We revisit our conversationwith Stanley Nelson, the Director of the recent Miles Davis documentary, Birth of the Cool, and also hear a track that Miles crafted with Gil Evans, Lee Konitz and more for some revolutionary sessions in 1949 that the film’s title came from. Lee Konitz passed away this week at the age of 92 - he was the last of the performers from the Birth of the Cool sessions. The Film has had a great run in local theaters - and now, available through the American Masters series for supporters of PBS, online.
Since many of are at home and seeking new sounds and stories, we delve into the first if a set of films with a lot of jazz in them. There are so many films to choose from, we realized that this will just be the first of a series!
We remember the 1986 film that earned tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, Round Midnight. Herbie Hancock’s work won the Oscar for best musical score.
Jazz on a Summer’s Day is a musical and visual treat from the Newport Jazz Festival, 1958, released in 1959. The jazz cornucopia includes Jimmy Giuffre, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim Hall; The Thelonious Monk Trio; Anita O’Day; George Shearing; Ray Charles and more. We feature a cut with Louis Armstrong and his All Stars with special guest Jack Teagarden.
We turn to Cleveland and Bob Beldon’s Jazz score from “Three Days of Rain,” with includes the final film appearance by Peter Falk, and Lyle Lovett as a Jazz Disc Jockey.
Trumpeter Lee Morgan is viewable on Netflix streaming right now with the 2016 documentary “I Called Him Morgan,” with keen insights into the music and life of the trumpet innovator.
A 2006 documentary on vocalist and guitarist Jackie Paris is another discovery worth your time. 'Tis Autumn: The Search For Jackie Paris features fascinating interviews and music from the innovative vocalist who was well regarded by many jazz stars, but who’s career never quite took off. On today’s show, we hear a 1957 recording of Jackie with Donald Byrd and Gigi Gryce which gives a glimpse into Paris’ potential.
Thursday night at 6, repeated Saturday at noon and Sunday at 5 on “THE SCENE” on WZUM - All on the radio on WZUM!