Jazz

Rock historian Ed Ward reacquaints us with the music of Louis Jordan. In the late 1940's he was one of the highest-grossing black acts in the country.

Bandleader, singer, songwriter, and talent scout Johnny Otis. His musical career spans the big band era, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. In the 40's he played and traveled with the big bands, with the Ink Spots and Louis Jordan. Later, with a pared down band, he was on the forefront of the rhythm and blues. He's credited with discovering Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jackie Wilson and Ernestine Anderson.

Jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. He introduced the vibes to the jazz world and remains one of it's undisputed masters. In the 1930's he played with the Benny Goodman's band -- being one of the first blacks to play with a white band. He's just written an autobiography, "Hamp." Al Capone and Louis Armstrong also play surprising roles in his life.

Jazz composer/clarinetist John Carter. He has just completed a five part music series chronicling the black migration experience from Africa to America: "Roots and Folklore: Episodes in the Development of American Folk Music. The final program in the series, "Shadows on A Wall," premiered recently as part of the New Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The festival celebrates performers working on the edge of classical, rock, and jazz styles. Carter's performances are also out on disc.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Warm Evenings," the new album by cornet player Warren Vaché (pronounced va-SHAY). On this album, Vaché teams up with classical music's Beaux-Arts String Quartet.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new 16-CD box set by alto saxophonist Art Pepper, called "The Complete Galaxy Recordings."

Jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie. Bowie is considered one of the most original trumpeters in jazz, and a master of horn effects. Bowie started out playing with Saint Louis R&B bands. In 1969, he helped found the Art Ensemble of Chicago as an outlet for more eclectic and avant-garde jazz. Bowie also heads his own band, Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy. They have a new album, called "Serious Fun."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two new albums by composer, saxophonist and clarinetist Anthony Braxton. Although Braxton's music has been much criticized, Kevin calls him one of his heroes. Braxton's new albums are "19 Solo Compositions 1988" and "Seven Compositions (Trio) 1989."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews reissued 1957 recordings by acoustic guitarist Eddie Condon. Condon was a fine musician, and also promoted the music from the 20s to his death in the early 70s. Condon organized early recording sessions that brought black and white musicians together, promoted concerts at New York's Town Hall, and ran a famous club.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the album, "Blue John," by organist Big John Patton. Paton cut a series of progressive jazz organ albums for Blue Note records in the 60s, then dropped out of sight for a decade, recently re-emerging on some of John Zorn's albums. Patton actually recorded "Blue John" in 1963, but it's just been released on CD and it's the only example of Patton's Blue Note work that's currently available.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us about a milestone in jazz history -- the 50th anniversary of tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins' recording of "Body and Soul." He says Hawkins was the best tenor saxophonist ever...and "Body and Soul" was his greatest masterpiece.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Straight, No Chaser", the new documentary on jazz pianist, Thelonious Monk.

Jazz pianist Kenny Barron pays tribute to jazz great Thelonious Monk.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Covert Action," the new album by french horn player Tom Varner.

Kevin Whitehead reviews composer and saxophonist John Zorn's new album "Spy vs Spy."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by electric guitarist John Scofield. Scofield has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, including Kansas City pianist Jay McShann,, trumpeters Chet Baker and Miles Davis, and Charlie Mingus, but Scofield is also comfortable playing rock.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the first album by the trio New Winds, whose members have experiences in both jazz and classical music. Clarinetist J.D. Parran has played with an improviser's collective called The Black Artists Group, saxophonist Ned Rothenberg plays with a band that does covers of 60s songs, and flutist Robert Dick has played primarily with classical ensembles.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward profiles Memphis soul musician and producer Willie Mitchell. Mitchell was a trumpeter whose own tastes ran to jazz and soul. But Mitchell enjoyed his greatest success as a producer and talent scout. He launched the careers of Al Green, Ann Peebles and O.V.Wright.

Jazz Critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD reviews the latest album by jazz drummer and big band leader Louie Bellson. Bellson, the husband of Pearl Bailey, has been drumming since three. When he was 17, he won a nationwide competition sponsored by Gene Kruppa that launched his career. He's played for Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Duke Ellington.

Guest critic Milo Miles has a primer on world music, and he examines why it should, by all rights, be more popular in the U.S. than it is. Miles is the former rock critic for The Boston Phoenix.