Countdown – Joey Alexander
Joey Alexander must be experienced. Words don’t do it. He is a 13 year old from Indonesia, who taught himself to play the piano at age 6 by listening to his dad’s jazz records. The word ‘prodigy’ isn’t really strong enough … he plays, composes, and can take apart and reassemble a song on the fly, on the spot! He’s a bit of Bill Evans, a smattering of Chick Corea and a whole lot of Joey. This is an in-studio performance of the title track from his latest album, together with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. Fasten your seatbelt, and plan to see many more postings of this astonishing young jazz musician here on Mark Of Jazz!
Hard Hearted Hannah – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald in a scene from the 1955 movie “Pete Kelly’s Blues”, starring Jack Webb, Lee Marvin and a host of young stars. Like Ella, Peggy Lee also has a cameo role and a couple of great songs in the film.
Killer Joe – Quincy Jones
Something of a departure from Quincy’s classic, more traditional version of the song. It features the late Jerome Richardson on Flute, Jerry Hey on Flugelhorn and the incomparable Pete Christlieb on Tenor Sax … plus Louis Johnson on electric bass driving the entire ensemble.
A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square – Manhattan Transfer
A beautiful acapella rendition of the 1939 British classic with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and music by Manning Sherwin. The late Tim Hauser, Janis Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne and Alan Paul transport you to London towne for a romantic evening, as only The Manhattan Transfer can do!
Since You’re Gone – George Benson & Earl Klugh
If you prefer the more contemporary sound of jazz, guitarist Earl Klugh sets the standard. George Benson’s roots lie in traditional jazz but migrated more toward the pop or ‘smooth’ side during the 70s and 80s, establishing his own instantly recognizable musical stye.
Autumn Leaves / Pete Kelly’s Blues – Beegie Adair
The Beegie Adair Trio provides a gentle swinging version of the jazz classic “Autumn Leaves,” written by Joseph Kosma (English lyric by Johnny Mercer), live at the Nashville Jazz Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee. Listen for the way bassist Roger Spencer throws a few bars of “Suicide Is Painless” from M*A*S*H* into his solo!
Beegie is a huge but lesser known talent who never fully received the recognition she deserves. She has been playing piano since the age of five … originally from Kentucky, she now lives in Nashville. Her rendition of “Pete Kelly’s Blues” (one of my favorites) is the best I’ve heard outside of the movie soundtrack.
‘Round Midnight – Chet Baker
Honky Tonk – Jimmy Smith & Jimmy McGriff
A little adventure into Jazz/R&B with two incredible organists, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff. Also featuring Herman Riley (sax), Carl Lockett (guitar), and James Levy (drums). Recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival, July 1992.
Java Jive – The Ink Spots
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