39- “Blue Train” and Lee Morgan

Standards Rating 7, Difficulty Rating 3

"Blue Train," the title track from John Coltrane's 1958 album Blue Train, is a defining piece of hard bop jazz. The composition is a 12-bar blues in the key of Eb, featuring sophisticated harmonic alterations like #9 and #11 chords, which add modern tension to the traditional blues structure. The melody is simple yet engaging, with call-and-response patterns reminiscent of gospel music. The solos, particularly from Coltrane and Lee Morgan, stand out on the original recording. Lee Morgan, a Philadelphia-born trumpet prodigy, made a significant contribution to jazz. Influenced by Clifford Brown, Morgan had already recorded as a leader by 1956 and played in Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band before the Blue Train recordings. After Blue Train, Morgan joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and became a key figure in the hard bop movement. His 1964 album The Sidewinder was a major commercial success, marking his comeback after overcoming heroin addiction. Tragically, Morgan was shot and killed in 1972 at the age of 33, but his legacy as one of jazz’s most influential trumpeters endures.

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=ae04712a5e334078

John Coltrane https://youtu.be/HT_Zs5FKDZE?si=s1h5mcTO-gufgvb0

Pancho Sanchez https://youtu.be/aNwRKFJi8XU?si=Y7HCak0Ffc9cboMx

38- “Blue Room” and Tommy Dorsey

Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 6

"Blue Room," written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1926 Broadway musical The Girl Friend, is a classic show tune known for its romantic lyrics and cozy imagery. The song has a straightforward 32-bar AABA structure and features harmonic complexity with modulations, offering a rich canvas for jazz improvisation. Tommy Dorsey, a leading figure in the swing era, recorded a notable version in 1954 with his orchestra. This arrangement showcases a smooth, danceable swing with dynamic contrasts, highlighting Dorsey's skill in blending reeds and brass for a sophisticated call-and-response effect. The recording is a testament to Dorsey’s mastery, even as big bands were declining in popularity. An alternate version by Ella Fitzgerald in 1956, arranged by Benny Bregman, also stands out, further solidifying the tune's enduring appeal. Dorsey's impact on jazz and popular music, especially through his smooth trombone playing and successful big band, remains significant.

Tommy Dorsey https://youtu.be/6asX9Ay_La0?si=fMhw1OIXSUBfzIMC

Ella Fitzgerald https://youtu.be/MDdJsbu2AII?si=KI6GMPk4roVHRCAm

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=49a69c9877c04ccc

Buster Williams, a legendary jazz bassist, composer, and instructor, has played on numerous records with iconic musicians like Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Art Blakey, and Stan Getz, among others. Known for his work as both a sideman and a bandleader, Williams continues to inspire audiences with his performances and compositions.

On September 28th, he will perform with his quartet at the Middlesex County Jazz Festival in New Brunswick. The quartet features Lenny White on drums, Steve Wilson on saxophone, and Brandon McCune on piano. The concert will showcase a repertoire primarily composed of Williams' original compositions. Interest in Williams grew after the 2019 documentary "Buster Williams: Bass to Infinity" highlighted his extensive career and personal journey. Now 82 years old, Williams remains dedicated to his craft, continually exploring the "infinite possibilities" of music. https://middlesexcountyjazzfestival.org/

https://busterwilliams.com/

37- Blue Monk and Thelonious Monk

Standards Rating 9 Difficulty Rating 5

Thelonious Monk, a pioneering jazz pianist and composer, was instrumental in developing bebop. Born in 1917, he was known for his unique style of dissonance, unusual harmonies, and inventive rhythmic approaches. Despite initial skepticism, Monk's work eventually earned him recognition as one of jazz's most influential figures. His composition "Blue Monk," first recorded in 1954, is a standout piece that highlights his distinctive approach to the blues. It follows a 12-bar blues form but introduces innovative elements, such as omitting the IV chord in measure 10 and using chromaticism and intervallic jumps in the melody. These features and rhythmic motifs make "Blue Monk" a jazz standard that challenges and intrigues musicians. Monk's recordings of this piece, including the 1954 session with Art Blakey and Percy Heath, showcase his experimental style against a steady rhythmic backdrop. "Blue Monk" remains a testament to Monk's ability to transform traditional forms into something uniquely his own, solidifying his legacy in jazz history.

Thelonious Monk https://youtu.be/P7y1nMkYeRE?si=NBk9dX-Vs_L7Y5AD

Chick Corea https://youtu.be/-u_aMkqS1P4?si=cYhey60IQ6JxRpWX

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=84abe50b5b8c4e97

36- “Blue in Green” and Kind of Blue

Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6

"Blue in Green," a track from Kind of Blue (Columbia Records 1959), is a unique piece whose authorship has been questioned as it is sometimes credited to Miles Davis and/or Bill Evans. The song creates a lush, ethereal sound by featuring a 10-bar form and employing Dorian, Mixolydian, and Lydian modes. The musicians (soloists)—Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans—deliver performances marked by spacious phrasing, improvisation, and focus on mood and texture. Kind of Blue is a groundbreaking jazz album often hailed as the greatest of all time. Embracing modal jazz, its simplicity and harmonic richness contrast with the complex post-bop style of the era. The album captures a perfect, irreplaceable moment in jazz history, with the collective brilliance of its performers creating a timeless masterpiece. This configuration of artists never recorded together again in the studio, further solidifying the album's status as a singular achievement in jazz.

Miles Davis https://youtu.be/TLDflhhdPCg?si=HQCQ6EzO4AMn3dKF

Bill Evans https://youtu.be/3XpjOXsf2zg?si=AVn_PhIVpjn7aTNU

Chet Baker's “Alone Together” with “Blue and Green” Intro https://youtu.be/p0zIbYCu7Yc?si=bP9OeUgcoOUSXMik

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=74cb49b3f0834ee5

35-“Blue Bossa” and Kenny Dorham

Standards Raitng 9, Difficulty Rating 5

"Blue Bossa," composed by Kenny Dorham, is a quintessential jazz standard blending Brazilian samba with jazz. Joe Henderson first recorded it on his 1963 album Page One, where Dorham's trumpet style is showcased. The piece exemplifies Dorham's ability to merge melodic development with harmonic sophistication, distinguishing him in the bop and hard bop eras. Despite being underappreciated during his lifetime, Dorham's contributions to jazz, including work with Charlie Parker and Art Blakey, and his albums like Afro-Cuban and Quiet Kenny, have cemented his legacy. "Blue Bossa" remains a jazz classic, covered by artists like Pat Martino and many others, and continues to influence musicians globally. Dorham's unique lyrical style ensures his enduring impact on jazz.

Podcast Playlists

Joe Henderson https://youtu.be/EUxv3AAaK_Y?si=5kcNZMxJdCe9GeGA

Pat Martino https://youtu.be/gql2_RPwUeo?si=475Da3KjiV3aCPVs

Playlist (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=9329169649e24f8f

Alvester Garnett Interview

Alvester Garnett is a top-tier jazz drummer, celebrated for his swing, passion, and professionalism. His career began in Richmond, Virginia, where early influences included Ellis Marsalis and the jazz program at Virginia Commonwealth University. After moving to New York, Garnett quickly made a name for himself, working with legends like Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln. He was the only drummer from the Thelonious Monk competition invited to Betty's Jazz Ahead program, which launched his career. Garnett has since collaborated with notable artists such as Pharoah Sanders, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Benny Golson. He also became the regular drummer for violinist Regina Carter, who later became his wife.

In September, Garnett will lead his band, The Artworks Ensemble, at the Central Jersey Jazz Festival in Somerville, NJ. The performance will feature original compositions and include special guest trombonist Papo Vázquez, alongside Bruce Williams, Charlie Sigler, Brandon McCune, and Santi Debriano. This performance highlights Garnett’s ongoing commitment to jazz and his ability to blend leadership with collaboration.

Alvester Garnett will lead his band, The Artworks Ensemble, at the Central Jersey Jazz Festival on September 15th in Somerville, NJ. The performance will feature original compositions and include special guest trombonist Papo Vázquez, alongside Bruce Williams, Charlie Sigler, Brandon McCune, and Santi Debriano.

https://centraljerseyjazzfestival.com/

34-“Black Orpheus” and Charlie Byrd

Standards Rating 9 Difficulty Rating 5

“Black Orpheus” or "Manhã de Carnaval," composed by Luiz Bonfá for the 1959 film Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro), is a foundational bossa nova piece that became a jazz standard. The song, characterized by its 32-bar structure in A minor with sophisticated harmonic progressions, blends simplicity with elegance. Charlie Byrd, a pivotal figure in popularizing bossa nova in the United States, offered a refined interpretation of the song on his 1966 album Byrdland. Byrd transitions into a flowing solo on the track, demonstrating his technical prowess and deep understanding of Brazilian music. The performance is nuanced and expressive, reflecting Byrd's ability to bridge jazz and classical guitar techniques, cementing "Manhã de Carnaval" as a timeless piece.

Charlie Byrd https://open.spotify.com/track/242vRAj44NhtlFHodbzwXw?si=31769895545a41c4

Dexter Gordon https://open.spotify.com/track/1npsSHw0x08BOLPkKzUShe?si=d4aca3a57f374365

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=3252735e69da46c6