The Bad Plus - “Flim”
Known mainly for their Jazz covers of popular songs, The Bad Plus can actually play with extraordinary breadth. ”Flim” runs the gamut from simple, subdued melody and accompaniment to much more complicated rhythmic patterns and dissonant harmonies. It’s a shame their version of Avant-Garde Experimental Jazz-Rock hasn’t caught on more over the years.
The Best Jazz Radio in the U.S.
Newark, NJ is home to an NPR station that provides diverse content within the scope of Jazz music, stretching from Dixieland to contemporary artisits.
Their programming includes commentary by the artists themselves and an array of sub-genre focused shows. Think about the hot and spicy Latin Jazz Hour.
If you’ve enjoyed the past Jazz posts, or if you’re looking to explore further, have a listen live via their free stream. You might even feel compelled to contribute.
Dave Brubeck - “Take Five”
1 2 3 4 5. Jazz standards that I was exposed to for the first time in high school always seem shorter when I listen again years later. This one in particular makes me grasp at the air for more music. I just want to live my life within the undulations of this classic tune, is that too much to ask?!
Paul Desmond’s incredible chart and frustratingly simple alto saxophone melody will live on forever, and for any jazz newbie this is required listening.
Brazilian Girls - “Problem”
Brazilian Girls are a New York City band that can sing in 4 or 5 different languages, and they’re weird in the best ways. This song “Problem” is one of their faster, English songs that’s fun to sing. Another good sing along is “Pussy” in case you haven’t heard of it. Their sound is a seductive experiment of jazz and electronica melted into complete unpredictability that gets stuck in your head. You have to listen to the entire albums because within and between songs vary drastically. The singer Sabina Sciubba is the only girl in the band, and some friends have told me that she’s never made her eyes visible in any photos or live performances. I know the Brazilian Girls opened for Ween this past January, and they are currently on tour with a third album due out in August.
Louis Armstrong - Melancholy
I attended the Scotty Hard benefit last night at Highline Ballroom. Scotty is an engineer and producer who’s worked with two of my favorite artists of all time: John Scofield and Medeski, Martin & Wood. After many years of seeing the two seperately, I was very happy to witness the collaboration, one that does not come together very often.
After a long night of drinking, dancing, and whooping it up, I came home and happenned to throw this tune on. I smiled at how much the music I had seen earlier that night was influenced by Louis and his Hot 5 & Hot 7 groups. I then promptly passed out.
Miles Davis - Blue In Green
Another record that changed my life, Miles’ Kind Of Blue (released 1959) was once on continuous loop in my St. Louis apartment for 6 weeks. Over and over I would listen to the same tunes. They permeated my existence. I came to know them so well, that I would continuing humming all of the solos as I left the apartment, heading to class.
Miles’ use of silence and negative space is surprising to say the least. Released after the rise and decline of both Swing and Bop (though hard-bop and avant garde grew, just on a smaller scale), Miles was able to blow minds without blowing a lot of notes.
Sit back, relax, and get ready for the weekend with this one.
Oh and PS: I’ve always wanted to make a overly-intense/emotional, silent movie/music video to this song [yet poignant, of course]. Anyone want to work on a treatment with me?? Comments welcome…
PPS: For musicians, what’s your favorite mode? Mine’s Mixolydian.
