30 Years Of Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz
Studio Sessions
As Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz continues to celebrate its 30th year, we’re marking the occasion with 30 of our favorite moments. It wasn’t easy culling them from over 700 episodes, and almost as many guests — but we did so, and built a nifty interactive for it too. McPartland has welcomed such a wide range of musicians to her program: for every legend like Mary Lou Williams or Roy Eldridge, there’s an Alicia Keys or Willie Nelson. Not to mention Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan, and Ray Charles, and Steely Dan, and Keith Jarrett, and … you get the picture. Check our our tribute. But please don’t also neglect a wonderful concert from Gerald Clayton, video of Edmar Castaneda literally in our office, and Valentine’s Day songs for heartbreakers. Happy listening.
—Patrick Jarenwattananon, NPR Music
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Live At The Village Vanguard
Gerald Clayton Trio: Live At The Village Vanguard
He’s the son of a bassist, the nephew of a saxophonist, the neighbor of his bass player and the roommate of his drummer. And now, the graceful, nuanced, 25-year-old pianist made his debut at the venerable club. Hear the concert.
Tiny Desk Concerts
Edmar Castaneda: Tiny Desk Concert
Castaneda is the sort of musician who isn’t afraid to challenge the established order. He’s carving out a place for himself in Latin jazz on an instrument you don’t often hear in his style of music: the Colombian harp. Castaneda recently parked himself behind Bob Boilen’s desk and crafted a transporting mix of tradition and improvisation.
Take Five: A Weekly Jazz Sampler
It’s Over Now: Songs For Heartbreakers
Lovey-dovey romantic types get all the attention on Valentine’s Day. But not everyone wants to be in love right about now, and some relationships just happen to be hitting their expiration date this very minute. Listen to five songs that are perfect for those looking to break someone’s heart.
Music Reviews
Jazz Ensemble Empirical Recalls Eric Dolphy
Out ‘n’ In, the latest album from Empirical, is a tribute to the late musician Eric Dolphy. The record contains six original pieces that adopt Dolphy’s style and adaptations of two songs from his album Out to Lunch!
Blogs
A Blog Supreme is an ongoing conversation about jazz for both indoctrinated fans and curious listeners, with NPR Music producers and special guests. Follow along at NPR.org/blogsupreme.
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