CiTR

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a bit of a catch-up as we return to live broadcasting. This Jazz Feature is an extended tribute to Black History Month and part 1 is Sonny Rollins' famous piece "The Freedom Suite" which was recorded in February of 1958 for Riverside Records. Mr. Rollins wrote this suite and performed it here with two pioneers of Modern Jazz, bassist Oscar Pettiford and drummer Max Roach. It is Rollins' statement to the trials and triumphs of African Americans and was a ground breaking recording. It is in 3 movements and spans about 20 minutes of magnificent playing by all, Part 2 of tonight's Jazz Feature is a performance by the John Handy "New" Quintet at New York's Village Gate. Handy is on alto saxophone with Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Pat Martino on guitar, Albert Stinson on bass and Doug Sides on drums. The piece is dedicated to the great but underrated civil rights advocate, James Meridith who risked his life to integrate the University of Mississippi in Jackson. It is sometimes referred to as "Old Miss". Meridith was successful and today there is a statue at the university in his honor. John Handy wrote and performs his composition dedicated to Meridith called "Tears Of Old Miss" (Anatomy of a Riot). It is a stunning and intese performance depicting the effort it took Meridith to accomplish what he did. Both pieces are a tribute to Black History Month.