Jazz

No one in jazz was as far out and far in as tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler. Far out in terms of how he improvised. Far in, in terms of the songs he wrote to improvise on. They sounded like a jumble of bugle calls, national anthems, nursery rhymes and drinking songs. Music ran in the family. As a boy, Ayler had studied music and listened to jazz with his father, and they also played saxophone duets in church. As a memento, Albert later recorded an album of spirituals called Goin' Home.

Kevin Whitehead continues his Avant Garde Made Easy series with a look at pianist Cecil Taylor.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead begins a new six-part series we call Avant-Garde Made Easy, highlighting some of the important modern jazz mavericks of the so-called Avant Garde. Today we consider the music of trumpeter Lester Bowie.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead begins a new six-part series we call Avant-Garde Made Easy, highlighting some of the important modern jazz mavericks of the so-called Avant Garde. We begin the series with pianist, composer, and band leader Sun Ra.

World Music critic Milo Miles shares the story of Savoy Records, an independent label that specialized in jazz, R&B, and gospel from the 1940s to the 60s.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead continues his look at Duke Ellington.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead corrects some common misconceptions about Duke Ellington.

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the music of Mardi Gras.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Apollo Records. Many of their albums are being reissued by Delmark.

Commentator Gerald Early reflects on what would have been the 70th birthday of trumpeter Miles Davis.