Allen keys, Zoot allures, and Brecker sits in.

[Serial_Apologist]

Sat 21 July
5pm - Jazz Record Requests

Note starting time

Alyn Shipton's weekly dip into listener's letters and emails asking for jazz favourites includes music from the doyenne of jazz singers, Ella Fitzgerald.

http://www.alynshipton.co.uk/blog

6pm - J to Z
A concert given to Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. Plus saxophonist Camilla George plays tracks that have inspired her, including a sax battle between Branford Marsalis and Michael Brecker. And Jumoké Fashola plays jazz classics and new releases.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbp9f7

12midnight - Geoffrey Smith's Jazz
The work of saxophonists Al Cohn and Zoot Sims.

The first two artists I experienced at Ronnies in '65.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbpb5p

Mon 23 July
11.30pm - Jazz Now

Again, note the time.

Presented by Soweto Kinch. A concert recorded at Herts Jazz Festival by bassist Daniel Casimir and his trio, featuring pianist Sarah Tandy and drummer Olly Sarkar.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbsjwd

In addition, next Wednesday's Late Junction includes Shabaka Hutchings's Sons of Kemet; and Thursday's, Trevor Watts duetting with longterm pianist collaborator Veryan Weston, as well as others, coming from the famous Art Deco De La War pavilion in Bexhill, for some experimental reason... Both starting at 11pm.

[Lat-Literal]

Sat 21 July
5pm - Jazz Record Requests

Note starting time

Alyn Shipton's weekly dip into listener's letters and emails asking for jazz favourites includes music from the doyenne of jazz singers, Ella Fitzgerald.

http://www.alynshipton.co.uk/blog

6pm - J to Z
A concert given to Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. Plus saxophonist Camilla George plays tracks that have inspired her, including a sax battle between Branford Marsalis and Michael Brecker. And Jumoké Fashola plays jazz classics and new releases.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbp9f7

12midnight - Geoffrey Smith's Jazz
The work of saxophonists Al Cohn and Zoot Sims.

The first two artists I experienced at Ronnies in '65.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbpb5p

Mon 23 July
11.30pm - Jazz Now

Again, note the time.

Presented by Soweto Kinch. A concert recorded at Herts Jazz Festival by bassist Daniel Casimir and his trio, featuring pianist Sarah Tandy and drummer Olly Sarkar.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbsjwd

In addition, next Wednesday's Late Junction includes Shabaka Hutchings's Sons of Kemet; and Thursday's, Trevor Watts duetting with longterm pianist collaborator Veryan Weston, as well as others, coming from the famous Art Deco De La War pavilion in Bexhill, for some experimental reason... Both starting at 11pm.

Tony Allen! In the run-up to Womad obviously. As I have said before, in the small bus between Chippenham station and the Malmesbury site, I have heard more chat about Tony Allen from accompanying passengers than about any other artist, whether he was playing there or not!! How do you feel about Tony Allen and "broad" afrobeat generally, Serial-Apologist?

Not least under the jazz umbrella?

I won't venture into Malick Pathe Sow but he is the one I have heard mentioned most on site although there it was on only one occasion.

The one whose one performance triggered the most friendly talk from strangers to me - Ernest Ranglin, but then it was that kind of vibe.

Actually, Serial-Apologist, how do you feel about Ernest Ranglin and also the great Monty Alexander? Not least under the jazz umbrella?

I love this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NBfuvf4_Mo

and this: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t3lYwYRBvs

[Ian Thumwood]

The whole aspect of African music is so wide that I think there is always likely to be an overlap with jazz. It is probably one of the things in jazz that usually makes me despair in some cases or can occasionally produce something interesting such as the Fatamadou Diawara collaboration with Roberto Fonseca which was a terrific live experience. I would have to say that with the exception of someone like Angelique Kidjo (who studied jazz at college anyway and is a singer who could probably turn her hand towards anything) that the collaboration with African music is often to the detriment of jazz.

I witnessed this two weeks ago with so many of the African sets I caught featuring musicians vamping, sometimes at length, on one chord. It doesn't help that so many traditional African instruments are incapable of deploying the kind of harmonic sophistication required within jazz. The area where this has been massively successful is in South Africa where the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim added an African feel to jazz whilst keeping the tenets of their music pretty close to the jazz tradition - Ellington being a main element within his music.

Rhythmically, I just don't think that African music is quite as sophisticated as jazz and there is something of a trade off here too. As far as tony Allen is concerned, he is one of those people who seem to be constantly cited in articles but you have to be more of a fan of African music than jazz to appreciate. I have records with him on but he never stands out for me in the way that someone like Roy Haynes always does.

Monty Alexander is quite interesting as he is pretty much a mainstream pianist who is influenced by Reggae. Difficult to dislike what he produces yet I am not too convinced that he would be top of the pile amongst the finest non-US pianists. I am sure he would be a great musician to experience live although I cannot recall much about him when I saw him perform once. I like the Ranglin track yet there isn't much improvisation on it.

[Serial_Apologist]

The Ranglin track would do OK as a backing track to a surfing documentary or 1950s "Look at Life" cinema feature. Monty Alexander would be a good opener for an open air jazz festival, though these days he would presumably be featured as the culminating final act. I dunno, right now I just don't seem to be into this kind of music. Come to think of it, I've always preferred the radical, reconnecting to lost roots approach of the AACM and its associated bands and personalities, as they don't downplay but seek to awaken us to the depths and sophistication of the music, which operates on different levels from the harmonic and has to do with trance-like ecstatic states invoked and augmented by vocal and/or instrumental injections of spontaneity into the tensions between its shifting metric layers, rather than just some confection to jolly me along.

[Lat-Literal]

The Ranglin track would do OK as a backing track to a surfing documentary or 1950s "Look at Life" cinema feature. Monty Alexander would be a good opener for an open air jazz festival, though these days he would presumably be featured as the culminating final act. I dunno, right now I just don't seem to be into this kind of music. Come to think of it, I've always preferred the radical, reconnecting to lost roots approach of the AACM and its associated bands and personalities, as they don't downplay but seek to awaken us to the depths and sophistication of the music, which operates on different levels from the harmonic and has to do with trance-like ecstatic states invoked and augmented by vocal and/or instrumental injections of spontaneity into the tensions between its shifting metric layers, rather than just some confection to jolly me along.

Well, the Ranglin track is virtually mor, I recognise that, and with immense jollification - perhaps better as uplift - but there is huge aptitude and diversification in him and Alexander, so I thought I'd trail it. You haven't yet commented on afrobeat which via Tony Allen, as you say, BBC R3 have chosen to place this week in the category of jazz in the run up to Womad.

The whole aspect of African music is so wide that I think there is always likely to be an overlap with jazz. It is probably one of the things in jazz that usually makes me despair in some cases or can occasionally produce something interesting such as the Fatamadou Diawara collaboration with Roberto Fonseca which was a terrific live experience. I would have to say that with the exception of someone like Angelique Kidjo (who studied jazz at college anyway and is a singer who could probably turn her hand towards anything) that the collaboration with African music is often to the detriment of jazz.

I witnessed this two weeks ago with so many of the African sets I caught featuring musicians vamping, sometimes at length, on one chord. It doesn't help that so many traditional African instruments are incapable of deploying the kind of harmonic sophistication required within jazz. The area where this has been massively successful is in South Africa where the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim added an African feel to jazz whilst keeping the tenets of their music pretty close to the jazz tradition - Ellington being a main element within his music.

Rhythmically, I just don't think that African music is quite as sophisticated as jazz and there is something of a trade off here too. As far as tony Allen is concerned, he is one of those people who seem to be constantly cited in articles but you have to be more of a fan of African music than jazz to appreciate. I have records with him on but he never stands out for me in the way that someone like Roy Haynes always does.

Monty Alexander is quite interesting as he is pretty much a mainstream pianist who is influenced by Reggae. Difficult to dislike what he produces yet I am not too convinced that he would be top of the pile amongst the finest non-US pianists. I am sure he would be a great musician to experience live although I cannot recall much about him when I saw him perform once. I like the Ranglin track yet there isn't much improvisation on it.

Actually, I don't think I know the Diawara/Fonseca collaboration although it was no doubt pointed out to me several times. I will check that out. Re Kidjo - I think that's so difficult. I don't dislike her. I loved Agolo which is effectively pop eighties production but it was very vibrant. Yet there is that tendency to rock out which is ok if rocking out is done in a good way. I need to properly listen to this year's stuff. I heard the interview (Radcliffe) when she was playing hardball. Simone did but could afford to, being so omni-layered. Not just hand on hip.

[Serial_Apologist]

You haven't yet commented on afrobeat which via Tony Allen, as you say, BBC R3 have chosen to place this week in the category of jazz in the run up to Womad.

I really can't comment, not being sufficiently knowledgeable, or having experience, of either him or it. To be honest I don't really appreciate the whole Womad thing at all. I only commit myself on what I find interesting, Lat. But I'll tune into Mr Allen in due course, being away tomorrow afternoon.

[Lat-Literal]

I really can't comment, not being sufficiently knowledgeable, or having experience, of either him or it. To be honest I don't really appreciate the whole Womad thing at all. I only commit myself on what I find interesting, Lat. But I'll tune into Mr Allen in due course, being away tomorrow afternoon.

Honest - but it is quite an interesting take on BBC R3's current jazz direction!

[Ian Thumwood]

Well, the Ranglin track is virtually mor, I recognise that, and with immense jollification - perhaps better as uplift - but there is huge aptitude and diversification in him and Alexander, so I thought I'd trail it. You haven't yet commented on afrobeat which via Tony Allen, as you say, BBC R3 have chosen to place this week in the category of jazz in the run up to Womad.



Actually, I don't think I know the Diawara/Fonseca collaboration although it was no doubt pointed out to me several times. I will check that out. Re Kidjo - I think that's so difficult. I don't dislike her. I loved Agolo which is effectively pop eighties production but it was very vibrant. Yet there is that tendency to rock out which is ok if rocking out is done in a good way. I need to properly listen to this year's stuff. I heard the interview (Radcliffe) when she was playing hardball. Simone did but could afford to, being so omni-layered. Not just hand on hip.

I was a bit shocked at the pop nature of "Agolo" having snapped up this disc from which is comes (!Aye") fairly late. It is not a patch in her later stuff and the pop production dates it. The early 2000s stuff is terrific. "Oyaya" mixed African with Cuban music and is essential. It is probably her most "jazz" inspired disc and a fantastic record. "Black ivoery soul" is also nearly as good. The earlier "Oremi" is still quite pop-orientated but has some terrific tunes plues the likes of Branford Marsalis on one track. The eclectic "Oyo" is an album of diverse and bizarre covers which range from Sidney Bechet through to James Brown. I very much enjoyed that disc when it came out. The more recent disc with the symphony orchestra is also interesting as it covers her back catalogue with some lush arrangements which manage to get off the group.

To be honest, her music is probably a lot more savvy and switched on than most African artists and there is a depth of knowledge within her music which sets her apart from her peers. You will frequently find musicians like Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Branford Marsalis making guest appearances on her records. A lot of her output would easily fit on JRR without raising an eyebrow. "Seyin Djro" from "Oyaya" would be a good starting point,

[Jazzrook]

Tony Allen! In the run-up to Womad obviously. As I have said before, in the small bus between Chippenham station and the Malmesbury site, I have heard more chat about Tony Allen from accompanying passengers than about any other artist, whether he was playing there or not!! How do you feel about Tony Allen and "broad" afrobeat generally, Serial-Apologist?

Not least under the jazz umbrella?

I won't venture into Malick Pathe Sow but he is the one I have heard mentioned most on site although there it was on only one occasion.

The one whose one performance triggered the most friendly talk from strangers to me - Ernest Ranglin, but then it was that kind of vibe.

Actually, Serial-Apologist, how do you feel about Ernest Ranglin and also the great Monty Alexander? Not least under the jazz umbrella?

I love this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NBfuvf4_Mo

and this: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t3lYwYRBvs

I love this hypnotic fusion of jazz & reggae by Ernest Ranglin(guitar) with Monty Alexander(piano); Ira Coleman(bass) & Idris Mohammad(drums) from 'Below The Bassline':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwdGHuCCkxU

JR

[Lat-Literal]

I was a bit shocked at the pop nature of "Agolo" having snapped up this disc from which is comes (!Aye") fairly late. It is not a patch in her later stuff and the pop production dates it. The early 2000s stuff is terrific. "Oyaya" mixed African with Cuban music and is essential. It is probably her most "jazz" inspired disc and a fantastic record. "Black ivoery soul" is also nearly as good. The earlier "Oremi" is still quite pop-orientated but has some terrific tunes plues the likes of Branford Marsalis on one track. The eclectic "Oyo" is an album of diverse and bizarre covers which range from Sidney Bechet through to James Brown. I very much enjoyed that disc when it came out. The more recent disc with the symphony orchestra is also interesting as it covers her back catalogue with some lush arrangements which manage to get off the group.

To be honest, her music is probably a lot more savvy and switched on than most African artists and there is a depth of knowledge within her music which sets her apart from her peers. You will frequently find musicians like Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Branford Marsalis making guest appearances on her records. A lot of her output would easily fit on JRR without raising an eyebrow. "Seyin Djro" from "Oyaya" would be a good starting point,

Thank you for that - I think it is very interesting and helpful.

I love this hypnotic fusion of jazz & reggae by Ernest Ranglin(guitar) with Monty Alexander(piano); Ira Coleman(bass) & Idris Mohammad(drums) from 'Below The Bassline':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwdGHuCCkxU

JR

And, yes, very good - thank you.

[Serial_Apologist]

Trevor Watts emails just now to highlight his and Veryan Weston's duo appearance on this coming Thursday's Late Junction (26th, some time after 11 pm), which he claims to be very good and still expanding the field of musical vocabulary, and post the programme's iplayer link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbtc5l

This duo - the Quantum Illusion Project - is due to appear at Café Oto on August 5 forthcoming.

[Serial_Apologist]

Just bumping tonight's programme up to remind people about this. Trevor Watts was well pleased with this particular performance with Veryan.

Next Wednesday's Late Junction includes Shabaka Hutchings's Sons of Kemet; and Thursday's, Trevor Watts duetting with longterm pianist collaborator Veryan Weston, as well as others, coming from the famous Art Deco De La War pavilion in Bexhill, for some experimental reason... Both starting at 11pm.

[Old Grumpy]

Just listening to this edition of Jazz Now. Already shortened by 30 mins, another 13 mins seems to have been shaved off by an over-running Prom! We join the programme part way in, despite it being (apparently) a recording. Where did the rest go to? Why could it not be put on the iPlayer at least?

OG