Photo by Eilot Kamenitz

Johhny Vidacovich, is the epitome of an old soul. However this old soul is best in his element, with two drumsticks in hand and a Louisiana styled backing band at his side. In town for a Mardi Gras celebration at the One-2-One bar, Johnny and his group of jazzy instrumentalists came by Studio 1A for a quick a seasonal session of New Orleans swing past and present. Johnny’s playing lays in the foundation of unpredictability, showing kindness to the many horizontal shifts and switches in the drum patterns he maneuvers. These drums combine with swaying guitar strings and upright bass notes to bring a smooth sounding style perfect for lazy Sunday or even a fat Tuesday.

-Felix Kimbrell, KUTX Intern

Host: Jay Trachtenberg
Producer: Deidre Gott
Broadcast Mix: Jake Perlman
F.O.H. Mix: Jake Perlman

Lee Morgan was an American jazz trumpeter who continued in the wake of Clifford Brown to develop the hard-bop style. He was a prolific recording artist as well, and in his short 33 years of life, recorded over 20 albums. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what it means to live fast  and yet in each moment give of oneself all we have.

Lee Konitz is an American jazz composer and alto saxophonist, who continues to build space for evolving styles and techniques in his work on the alto-sax. Inspired by Benny Goodman, Konitz carved out a sound that was, at times, contrary to prevailing ideas of what was “cool” in jazz in the shadow of Charlie Parker.

In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the importance of Konitz’s life and work, and what his dedication to his craft can teach us about re-inventing our days and selves as we live.

Johnny Hartman was an American jazz singer who is perhaps most well known for his collaborations with John Coltrane, yet he also recorded many solo albums in his relatively short career. His voice was smooth and melodic to spite the fact that he smoked heavily all his life. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what listening to and understanding the life and legacy of Johnny Hartman can teach us today.

Sax and flute player James Moody, along with Dizzy Gillespie, helped to revolutionize jazz in the mid-Twentieth Century. He showed that bebop was universal and not just insider music. Moody and his quartet demonstrated that discipline in art can be transformative to both the artist and the listener.