December 2nd
“Screamin’ The Blues” is the first this month. Tenor/alto saxophonist/composer Oliver Nelson with an all star-band including the innovative Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, Richard Williams on trumpet, Richard Wyands on piano, George Duvivier on bass and “Mr. Snap-Crackle” Roy Haynes on drums. This remains a loved classic album with broad appeal.
December 9th
A piano trio album of the first order by Los Angeles born pianist Hampton Hawes. Hawes was a very influential pianist who is somewhat overlooked today. He was greatly admired by Oscar Peterson, who didn’t give out compliments frivolously. Hampton is supported by bass ace Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson. This was Hampton’s first full-length LP and it’s a goodie. Solid interpretations of standard tunes and originals by Hampton. “The Hampton Hawes Trio”.
December 16
One of the great Jazz singers was Betty Carter. Innovative, adventurous and swinging, Betty leads her musicians to great heights. They include the great John Hicks at the piano, Curtis Lundy on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. All recorded live at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. “The Audience with Betty Carter”.
December 23
This is The Jazz Show’s annual Christmas Show and adhering to tradition we present as we do every year the legendary Christmas Eve recording session from 1954 with trumpeter Miles Davis leading his all-stars with Milt Jackson on vibes, Thelonious Monk on piano, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. “The Famous ‘Bags’ Groove’ Session”. We’ll have lots of Christmas Jazz that you won’t hear in the malls plus of course a visit from Scrooge with the legendary Lord Buckley. Merry Christmas to all!
December 30
We end the year off with a relaxed jam type recording led by the great tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons with a great cast. Gene appears with Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Art Farmer on trumpet, Duke Jordan on piano, Art’s twin brother Addison on bass, Arthur Taylor on drums and the great Candido on conga drums. Four hip tunes make up this session called “The Happy Blues”.
*****
January 6
We kick off a brand new year in style with a latter-day classic by Miles Davis and his “second great quintet” called “Miles Smiles”. The group by this recording had jelled and Miles had regained his health and strength after what was a tough year. The quintet was Miles, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass and the ultra amazing Tony Williams on drums. Miles smiles and wishes everyone a Happy New Year!
January 13
Tonight we present the “real” Don Cherry. Don was one of the most creative and innovative trumpeters and began his long career with Ornette Coleman as Coleman’s alter-ego but Cherry had much of his own to say and tonight we present Don on one of his finest outings with “Complete Communion”. Don wrote all the music and plays cornet (a smaller trumpet) with the great Leandro “Gato” Barbieri on tenor saxophone, Henry Grimes on bass and the always great Edward Blackwell on drums. Don’t miss this date.
January 20
A rare date led by bassist Paul Chambers, the premier bassist for hundreds of sessions in the 50s and 60s. Paul leads a fine cohesive quintet with trumpeter Donald Byrd and tenor saxophone great Clifford Jordan. Tommy Flanagan is on piano and some great early Elvin Jones on drums, who was really coming into his own here, Simply called “The Paul Chambers Quintet”. Superfine Jazz!