The Jazz Show Episode February 24, 2014

Broadcast on 24-Feb-2014

9:00pm - 11:59pm

This feature has a large orchestra playing music composed and arranged by Oliver Nelson who not only conducts the orchestra but is heard with others on alto and tenor saxophones. The 7 part suite is a depiction of the history of African/American people from their origin in Africa to their arrival in the USA as slaves, their emancipation and all the triumphs and tribulations ending in the optimistic part 7 called "Freedom Dance". Nelson put together the cream of the crop of New York Jazz players for this project in September and November 1961.It is a credit to producer Esmond Edwards and Prestige Records that this huge project was realised. The music tells a great story but is also great Jazz and it is a tribute to Oliver Nelson who was able to tell this musical story. Afro/American Sketches is a quite masterpiece.

Track Listing:

The Third
Art Blakey · The Rarest Jazz Messengers
Little "T"
Art Blakey · The Rarest Jazz Messengers
Scenes of the City
Charles Mingus · A Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry
1974 Blues
Seamus Blake · Reeds Ramble
All About Me
Seamus Blake · Reeds Ramble
Strange Fruit
Billie Holiday · Lady Sings The Blues
Mendacity
Abbey Lincoln · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Mississippi Goddamn
Nina Simone · In Concert
God Bless The Child
Billie Holiday · Lady Sings The Blues
Mod House
Wilbur Ware · Super Bass
Wilbur's Red Cross
Wilbur Ware · Super Bass
Message
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
Jungleaire
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
Emancipation Blues
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
There's A Yearnin'
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
Going Up North
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
Disillusioned
Oliver Nelson · Afro/American Sketches
Freedom Dance
Oliver nelson · Afro /American Sketches