Bird & The Hawk Just Fakin’ It

by | May 25, 2018 | Quartet/Quintet

One of only two existing pieces of footage of Charlie Parker (alto) in performance. Here he is joined by Coleman Hawkins (tenor), Hank Jones (piano), Ray Brown (bass) and Buddy Rich (drums). This session was recorded in October 1950 in an effort to add video to some previously recorded audio tracks. Bird was smiling because Hawkins, Rich and company were trying to mime their own improvised solos and it wasn’t working out so well. Bird had a good time with it until he got into “trouble” with the producer for laughing at Hawkins.

Route 66 – Natalie Cole & Diana Krall

by | May 18, 2018 | Quartet/Quintet, Vocal

Hundreds of versions exist of Bobby Troup’s song “[Get Your Kicks on] Route 66,” better known simply as “Route 66.”  He wrote it during a cross-country trip on that highway after World War II … and In 1946 Nat King Cole had a huge hit with Troup’s best known song.  Today it is a jazz standard.

Parker’s Mood – James Moody

by | May 11, 2018 | Orchestral, Solo/Duo

James Moody was a jazz saxophonist and flutist from Newark, New Jersey, celebrated for his virtuosity, his versatility and his onstage ebullience. This is a gentle solo with strings, from Eastwood After Hours, recorded at Carnegie Hall in NYC on October 17, 1996.

Sing, Sing, Sing – Ed Shaughnessy & The Cincinnati Pops

by | May 4, 2018 | Big Band

Drum virtuoso Ed Shaughnessy adds an entirely new dimension to The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra with driving rhythms and a ride that’s not to be believed.  The great ones make it seem so easy.  Also look for solos from clarinetist Eddie Daniels and the trumpet of Doc Severinsen.  1988 was a very good year!  Thanks to  Drummerworld, where you’ll find performances of many masters of the skins.