The Jazz Show Episode September 19, 2016

Maestro Leonard Bernstein Narrates "What Is Jazz"

9:03pm - 12:37am

This classic recording done in the mid-50s is our second Jazz feature into the "back to school" idea with an educational and entertaining lecture into what Jazz music is and what it isn't. Leonard Bernstein loved, understood and respected Jazz music and was a master communicator. This is less a history of Jazz but an analysis in a non-academic fashion of many of the unique musical elements that make up this great American art form. In the second half, Maestro Bernstein takes apart a popular song and brings in many players to improvise and personalize the song. Bernstein unlocks some of the mysteries of the music and it is a fun listen. One last note, some of the references will bring a smile to you face as this recording was done in the mid-50s and reflects some of the values and ideas of that time. This recording has much relevance and that is why we feature it every year. "What Is Jazz" is a classic.

Track Listing:

A Compilation of Tunes
Leonard Bernstein · What Is Jazz
Ah-Leu-Cha
Miles Davis · First Recordings
Two Bass Hit
Miles Davis · First Recordings
Little Melonae
Miles Davis · First Recordings
Budo
Miles Davis · First Recordings
L's Bop
Lennie White · Lennie White
Guernica
Lennie White · Lennie White
Audrey
Paul Desmond · Paul Desmond's Canadian Quartet
Line For Lyons
Paul Desmond · Paul Desmond's Canadian Quartet
Miracle of The Fishes
Milton Nascimento · Native Dancer
From The Lonely Afternoons
Milton Nascimento · Native Dancer
Exits and Flags
Milton Nascimento · Milton
Os Povos
Milton Nascimento · Milton
Jay Bird
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Coppin The Bop
J.J. Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Jay Jay
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Mad be-Bop
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Audbahn
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Don't Blame Me
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Goof Square
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Bee-Jay
J.J.Johnson · Mad Be-Bop
Sunday Suite
Cedar Walton · Eastern Rebellion 2