Why did you play smooth jazz on my radio station this morning? (yes, it’s partly mine because it’s a member supported, public radio station). It not only bothered me, but it scared my 14-year daughter, who maintained her senses enough to break the glass case in my car and hit the emergency button, which automatically switched the radio to the iPod setting and immediately played “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane. I am thankful she was there as I was too busy keeping myself from driving into a gas truck to put us out of our misery, but also very sorry that she had to witness such noise coming from 88.1 on my FM dial. I am asking you for the sake of jazz music, good taste, decency, and most of all, for the children to please stop playing this “music” now! There is already a station for that sort of stuff, it is 94.7 The Wave. We don’t need two. If Chuck Niles were still alive, he would take a set of those obnoxious smooth jazz wind chimes and….Ok, you get the point.

Right down the middle and straight ahead,

Kevin Vandever.

On the last day of Jazz Appreciation month I thought I would introduce you to one of the men who started it all and whose influence is still among us almost forty years after his death and nearly ninety years since he started recording music.

Louis Armstrong Videos

The Louis Armstrong House Museum

A little history on Louis

Remember the “Stray Cat Strut”? Well, check out another side of Brian Setzer

Charles Mingus was a very important figure in Jazz history. He played with many of the greats before doing his own thing in his own avant-garde way.

Mingus Videos

Is Troy Andrews better on trombone or trumpet? Check him out and you decide. Whatever your decision, the truth is that he is a monster on both. Watch some of his videos.

Troy Andrews Videos

New Orleans Brass Bands come in many shapes and sizes. From leading funeral processions to performing for packed houses at places like Blue Nile or The Maple Leaf, these bands are staples of the New Orleans music scene and overall culture. Below are a few links to get you started in your Brass Band journey.

History of the Second Line
Original Hurricane Brass Band
Storyville Stompers
New Orleans Night Crawlers
Soul Rebels
Hot 8

John Boutte exemplifies what it means to sing from the heart. When he performs, he leaves it all on stage and the audience is left transformed in one way or another. It is my pleasure to introduce John to you.

John’s Video Links

My friend Renee, @meditationgirl, provided some suggestions on lighting. Thank you, and although I did follow your advice, I think there is still room for increased lighting on my purty face.

Enjoy.

Trombone player who can play it all, rock, funk, blues, and jazz (I know there are other genres and he can play them, too), Craig Klein

Craig Klein on MySpace

It’s not jazz, but you have to check out this band

New Orleans is full of great jazz musicians and, especially, trumpet players, but one who stands out not only in New Orleans but worldwide is Leroy Jones. Enjoy.

Here are some musicians that you may have heard of in the pop world, but also are fantastic jazz musicians. Check them out and let me know if you know of others.

Bruce Hornsby
Herbie Hancock
Bobby McFerrin
George Benson