Jazz Matters September 2024 Monthly Show
September Show: A Tribute to My Father and Joe Zawinul This month’s show holds a deeply personal significance, as it’s dedicated to the memory of my father, who recently passed away. My father's love for music shaped much of my own journey, and though his tastes often gravitated towards country and classical, we found common ground in the jazz-rock fusion brilliance of Steely Dan. In his honour, I’ve selected two of his favourite tracks: “Aja” from the album Aja, and “Kings” from Can’t Buy a Thrill. These timeless tracks hold a special place in my heart and serve as a tribute to the man who introduced me to their magic.
Honouring Joe Zawinul: Opening with Black Market To start this special show, I’ll be playing a moving rendition of Weather Report's Black Market, a track that resonates with both nostalgia and a sense of legacy. September marks the anniversary of the passing of the great Joe Zawinul, a true giant of jazz fusion. His genius and boundary-pushing creativity in compositions have left an indelible mark on the world of music, and this tribute feels fitting to open the set. The Radio String Quartet's live version captures the spirit of Zawinul while offering a fresh, vibrant take.
A Journey Through Jazz, Soul, and Fusion The rest of the playlist will take us on a journey through contemporary jazz, soulful grooves, and international sounds—offering both comfort and inspiration in difficult times. I’ve found solace in these tracks, and I hope they resonate with you too.
Chelsea Carmichael – Bone and Soil. Chelsea Carmichael's deep, atmospheric jazz speaks to the roots of our musical heritage, connecting the past with the present. The rawness of her sound echoes the complexities of life, loss, and renewal, making this an ideal follow-up after the tribute to Joe Zawinul.
Evgeny Pobozhiy Orchestra – Stream. A fresh and dynamic exploration of orchestral jazz, Stream showcases the boundless creativity coming out of the modern scene. Pobozhiy’s arrangements flow seamlessly, making for a powerful, emotional listen.
Yussef Dayes, Venna, Charlie Stacey – Black Classical Music. An innovative blend of jazz, electronic, and classical influences, Yussef Dayes and his collaborators take us on a rhythmic journey that challenges genre conventions. This track is both introspective and energetic, offering a glimpse into the evolving future of jazz.
Jeremy Pelt – No A.I. With "No A.I.," trumpeter Jeremy Pelt explores the humanity and organic nature of jazz in contrast to a world becoming increasingly reliant on technology. This powerful statement piece feels deeply relevant, offering reflection amid complexity.
Steely Dan: A Tribute to My Father, As mentioned earlier, my father and I bonded over Steely Dan, and it feels right to include two tracks from the band he loved dearly.
Steely Dan – Aja (from Aja)One of Steely Dan’s most iconic pieces, Aja is a masterpiece of jazz-rock fusion. Its sweeping arrangements, intricate musicianship, and timeless production showcase everything that made Steely Dan such a beloved band. For my father, this song was a perfect blend of sophistication and soul.
Steely Dan – Kings (from Can’t Buy a Thrill)A lesser-known gem from their debut album, Kings captures the clever lyricism and brilliant musicality that defined Steely Dan. This track was a favourite of Dad’s, and hearing it always takes me back to those moments we shared together.
Global Rhythms and Experimental Sounds. We then move into a fusion of Latin rhythms, Afro-jazz, and some experimental pieces, featuring artists who push boundaries and create bold, engaging soundscapes.
Cal Tjader, João Donato, Chuck Rainey, Bobby Rodriguez, Ray Barreto, Takuya Kuroda – Dead End Dance. A collaboration that seamlessly blends Latin jazz and modern fusion elements. This ensemble creates a hypnotic groove, making this track perfect for immersing yourself in rhythm and flow.
Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few – Perspective (Peace and Love)Isaiah Collier’s spiritual and exploratory approach to jazz offers a meditative experience, bringing peace to the listener. This song acts as a soothing balm in turbulent times.
Eclectic Sounds and Powerful Messages From the profound to the playful, these next tracks offer a mix of soul, jazz fusion, and compelling narratives that encourage reflection and movement.
Kiefer Trio featuring Luke Titus & Pera Krstajic – Montara, A soulful reinterpretation of Bobby Hutcherson’s classic, Kiefer Trio brings a contemporary touch to this beloved tune, blending jazz with hints of hip-hop and soul.
Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble – Return of the Lost Tribe, El'Zabar’s ensemble fuses African rhythms with free jazz, exploring cultural identity and deep heritage. It’s a fitting track for reflection on life’s bigger questions.
Alison Crockett – Like Rain. Soulful and emotionally charged, Crockett’s rich vocals offer a sense of catharsis and healing. Her music feels like rain washing over after a long drought—cleansing and renewing.
Concluding with Hope and Reflection. We close the show with a blend of modern jazz and introspective pieces, providing both closure and a sense of moving forward.
Nir Felder – RevivalGuitarist Nir Felder brings an uplifting energy to Revival, making it a great track to lift the spirit. Its driving rhythm and soulful melodies offer a reminder that brighter days are ahead.
Andy Milne and Unison – No Matter What, With lush piano-led arrangements, No Matter What is a hopeful tune about resilience and perseverance. It’s a perfect soundtrack to moments of quiet determination.
Jeremy Ledbetter Trio – Flight. Flight takes you on a vibrant, upbeat journey. It’s a track filled with optimism and energy, perfectly suited to guide us toward a positive end to this emotionally charged show.
Raquel Martins – Fragile Eyes. Martins’ voice, paired with gentle guitar, brings a soft yet powerful close. This delicate track is about vulnerability and strength—a reflection of life’s fragility.
Daniel Casimir – Balance, Balance offers a modern twist on the classic jazz sound, bringing complexity and harmony together in one stunning composition. It’s a great metaphor for finding equilibrium in difficult times
Billy Cobham & George Adams Featured by The Johannes Faber Quintet. To finish off, I’ve got the powerhouse collaboration of Billy Cobham and George Adams, closing the show with a bang. This track bursts with energy, ending the playlist on an exhilarating high note.
This show has been a deeply personal journey for me, I hope the music has spoken to you as well. Stay tuned for updates as my new audiophile platform has been delayed a month or so and there will more exciting projects in the months to come.