Jazz Video of the Day

Open Land - Meeting John Abercrombie

John Abercrombie
Duration: 3:40

An intimate portrait of a great guitarist, filmed near the end of his musical journey. Here we see John Abercrombie gigging with Gary Versace and Adam Nussbaum in Lichtenstein, jamming with Rob Sheps, Eliot Zigmund and David Kingsnorth in New York, teaching music students at Purchase College, talking guitars with NYC luthier Ric McCurdy, and hanging out at home with wife Lisa and Al the cat. Along the way John reflects, with characteristic good humor, on a creative life lived outside the mainstream and traces his story from his first encounter with an electric guitar onwards. Subtly combining and contrasting images and sound, director Arno Oehri achieves a fine balance between music passages and interviews. The film’s soundtrack includes, in addition to the live performances, selections from many of John Abercrombie’s ECM recordings.

The Making of Coast to Crossroads

Rob Dixon
Duration: 14:53

The making of the Rob Dixon trio album “Coast to Crossroads" featuring Charlie Hunter (7 string Guitar), Mike Clark (Drums), and Ernest Stuart (Trombone).

And Then there Was the Blues

Crusaders
Duration: 9:43

Classic '70s modal funk jazz blues from The Crusaders.

Recommended by Michael Ricci.

Partido Samba Funk

Antonio Adolfo
Duration: 5:18

It is very rare for Brazilian jazz to be performed by a big band, particularly one of this quality. Hearing Antonio Adolfo’s music played by a top-notch orchestra casts new light on his writing abilities. Whether one loves Brazilian music, big bands or modern jazz, Encontros – Orquestra Atlantica makes for a memorable and stimulating listening experience.

You Go to My Head

New York Voices
Duration: 7:20

“Meeting of Minds" focuses on the integration of voices with the big band. The combination of the dynamic writing styles of Bob Mintzer and Darmon Meader, from New York Voices, produces a very dense yet very fresh sonic palette. There are subtle harmonic and rhythmic nuances in the arrangements that blend together to deliver an engaging musical journey. The repertoire draws on the Great American Songbook from the 1930s and 1940s. Each arrangement transforms a classic song into a modern-day hit revealing the lasting power of a great song. In addition to the wonderful arrangements, the album showcases over a dozen powerful improvised solos from some of the top musicians in the world. The collaboration is truly a musically rich Meeting of Minds.

Meeting of Minds: Bob Mintzer Big Band and New York Voices

Bob Mintzer
Duration: 2:01

“Meeting of Minds" focuses on the integration of voices with the big band. The combination of the dynamic writing styles of Bob Mintzer and Darmon Meader, from New York Voices, produces a very dense yet very fresh sonic palette. There are subtle harmonic and rhythmic nuances in the arrangements that blend together to deliver an engaging musical journey. The repertoire draws on the Great American Songbook from the 1930s and 1940s. Each arrangement transforms a classic song into a modern-day hit revealing the lasting power of a great song. In addition to the wonderful arrangements, the album showcases over a dozen powerful improvised solos from some of the top musicians in the world. The collaboration is truly a musically rich Meeting of Minds.

Scottish Lullaby

Ralph Hepola
Duration: 3:41

Improvising tuba soloist Ralph Hepola plays an ancient Scottish Lullaby with Peter Shu on digital keyboard. Tuba player Ralph Hepola leads two outstanding groups: HepTones and Route 3.

In HepTones, Ralph's solo tuba unites with musical groundbreakers in both classical gems and contemporary jazz; unique, innovative and adventuresome.

Route 3 takes you on a trip through time and around the country. Classic Jazz, the Roaring Twenties, the Swing Era, Back to the Fifties, and Music from Movies & Broadway Shows. Listen to twenty songs and watch twelve videos from both groups at RalphHepola.com.