Jazz

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead remembers jazz great Miles Davis, who died this weekend at age 65.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from drummer Aldo Romano. It's called "To Be Ornette To Be," and it's a musical tribute to free jazz composer Ornette Coleman. (It's on the French Owl label).

A live concert with jazz pianist, singer, and lyricist Dave Frishberg. Frishberg's long been known for his satirical songs, such as "My Attorney Bernie," and "I'm Hip." His new album, "Classics," is a collection of some of his best-known songs from previous albums. (It's on Concord Jazz records).

We have a sneak preview of tomorrow's ***stereo*** concert with jazz pianist and satirical songwriter Dave Frishberg.

Jazz trumpeter Jack Walrath. Walrath is the musical director of Mingus Dynasty Band, a group that continues to explore the compositions of the late Charles Mingus. Their new album is called "The Next Generation." (It's on Columbia Records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano. It's called Landmarks, and it's on the BlueNote label.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has just returned from the Chicago Jazz Festival, where Swiss composer George Gruntz premiered his "Chicago Cantata."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD set featuring George Gershwin playing his own compositions. (on the British Pearl label).

Saxophonist David Sanborn. Sanborn has a new album, called "Another Hand." He also has a syndicated radio show heard on more than 200 stations, and he was the host of the ground-breaking TV show, "Night Music."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jumptime," the first in a series of reissues of 50s singles from alto saxophonist and singer Tab Smith. (Smith originally recorded these tunes for the United label. They're being reissued by the Delmark label in Chicago).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Shadows 'N' Dreams," the new solo album by jazz pianist Dave McKenna. (It's on Concord).

Drummer Charlie Watts. For a quarter century, Watts has been the drummer for the rock band The Rolling Stones. Watts has also had a life-long love for jazz, particularly the jazz of Charlie Parker. Watts has put together a jazz combo that pays homage to Parker, called "From One Charlie," and he's written a kid's book about Parker, called "Ode to a Highflying Bird." (Both are published by UFO Records in England). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new Impulse reissue of saxophonist Stanley Turrentine's album, "Let It Go." On that album Turrentine is accompanied by his wife, organist Shirley Scott.

Jazz French horn player Willie Ruff. Ruff's new autobiography, "A Call to Assembly," chronicles his childhood in the South, his enlistment in the army in 1946, his gaining admission to Yale, and his decision to pass on a career in classical music and follow a life in jazz. (It's published by Viking).

Singer Tony Bennett. Columbia Records has just issued a retrospective set of recordings covering Bennett's 40 years in the business.

Charlie Watts, the drummer with the Rolling Stones, has always loved the great alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Watts just recorded a box set that pays tribute to Parker. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead is unimpressed.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead checks out new records from the bands Curlew and Doctor Nerve, which stretch the definition of jazz with the incorporation of rock attitudes, atonality, and computer-generated music.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Duke Ellington's Carnegie Hall Concerts," a new series of CD reissues that chronicle the annual performances Ellington gave during the 40s.

Getz recently passed away after a bout with liver cancer. We remember him with a rebroadcast of an interview from last year. Getz talks about dropping out of school and going on the road at 15. He learned while traveling and playing with other musicians.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Deadicated." It's a new -- and uneven -- album of other artists performing songs written by the Grateful Dead.