Results for "Jaki Byard"

Jaki Byard

Born: June 15, 1922

A musician that has spanned the generations of Jazz is Jaki Byard. Jaki Byard was born John Arthur Byard, Jr. on June 15, 1922 in Worcester, Massachusetts. His father was a member of the marching hands at the turn of the 20th century and played the trombone. His mother played the piano for the African Methodist Episcopalian Zion Church (AME). His maternal grandmother played the piano for the silent picture shows (visual movies without sound before "talking movies" were invented). It was on that piano that Jaki began his musical odyssey.

When he was 8 years old, he started taking piano lessons from a piano teacher named Grace Johnson. The swing rhythm of the time and the lure of the big bands inspired Jaki throughout most of his career. At the age of 16, he played his first professional engagement. During WW II, Jaki was drafted into the army, but with luck and circumstance, he was able to join the army along with Earl Bostic, with whom he would later form a musical alliance with.

Classic Jazz from Jimmy Smith, Dexter Gordon, and Others; Recent Releases from Chris Hazelton, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and more

by David W. Daniels
July 21, 2026

In addition to the musicians named in the title, this edition of Exploration features music from Atlanta based performers Joe Alterman, Karla Harris, and Melvin Jones. Our nod to birthdays for the week includes Theo Croker, Angelique Kidjo, Alan Dawson, and others. Playlist Charles McPherson “Explorations" from McPherson's Mood (Prestige) 00:00 Jimmy Smith “Mustard ...

Tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim aka Dollar Brand; RIP Walt Parazaider; New Music From Audrey Ochoa, Chris Potter, and Others

by David W. Daniels
June 23, 2026

In addition to the tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim and music from the artists mentioned in the title, the show includes recently released music from Helen Sung, Dawn Clement, Chris Hazelton, and others. Birthday recognition for Erroll Garner, Tom Harrell, Marcus Miller, and more.Playlist Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya “Duke 88" from African River (Enja) 00:00 ...

Fred Hersch: The Touch of Genius

by Ken Dryden
April 17, 2026

The sound of Fred Hersch at the piano is so distinctive, a couple of bars is usually enough to identify him. The mainly self-taught Cincinnati native excelled early, playing jazz in his home town before leaving to study with pianist Jaki Byard at the New England Conservatory of Music. From there, Fred moved to New York ...

Rez Abbasi, Anat Fort, and the Spike Orchestra

by Jerome Wilson
November 5, 2025

This show takes in a wide array of sounds, ranging from recent releases by Rez Abbasi and Anat Fort to large ensemble music by the Steve Rosenbloom Big Band and the Spike Orchestra. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill ...

Eric McPherson, Adegoke Steve Colson, and Emma Hedrick

by Jerome Wilson
September 10, 2025

This episode incudes recent music from Eric McPherson, Adegoke Steve Colson and Emma Hedrick as well as older tunes from Steely Dan, Lee Konitz, and Billy Childs. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Weather Report ...

Eric McPherson: Double Bass Quartet - Live

by Pierre Giroux
September 1, 2025

Drummer Eric McPherson has long been recognized as a musician who combines rhythmic ingenuity and structural awareness in any project he undertakes. With Double Bass Quartet, recorded before a quietly appreciative New York audience, McPherson has assembled an unconventional line-up of Cuban pianist David Virelles along with bassists John Hébert and Ben Street, that challenges and ...

Hal Galper: Adventures In The Zone

by Paul Rauch
July 29, 2025

This article was first published on All About Jazz on October 20, 2020. The career of Hal Galper has earned the pianist acclaim as both a performer and educator. Perhaps most importantly, it has drawn attention to his contributions to the music as a true innovator. While other pianists of his era gained more ...

Rob Mazurek, Ches Smith, Steve Lehman, and Joe Fonda

by Jerome Wilson
June 4, 2025

This show features recent recordings by Joe Fonda, Steve Lehman and Ches Smith as well as older ones by Rob Mazurek, Kevin Sun, and Emily Remler. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Jethro Tull “Serenade ...

Jed Levy: Faces and Places

by Jack Kenny
May 15, 2025

This is a beautiful album that is fired up right from the start. The sound of the tenor is faintly reminiscent of Warne Marsh. There is no seeking after angularity. Jed Levy's way with melody is completely natural and integrated into the quintet, though there are surprises all the way through the improvisations. Jed ...