The legendary Ben Webster and Charlie Shavers at the Cafe Montmarte in Copenhagen, 1971. It is said a young accompanying musician once asked Ben, “Why do you always cry while you’re playing?” “I play so beautiful” was the response!
An original Billy Taylor composition, recorded in 2001 with Billy on piano, Chip Jackson on bass, and Steve Johns on drums. The tune was written to show what can be done using only the title chord and its three basic notes C, A and G, masterfully manipulated throughout the song.
In music, a riff is an ostinato … a chord progression, pattern or melody that is repeated over and over again. When pianist, composer Stan Kenton stands in front of his orchestra, a riff is a wall of creative sound that stirs your musical soul from your head right down to your tappin’ toes!
Originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet for its 1959 album Time Out, the quartet featured Dave Brubeck on piano; Paul Desmond, alto sax; Joe Morello, drums; and Eugene Wright, bass.
The ‘A’ train is the storied New York City subway renowned as the preferred means of transportation to Harlem. Here’s a segment from the film “Reveille with Beverly” (1943) featuring the famous Blanton-Webster edition of the Ellington Orchestra, with Ivie Johnson’s vocal.
To join our Mark Of Jazz Facebook discussion group.
For more posts and to leave comments on Twitter.
As well as follow and download the Jazz Scene Podcast on iTunes, too!