Bill Evans, Clark Terry, Gerry Mulligan, Teddy Charles & Bob Brookmeyer

Welcome to a full hour dedicated to the genius of Bob Brookmeyer—one of jazz's most inventive, soulful, and influential voices. Born in Kansas City, he carried the city's musical spirit across the globe, leaving a bold, unmistakable imprint on the world of jazz and beyond. This episode is inspired by Michael Stephans' powerful new book, On the Way to the Sky. Stephans—a seasoned author, musician, and longtime friend of Brookmeyer—shares insights that illuminate both the man and the master musician behind the music. Across the hour, we travel through the sweeping arc of Brookmeyer's career—from his early days in 1955 with Teddy Charles and Jimmy Raney, to his adventurous and evolved electronic-infused jazz explorations in 2016. Along the way, we hear unforgettable recordings featuring Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans, Clark Terry, Tom Harrell, and The New Art Orchestra. Guided by Stephans' reflections, stories, and quotes, we celebrate a true titan of jazz—a creator whose work continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift. Settle in, my friends. Dig this hour of Bob Brookmeyer.

Playlist

• Bob Brookmeyer Quartet "He Ain't Got Rhythm" Plays Bob Brookmeyer and Some Others (Hear Fantasy Records) 0:00
• Host talks 4:26
• Bob Brookmeyer with Teddy Charles "Rocky Scotch" The Dual Role of Bob Brookmeyer (Fantasy) 6:38
• Al Cohn and Bob Brookmeyer "Good Spirits" Al Cohn Quintet featuring Bob Brookmeyer (Fantasy) 11:21
• Host talks 14:50
• Bob Brookmeyer with Teddy Wilson Trio "Stompin' at the Savoy" Live at Newport Jazz Fest '57 (Verve) 15:33
• Zoot Sims and Bob Brookmeyer "Now Will You Be Good" Stretching Out (Blue Note) 19:13
• Host talks 24:33
• Bill Evans and Bob Brookmeyer "Honeysuckle Rose" The Ivory Hunters (Blue Note) 25:13
• Stan Getz & Bob Brookmeyer Quintet "Who Could Care" Fall Recorded 1961 (Verve) 30:57
• Host talks 35:38
• Bob Brookmeyer and Clark Terry "Sometime Ago" Quintet (Fresh Sound Records) 36:26
• Bob Brookmeyer and Tom Harrell "Shadow Box" Shadow Box (Candid) 41:04
• Host talks 45:49
• Bob Brookmeyer New Art Orchestra "Celebration Jib" New Works (Baseline Jazz) 46:53
• Bob Brookmeyer "Can't Get Started" The Bob Brookmeyer Small Band (RKO Music) 49:28
• Host talks 52:46
• Bob Brookmeyer "The Sky" On the Way to the Sky (Jazzline) 53:51