Playlist and Notes 20 September 2022

On today’s show we celebrate the birthday of saxophonist John Coltrane this coming Friday (23 September), who is one of the most interesting and influential figures in jazz.  Born in Hamlet NC, he moved to Philadelphia shortly after graduating from high school to study music. He served in the Navy during World War II, and his music career would run from 1946 until 1967, when he died of liver cancer at the age of 40. He was so prolific, and participated in so many recording sessions, that in recent years materials continued to be found and released. He was a deeply religious man, as well. After his death, Coltrane was venerated in the African Orthodox Church.

We also have a tribute to Ramsey Lewis who died on 12 September at the age of 87. We listen to a couple of tracks, including the title track, from the album that reached number one on the R&B charts in 1965, The “In” Crowd, and made Lewis a household name.

During the third segment today, we celebrate the first week of Hispanic Heritage Month (15 September-15 October). We start with a track from Kenny Dorham whose career explored different aspects of Latin Jazz. Then, we turn our attention to music inspired by and from Cuba, including the deeply evocative music of Nuiver and legendary band leader Tito Puente.

On our Blues segment today, we take listen to the breakthrough hit from St. Paul & The Broken Bones. If nothing else, check out the band’s performance on David Letterman (see link below).

 

Playlist

John Coltrane – I Want To Talk About You

Ramsey Lewis Trio – The “In” Crowd

Ramsey Lewis Trio – Since I Fell For You

Kenny Dorham – Una Mas (One More Time)

Niuver – Enamorados

Tito Puente – Take Five

Todos Estrellas – Mami Me Gusto

St. Paul & The Broken Bones – Call Me

 

This week’s video: The triumphant debut of St. Paul and the Broken Bones on Late Night with David Letterman, 1 December 2015.

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