rendition of a great song, that Willie has opened his shows with, seemingly forever, at least since his popularity exploded on the Austin, Texas, music scene in the mid 1970s.  

Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie "Flight Time"

 

This week's Sunday Special is something I just stumbled upon, but this is pretty cool I have to say.  Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie performing the tune "Flight Time" live in Rome, Italy, on February 19th, 1981.  The quintet features Billy Cobham on drums, Michal Urbaniak on electric violin and lyricon, Mike Stern on guitar, Tim Landers on bass, and Gil Goldstein on piano, Rhodes piano, and keyboards.  

 

Junior Cook with Bill Hardman , Spain 1987 featuring Walter Bishop, Jr.

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack, as well as another YouTube video source that I have to check on, here is another fascinating performance.  Junior Cook, Bill Hardman, and Walter Bishop Jr. performing live in Spain in 1987.  Here's the full band lineup.  Bill Hardman, trumpet; Junior Cook, tenor saxophone; Walter Bishop, Jr., piano; Chin Suzuki, bass and Leroy Williams, drums.  Spanish TV, 1987

Max Roach Quartet & Abbey Lincoln, BRT TV Studio, Schaarbeek, Belgium, January 10, 1964 (Colorized)

 

Full Concert Friday this week.  Max Roach Quartet & Abbey Lincoln, BRT TV Studio, Schaarbeek, Belgium, January 10, 1964.

Presentation Jan Gheysen 00:00 We Insist! Freedom Now Suite: Intro 2:30 Driva Man 4:50 Triptych (Prayer/Protest/ Peace) 9:58 All Africa 19:09 Freedom Day 25:27 Lineup:

Max Roach: drums Abbey Lincoln: vocals Clifford Jordan: tenor saxophone Coleridge Perkinson: piano Eddie Khan: bass

Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt - Groovin' High in Belgium

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Groovin' High (Gillespie) live in Belgium, 1974 with Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt.

Sonny Stitt was an influential jazz saxophonist who made significant contributions to the development of the bebop and hard bop styles. Born Edward Boatner Jr. on February 2, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was an extremely prolific recording artist and toured extensively throughout his career.

Here are some reasons why Sonny Stitt is considered important:

### Technique and Skill

Stitt was an exceptionally skilled musician and improviser. His technical prowess on the saxophone set a high standard for jazz musicians, and his ability to execute complex phrases effortlessly made him a highly respected figure among his peers.

### Versatility

Stitt was proficient in playing both alto and tenor saxophones and often switched between them throughout his career. His style, particularly on alto, bore similarities to Charlie Parker's, but he also developed his own unique voice on the tenor saxophone.

### Influence on Bebop and Hard Bop

Stitt was an important figure in the bebop movement, which fundamentally changed the way jazz was played and understood. His performances and recordings serve as a masterclass in these styles. In the 1950s, he also delved into the hard bop subgenre, playing with other jazz greats like Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie.

### Extensive Discography

Sonny Stitt had an incredibly prolific recording career. His discography includes well over 100 albums as a leader and numerous others as a sideman. He recorded with some of the greats of jazz, including Bud Powell, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Gene Ammons, among many others.

### Mentorship and Collaboration

Stitt played with and influenced many young musicians, acting as a bridge between the early bebop pioneers and the next generation of jazz artists. He was open to collaboration and played with a variety of musicians across styles and generations.

### Resilience and Longevity

Despite personal challenges, including battles with substance abuse, Stitt maintained a long and productive career, continuing to perform and record almost up until his death in 1982.

In summary, Sonny Stitt's importance lies in his exceptional skill, adaptability, prolific output, and significant influence on the genres of bebop and hard bop. He remains an enduring figure in the history of jazz music.

Joe Henderson and John Scofield Duo: I Loves You Porgy

 

Happy Valentine's Day!  This is a perfect tune for the occasion.

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

I Loves You Porgy (Gershwin) Joe Henderson, tenor saxophone and John Scofield, guitar from the 1998 Bern Jazz Festival.

Joe Henderson (1937-2001) was one of the most significant and influential tenor saxophonists in the post-bop era. Here are some reasons why Joe Henderson was important:

1. **Unique Style**: Joe Henderson had a distinctive voice on the tenor saxophone, blending elements of hard bop, post-bop, avant-garde, and Latin jazz. His sound was at once edgy and melodic, and he had a unique approach to phrasing and rhythm.

2. **Versatility**: Over his career, Henderson showed remarkable versatility. He was comfortable in a variety of settings, from straight-ahead jazz to more experimental styles. This adaptability made him a sought-after sideman.

3. **Prolific as a Leader and Sideman**: Henderson recorded numerous albums as a leader, including classic Blue Note recordings like "Page One" and "Inner Urge." He also contributed to landmark albums as a sideman, such as Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" and Horace Silver's "Song for My Father."

4. **Enduring Compositions**: Joe Henderson was also a notable composer. Many of his compositions, like "Recorda Me" and "Inner Urge," have become jazz standards and are played frequently by musicians of subsequent generations.

5. **Late Career Renaissance**: After a quieter period in the 1970s and early 1980s, Henderson experienced a late-career resurgence in the 1990s. He recorded several acclaimed albums for Verve that revisited his earlier works, introduced new compositions, and covered jazz standards.

6. **Educator and Mentor**: Later in his life, Joe Henderson became involved in education, teaching at institutions like Stanford University and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of jazz musicians.

Joe Henderson's importance lies in his innovative contributions to jazz as both a saxophonist and composer. His enduring legacy is evident in the continued reverence and influence he holds over saxophonists and jazz musicians today.

Maceo Parker - Shake everything you've got (feat. Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis) on JAZE.club

 

Via JAZE FM, revisiting Maceo Parker on alto saxophone, Pee Wee Ellis on tenor saxophone, Fred Wesley on trombone, Bruno Speight on guitar, William Boulware on Hammond B3 organ, Jerry Preston on bass, and Zimone Thomas on drums, playing "Shake Everything You've Got".  Bring the funk.  Check it out on YouTube.  

Foghat "Slow Ride"

 

Revisiting a favorite old blues of yours truly.  "Slow Ride" by British blues band Foghat led by two late greats of blues rock music.  "Lonesome Dave" Dave Peverett on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, and one of the greats of the bottleneck slide guitar, Rod Price, with their seminal hit "Slow Ride", in this case, the extended jam studio cut of the song, flanked by footage of a live performance by the band from 1981.  I saw Foghat in their current iteration in 2017 at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand and they were in fine form then, just as in their heyday in the '70s and '80s.  Enjoy "Slow Ride".  

Quincy Jones "Airmail Special"

This week's Sunday Special features the one and the only Quincy Jones, and both studio and live renditions of his tune "Airmail Special" which is the title track to his 1972 record of the same name.  The second live version of "Airmail Special" in today's post is from the Quincy Jones "Live in Paris" record, by the way.  

Don Byas, The Forgotten Legend

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Lover Man (Ramirez). Don Byas, tenor saxophone, with the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Live at the Village Vanguard, from the documentary, Homecoming.  Video courtesy Milan Simich.

Don Byas (1912-1972) was an important figure in the history of jazz saxophone for several reasons:

1. **Bridge Between Swing and Bebop**: Byas was pivotal in the transition from the swing era to the bebop era. His style incorporated elements of both genres, making him one of the first tenor saxophonists to embrace the harmonically complex language of bebop while retaining the rich, soulful tone characteristic of earlier swing players.

2. **Technical Mastery**: He possessed a technical prowess on the tenor saxophone that was unparalleled in his time. This enabled him to execute intricate bebop lines with fluency and ease.

3. **Collaborations**: Throughout his career, Byas played with many legendary musicians, including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington, to name a few. These collaborations helped shape the direction of jazz during its most formative periods.

4. **European Influence**: In 1946, Byas moved to Europe, primarily residing in France and the Netherlands. His presence there had a significant influence on the European jazz scene. He was instrumental in fostering the post-war European jazz movement and mentoring several European jazz musicians.

5. **Rich Tone and Expressiveness**: Byas was known for his warm, lush tone and emotional expressiveness. His ballad playing, in particular, was deeply emotive and showcased his ability to convey profound feelings through his instrument.

In summary, Don Byas was crucial in the development and evolution of jazz saxophone, serving as a bridge between its past and future, while also leaving a significant mark on both the American and European jazz scenes.

Some Skunk Funk - 1992 November 1 Brecker Brothers Jazz Mecca Maastricht

 

Brecker Brothers

Some Skunk Funk Jazz Mecca Maastricht Holland

Michael Brecker: Tenor
Randy Brecker: Trumpet
James Genus: Bass
Mike Stern: Guitar
Dennis Chambers: Drums
George Whitty: Keyboards

What is This Thing Called Love? Erroll Garner

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Erroll Louis Garner (June 15, 1921 – January 2, 1977) was an American jazz pianist and composer known for his swing playing and ballads. His instrumental ballad "Misty", his best-known composition, has become a jazz standard. It was first recorded in 1956 with Mitch Miller and his orchestra, and played a prominent part in the 1971 motion picture Play Misty for Me.[8]

Scott Yanow of Allmusic calls him "one of the most distinctive of all pianists" and a "brilliant virtuoso". Garner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6363 Hollywood Boulevard. His live album Concert by the Sea first released in 1955, sold more than 1 million copies by 1958, and Yanow's opinion on the album is that it "made such a strong impression that Garner was considered immortal from then on."

Miles Davis "Burn"

 

From a performance at the Amnesty International concert back in the '80s, here is Miles Davis with the tune "Burn".  The band lineup is:

Miles Davis – trumpet
Carlos Santana – guitar
Robben Ford – guitar
Bob Berg – tenor saxophone
Robert Irving III – synthesizer
Adam Holzman – synthesizer
Felton Crews – bass
Vincent Wilburn Jr. – drums
Steve Thornton – percussion

Clark Terry and Red Mitchell: Take The A Train

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Clark Virgil Terry Jr. was an American swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, and a composer and educator. He played with Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, and Oscar Peterson. He was with The Tonight Show Band on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1972.

Keith Moore "Red" Mitchell was an American jazz double-bassist, composer, lyricist, and poet. 

"Take the 'A' Train" is a jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn that was the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra.

Widespread Panic "Second Skin"

 

Widespread Panic performs "Second Skin" live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, on June 23rd, 2023.

Frank Gambale "Mr. Hollywood Line"

 

Another Sunday Special this week.  Frank Gambale and his All Star Group from a 2023 performance at Bordereij Holland.  Very reminiscent of Donald Fagen and Steely Dan.  

Gambale sings one of his classic tunes Mr. Hollywood live at Bordereij in Holland March 2023 with his all star group.

Visit http://www.frankgambaleguitarschool.com to learn from a true guitar legend. For more info on Frank see http://www.frankgambale.com

Joe Bonamassa "Never Give All Your Heart"

 

From a live performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York, here is Joe Bonamassa with "Never Give All Your Heart".  

Duke Ellington, his orchestra and friends at the First Annual Connecticut Jazz Festival, (1956)

 

Full Album and Full Concert Friday this week featuring Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.

Connecticut Jazz Festival "JAZZ UNDER THE STARS". Stadium Bowl, Fairfield University - Fairfield, Connecticut. July 28, 1956. Newport Jazz Festival Suite ᵃ 00:00 1. Festival Junction 06:36 2. Blues To Be There 13:28 3. Newport Up 18:59 Tea For Two ᵇ 27:10 Ad Lib Blues ᵇ 34:25 Perdido ᶜ 38:56 Fingerbuster ᶜ 41:15 Squeeze Me ᶜ 45:22 The Hawk Talks ᵃ 47:51 Sophisticated Lady ᵃ 51:53 I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good) ᵃ 55:16 Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me ᵃ 58:00 Hey Cherie ᵃ 1:00:41 Take The "A" Train ᵃ 1:03:23 Ballin' The Blues (aka Jam Blues or Duke's Good Girl Blues) ᵃ 1:07:22 Mood Indigo ᵃ ᵃ Duke Ellington and His Orchestra: Willie Cook, Cat Anderson (t); Clark Terry (t,fl); Ray Nance (t,vl,v); Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders (tb); Jimmy Hamilton (cl,ts); Russell Procope (cl,ss,as); Johnny Hodges (as); Paul Gonsalves (ts); Harry Carney (cl,as,bar); Duke Ellington (p); Jimmy Woode (b); Sam Woodyard (d); Jimmy Grissom (v). ᵇ Festival All Stars: Buck Clayton (t); Jimmy Hamilton (cl); Paul Gonsalves (ts); Hank Jones (p); Jimmy Woode (b); Sam Woodyard (d). ᶜ Willie "The Lion" Smith Quartet: Willie "The Lion" Smith (p); Buck Clayton (t); Walter Page (b); Arthur Trappier (d).

ZZ Top "La Grange"

 

From the "Double Down Live" concert DVD and the performance ZZ Top did at Rockpalast in Germany in 1980, here is "La Grange", one of their best and most endearing tunes with the original trio of Billy Gibbons on guitar and vocals, the late, great Dusty Hill on bass, and Frank Beard on drums.