Jazz

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two great solo saxophone pieces by Coleman Hawkins. The first is called "Picasso," and is based on the music of cellist Pablo Casals. The second is called "Dali."

Musician and inventor Les Paul. Paul shaped much of the sound of rock and roll. He invented the electric pickup, the device that made the electric guitar possible, he made the first multi-track recorder, and his innovations established the recording studio itself as a legitimate musical instrument. Gibson has sold guitars designed by Les Paul since the early 50s, vintage models are now worth thousands of dollars. Paul also had many top 40 hits in the 50s and his own TV show.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us what to get the jazz fan on your Christmas list.

We remember trumpeter Buck Clayton, who died on Sunday at age 80. Clayton played with Count Baise's original band. (Rebroadcast of 10/14/1987)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Time For Love: The Best of Julie London." It's a new reissue of songs by Julie London, who was a sex-kitten singer back in the 50s and 60s. (It's on Rhino Records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Violin Music for Restaurants" by violinist Jon Rose. In the album, Rose assumes several musical personae, among them Jo "Doc" Rosenberg, an Australian cafe violinist.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles trombonist Charlie Green who worked with Bessie Smith.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the music of Willem Breuker.

Saxophonist and clarinetist Willem Breuker {as in GROW: Brow-ker), leader of the Dutch jazz band, The Willem Breuker Kollektief. They are known for their stage performances which draw heavily from street theatre and vaudeville. Their releases include "Bob's Gallery," (on the BVHAAST label from West Germany, distributed by North Country Distributors, Calif. 315-287-2852) and "Baal Brecht Breuker Handke," on the BVHAAST label, phone # 020-23 97 99.

Jazz musician Sonny Sharrock. He's been called America's leading free jazz guitarist. His new album is called "Ask the Ages." (It's on Axiom records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead remembers jazz great Miles Davis, who died this weekend at age 65.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from drummer Aldo Romano. It's called "To Be Ornette To Be," and it's a musical tribute to free jazz composer Ornette Coleman. (It's on the French Owl label).

A live concert with jazz pianist, singer, and lyricist Dave Frishberg. Frishberg's long been known for his satirical songs, such as "My Attorney Bernie," and "I'm Hip." His new album, "Classics," is a collection of some of his best-known songs from previous albums. (It's on Concord Jazz records).

We have a sneak preview of tomorrow's ***stereo*** concert with jazz pianist and satirical songwriter Dave Frishberg.

Jazz trumpeter Jack Walrath. Walrath is the musical director of Mingus Dynasty Band, a group that continues to explore the compositions of the late Charles Mingus. Their new album is called "The Next Generation." (It's on Columbia Records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano. It's called Landmarks, and it's on the BlueNote label.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has just returned from the Chicago Jazz Festival, where Swiss composer George Gruntz premiered his "Chicago Cantata."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD set featuring George Gershwin playing his own compositions. (on the British Pearl label).

Saxophonist David Sanborn. Sanborn has a new album, called "Another Hand." He also has a syndicated radio show heard on more than 200 stations, and he was the host of the ground-breaking TV show, "Night Music."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jumptime," the first in a series of reissues of 50s singles from alto saxophonist and singer Tab Smith. (Smith originally recorded these tunes for the United label. They're being reissued by the Delmark label in Chicago).