Jazz

Tonight show band saxophonist Tommy Newsom talks with Terry about the end of his longest running gig (30 years with The Tonight Show).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new CD by avant-garde multi-instrumentalist Hal Russell, "Hal Russell and NRG Ensemble, The Finnish/Swiss Tour" (on ECM)

Jazz singer Sylvia Syms passed away yesterday at the age of 74. She had a heart attack just as she finished a performance at the Algonquin Hotel. Syms was known as the quintessential saloon singer, and foremost among her admirers was Frank Sinatra, who produced and conducted a 1982 album of standards called "Syms By Sinatra." Her one hit was "I could Have Danced All Night," from the 1956 musical "My Fair Lady." Her nightclub career spanned 51 years.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a recording of Stan Getz and Kenny Barron called "People Time" (on the Gitanes Jazz label), billed as Getz's last recording before his death.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead muses on the importance of swing to jazz with two new releases, "The Jelly Roll Joys," by Dave Burrell (on the Gazell label), and "Eugene (1989)" by Anthony Braxton (on the Black Saint label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue, "Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the 75th Anniversary." (on the RCA/Bluebird label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Don Byron's debut album, "Tuskegee Experiments." (on the Elektra Nonesuch label).

Used to be that big bands were the thing. Now, they're pretty much a thing of the past. But jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says he's found a couple of big bands from Boston where teachers and students are drawn to schools like the New England Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music. He reviews "Orange Then Blue," by Funkallero, and "After Blue," by the Ken Schaphorst Big Band.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the soundtrack of the new movie "Naked Lunch."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the latest album by the Mal Waldron Trio, "Our Colline's A
Treasure."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two great solo saxophone pieces by Coleman Hawkins. The first is called "Picasso," and is based on the music of cellist Pablo Casals. The second is called "Dali."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us what to get the jazz fan on your Christmas list.

We remember trumpeter Buck Clayton, who died on Sunday at age 80. Clayton played with Count Baise's original band. (Rebroadcast of 10/14/1987)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Time For Love: The Best of Julie London." It's a new reissue of songs by Julie London, who was a sex-kitten singer back in the 50s and 60s. (It's on Rhino Records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Violin Music for Restaurants" by violinist Jon Rose. In the album, Rose assumes several musical personae, among them Jo "Doc" Rosenberg, an Australian cafe violinist.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles trombonist Charlie Green who worked with Bessie Smith.

Saxophonist and clarinetist Willem Breuker {as in GROW: Brow-ker), leader of the Dutch jazz band, The Willem Breuker Kollektief. They are known for their stage performances which draw heavily from street theatre and vaudeville. Their releases include "Bob's Gallery," (on the BVHAAST label from West Germany, distributed by North Country Distributors, Calif. 315-287-2852) and "Baal Brecht Breuker Handke," on the BVHAAST label, phone # 020-23 97 99.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the music of Willem Breuker.

Jazz musician Sonny Sharrock. He's been called America's leading free jazz guitarist. His new album is called "Ask the Ages." (It's on Axiom records).