January 2018: Charles McPherson, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker

January opens with an interview with alto saxophonist, composer, and philosopher Charles McPherson and closes with Pat hosting a one-man show on Duke Ellington's suites.

Episode 132 features a hundred-minute talk with alto saxophonist Charles McPherson, who discusses a formative encounter with Charlie Parker, his time playing in Charles Mingus' band, the lessons he learned from pianist Barry Harris, and his own solo career. Charles has led a fascinating life as a jazz musician and offers a unique and philosophical take on music in general and bebop in particular. If you care about the history of jazz, this interview is not to be missed.

Listen to Episode 132

Mike was out sick when we resumed recording after the holiday break, so Pat hosts an hour-long look at Duke Ellington's many suites. The episode includes some theorizing about why Ellington took up the suite form in the mid-forties and employed it periodically for the rest of his storied career, as well as an overview of the many works he labeled "suites" and recommendations of which suites to listen to first. If you're new to Ellington's music, this episode provides one route for exploring the second half of the Duke's amazing career. If you're an Ellington expert, you can have fun second-guessing Pat's list of favorite suites.

Listen to Episode 132.5

Thanks for listening and see you next month!