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Aladdin Records, Part 2 - 1950-54. Part 2 in our 3-part series on Aladdin Records, one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 2 will pick up the Aladdin Records Story in 1950 and carry it through til rock n' roll began hitting the mainstream in 1953-54. This week, we'll hear more hits from Aladdin's early hit-makers, Amos Milburn and Charles Brown. We'll also dig some of the newcomers, like Floyd Dixon, Peppermint Harris, Calvin Boze, Shirley & Lee, the Five Keys and more. Aladdin was a rare label in that almost everything they pressed was worth hearing. If you ever see a discarded Aladdin 45 by an artist you've never heard before, pick it up, because chances are it'll make you very, very happy. Next week, part 3 will close down the series on Aladdin. -
Drummer and Local Legend Mel Brown Endures as the Humble Godfather of Portland Jazz. Mel Brown calls Portland's jazz scene the best kept secret. But the secret is out! On this episode, the veteran drummer and local legend chats with host Christian McBride about Portland and stories of his big break joining Motown in 1968.
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Tune in to Joe Romagna as he honors the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tony Bennett with a 4-Hour retrospective on his Jazz Oasis show from 6pm to 10pm. Joe will share classic recordings by this icon of Jazz and American pop as well as his personal remembrances. -
Join Jesse "Chuy" Varela as he celebrates the contribution of Arsenio Rodriguez, the blind Afro-Cuban Tres guitar player who revolutionized Cuban music by adding congas, piano, and multiple trumpets to the traditional Cuban Son (Sohn). He is considered the bedrock of what is now called Salsa. Special guest Bobby Sanabria, the noted trap drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and educator joins us to talk about Arsenio and his latest album, “Arsenio and Beyond” honoring this pioneer of modern Latin music. -
Aladdin Records, Part 3 - 1953-55. Part 3 in our series on Aladdin Records, focuses on one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 3 focuses on 1953-55, just as Rock n' Roll was beginning to enter the mainstream. Matt The Cat digs up a great variety of styles this week as vocal groups, raw Rhythm & Blues, jump instrumentals, drinking songs and ballads take center stage. We'll dig on some hits and misses from Amos Milburn, The Five Keys, Chuck Higgins, Gene & Eunice and Shirley & Lee. We'll also hear some great debut records from Bobby Marchan and Sonny Knight, who would go on to greater success on other labels. A few rare vocal group sides are also featured. Grab a handful of nickels, because this week is loaded with Aladdin Records sides out of Beverly Hills, CA. -
Known as the “Saxophone Colossus”, saxophonist Sonny Rollins left an indelible legacy as a jazz saxophonist for his tone, strength, and melodic invention. Join Jesse “Chuy” Varela as he honors Sonny Rollins with a 4-Hour special celebrating his birthday and legacy. -
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Miles Davis 100th birthday was on May 26th but we continue celebrating his centennial throughout our programming during our Fall Fund Drive. Tune in as Jesse “Chuy” Varela we air select chapters from the acclaimed Miles Davis Radio Project produced by Steve Rowland and narrated by noted actor, Danny Glover. -
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British guitarists, Jamie Taylor and Sam Dunn have been musical collaborators since their university days. They each have their own bands and busy careers as teachers, Jamie at Leeds Conservatoire in the north of England, and Sam at Eton College and The Purcell School, and as sidemen they’ve been even busier. In fact, I’ve employed them both for concerts at London’s Ronnie Scotts and beyond. After years of musical merriment these two have finally recorded their first duo CD, Going Coastal. I thought I’d have a chat with Jamie about it all and discuss the challenges and delights of playing with another guitarist, especially one you know so well. -
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Elvis' R&B Influences. 49 years ago this week, we lost the "King Of Rock n' Roll." Much has been written about Elvis’ enormous impact and popularity over the years, but it’s almost impossible to overstate the cultural shift that took place as he rose to fame in 1956. Elvis was a musical sponge. He absorbed all the music that moved him and those around him, from Country and Hillbilly to Gospel, Pop, R&B and Blues. This week focuses solely on the rhythm & blues that motivated Elvis’ early career. During the end of his first session with Sam Phillips, Elvis cut into an inspired rendition of a semi-forgotten Arthur Crudup gem and rock n’ roll was literally born. From the New Orleans R&B of Smiley Lewis, to the jump blues of Wynonie Harris, Elvis dug it all and made each song uniquely his own. He wasn’t copying his R&B idols, he was merely using their material as a springboard for his own blend of the White and the Black. Sam Phillips was right when he said that it would take a White cat with an African-American feel to propel this exciting R&B music into the mainstream and lucky for us, he found that in Elvis Presley.
