Jazzism (a katzpheno mix)

Along Came Betty is a Jazz standard written by tenor saxophonist Benny Golson.

Benny wrote the song as a tribute to vocalist Betty Carter and it was originally performed by Benny while he was a member of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. The song was also famously recorded in 1959 on the Blue Note Records label for Jazz Messengers legendary "Moanin" album.

The song is this weeks podcasts title track and is performed by Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band. As all young Jazz Lovers know, Jerry Gonzalez died in a tragic fire at his home in Spain. The Jazz world has lost a great pioneer of Jazz and in particular a front runner in Latin Jazz. Jerry was one of a kind and the Jazz world has lost another warrior.

Boricua Forever!

Enjoy,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Ravi Coltrane - Klepto (2012)
Gregory Porter - Lonesome Lover (2013)
Christian Scott - Alkebu Lan (2012)
Anat Cohen - Lilia (2015)
James Farm - 1981 (2012)
Bobby Hutcherson - I Don't Know Why (1994)
Anne Walsh - So It May Secretly Begin (2009)
Chick Corea - Love Castle (1976)
Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band - Along Came Betty (2005)
Jerry Gonzalez & El Comando De La Clave - Someday My Prints Will Come (Back From The FBI) (2011)

Que Pasa?

National Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived!

Every year from September 15th to October 15th, since 1968, Americans have celebrated the power, beauty and importance of Hispanic peoples and their cultural contributions to the world.

On this episode of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) I join the party with an emphasis on Jazz music with what Jelly Roll Morton called "a Spanish tinge". That's right the Hispanic influence has been an integral part of Jazz since it's inception. Due largely in part because of it's birthplace in the major port city of New Orleans. The innovators of this music we so lovingly call Jazz interacted with the travelers and merchants from Cuba and South America and picked up those musical cues.

Larga vida la musica de Jazz!

Enjoy,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Kenny Garrett - Laviso, I Bon? (2012)
Charlie Hunter - Latin For Travelers (2016)
Al DiMeola - Hypnose (2006)
Herbie hancock featuring CeU - Tempo de Amor (2010)
Donald Harrison - Septembro (1996)
Harold Lopez-Nusa - Lobo's Cha (2016)
Soil & Pimp Sessions - A Decade (2011)
Terence Blanchard - On The Verge (2003)
Eric Reed - Sun Out (2011)
Willie Bobo - Dindi (1971)
Ben Williams - Strength & Beauty (2015)

There was a time when people truly believed in the statement, clothes make the man or as Shakespeare put it - "apparel oft proclaims the man." The epitome for a well dressed man was to put on a tailor made suit.

It is true that humans judge one another constantly, and how one adorns themselves says (to the observer) something about the person wearing the adornment. Dirty old clothes suggest a low station in life, whereas clean new clothes suggest the opposite.

Pride of dress was once very important in the African American community. A community that was often oppressed and placed under limitations, sought ways to change the narrative. The elders of these communities knew that the stereotypes and perceptions of outsiders were not accurate, those negative ideas did not represent who we are as a people. The most immediate way to refute those stereotypes was to show the outside world a different reflection. Present the naysayers your prettiest dress, your starched collar and shined shoes, step out in your "Sunday Best".

Times have changed and people of all station and all communities, dress overly casual. The new saying is "I Woke Up Like This" ( the statement is supposed to be ironic an attractive woman will take a selfie and comment below, "I woke up like this" ), however when you see most people in public these days that is exactly what they look like...rolled out of bed...and woke up like this!

Too many times have I encountered a slob disguised as a human wearing a wrinkled tee shirt, pajama pants and slippers at Wal Mart, acting like they strolling around aimlessly in the privacy of their home as opposed to being in the public eye. Gross!

Well I may not have a tailor made suit to wear as my "Sunday Best" but I can make an effort as we all should to make the man/woman known in our choice of dress...besides when you look good you feel good and feeling good matters!

Enjoy the mix,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Herlin Riley - Tutti Ma (2016)
Wallace Roney - Vater Time (2007)
Lizz Wright - Walk With Me Lord (2003)
Herbie Hancock - Here Comes De Honey Man (1998)
Russell Gunn - Tutu (2007)
The Roy Hargrove Quintet - To Wisdom The Prize (2008)
Jose James - The Dreamer (2008)
Branford Marsalis - Emanon (1986)
Tia Fuller - Tailor Made (2012)

There was the French Connection and The Mothership Connection....call this The Jazzism Connection. A place where like minded Jazz afficiandos can come to get their "Jazz On".

This trip is free and it is good for the mind, body and soul. So get connected and have your jazz-like mind re-directed as only Katzpheno can!

Enjoy,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Kenny Burrell - Mark 1 (2010)
Geri Allen - The Life Of A Song (2004)
SFJazz Collective - Lingala (2005)
Max Mutzke - Empire State Of Mind (2012)
John Blake - Ice Angel (1992)
Roberta Gambarini - That Old Devil Moon (2009)
Ahmad Jamal - Autumn Rain (2012)
Maurice Brown - The Connection (2010)
James Carter - Dodo's Bounce (2008)

In 1975 while contracted with Blue Note Records, Bobby Hutcherson recorded an album of soul drenched, groove filled Jazz, accented with Latin flavors that stand as one of his best most beloved recordings. He called it "Montara".

On this episode of Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) I feature a 2014 recording of "Montara" which features Bobby Hutcherson along with David Sanborn on tenor sax, Joey DeFrancesco on organ and Billy Hart on drums. The track was featured on Bobby Hutcherson's final album release - "Enjoy The View".

I realized while I was putting together the playlist that Montara a beach community in San Mateo County in California is the place Bobby Hutcherson called home and where he spent his final days.

Montara remains one of his most beloved compositions and the 1975 recording has been sampled extensively by hip hop heads and DJ for years. Do they know the level of Jazz Royalty they are mixing and sampling? Doubtful...but nonetheless the groove like Bobby Hutcherson's legacy...and Jazz music lives on.

Enjoy The View!

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Stefon Harris, David Sanchez & Christian Scott - Nengueleru (2011)
Ravi Coltrane - One Wheeler Will (2007)
Kamasi Washington - Re Run Home (2015)
Next Collective - Africa (2013)
Bobby Hutcherson - Montara (2014)
Stevie Wonder - Seems So Long (1972)
Gretchen Parlato - All That I Can Say (2011)
Nicholas Payton - Faith (1999)
Pat Metheny Unity Band - Roofdogs (2012)

Gather around all you young jazz lovers!

Come check out the deal of the century, yes - that's right I got THE HOOK UP!!

No need to keep you eye on the red card...this deal ain't that hard. Just your chance to enjoy the best damn jazz music podcast on the planet...for free!!

4G speed on an unlimited plan - I got the mic in my hand...spreading the good jazz word across the land.

Jazzism is the bomb!

Enjoy,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Chris Greene Quartet - The Missing Part (2014)
Bobby McFerrin featuring Chick Corea - Invocation (2002)
Wallace Roney - Inflorescent (2007)
Dianne Reeves - I've Got My Eyes On You (2005)
Kenny Garrett - Ja-Hed (1990)
Donald Harrison & Christian Scott - The Hook Up (2010)
Jon & Judith Hendricks - Stardust (1990)
Charlie Hunter Trio - Freedom Tickler (2004)
Chantale Gange - Wisdom Of The Water (2010)

Yet another installment of the best damn jazz podcast on the internet!

Remember All You Young Jazz Lovers that behind every cloud the sun is there waiting to burst through and shine alight on you!

Bad times don't last always. While you wait for this to pass...enjoy the mix!

- Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Steve Khan - Just Deserts (2012)
Pat Metheny Unity Band - Leaving Town (2012)
Jimmy Greene - Last Summer (2014)
Abbey Lincoln - The Music Is The Magic (1992)
Eric Harland - Mystic Voyage (2014)
The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked (2008)
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - Liberation Song (1975)
Herlin Riley - New Direction (2016)
Vijay Iyer - Mystic Brew (2009)
Marc Cary - Walk With Me (2006)

"Stranded in the dark, blindly we all seek out light.
Some never realize, that being lost is so close to finally being found."

- Shelton Brown

Enjoy The Mix,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Joe Lovano US Five - Powerhouse (2009)
Donald Harrison - Well You Needn't (2004)
Elijah Jamal Balbed - What Matter Most (2015)
Ahmad Jamal - Autumn Rain (1986)
Rebecca Martin - The Space In A Song To Think (2008)
Ben Williams - Lost & Found (2015)
Freddie Hubbard - Take It To The Ozone (1979)
Benny Golson - Uptown Afterburn (2009)
Herbie Hancock featuring Sting - Sister Moon (2005)

THE NURTURER

Some people have a gift, the gift of caring.

They empathize with others, they sense and feel their pain, their needs. These wonderful individuals are always ready to be there with a shoulder to lean or to cry on. A friendly hug, a hot meal, good advice or just to listen. Whatever is called for...somehow they know and are willing to do.

Thankfully I am not one of those...but I know and have known a few in my lifetime. If you are like me not a natural nurturer, be grateful because if the world were full of only the nurturers...who would they help?

I hope the mix nurtures THE NURTURER. This one is for you.

Enjoy,

Brian "Katzpheno" Phoenix

featuring:

Terence Blanchard - "Wandering Wonder (2005)
Murray, Allen & Carrington - "The Nurturer" (2016)
Christian Scott - "Jenacide" (2010)
Ravi Coltrane - "One Wheeler Will" (2007)
Nneena Freelon - "I Won't Dance" (1998)
Stefon Harris, Ravi Coltrane & Christian Scott - "Congo" (2011)
Norman Connors featuring Eddie Henderson - "I Have A Dream" (1979)
Tia Fuller - "Decisive Steps" (2010)
Terence Blanchard featuring Bilal - "When Will You Call" (2009)

THAT GIRL

On June 27th, 2017 the Jazz world said goodbye to a one of a kind musical talent.

Pianist, composer, educator and visionary this artist made the complex approachable. Her intensity was a warning to all pretenders, her generosity nurtured a new generation of Jazz warriors. She was an individual, a spirit that comes along once in a lifetime.

Geri Allen was "That Girl".

Enjoy,

featuring:

Geri Allen featuring Dwayne Dolphin & Tani Tabbal - Bed Stuy (1992)
Geri Allen featuring Dave Holland & Jack DeJohnette - Black Bottom (2004)
Geri Allen featuring David McMurray & Lloyd Storey - The Dancer (1987)
Geri Allen featuring Marcus Belgrave, Kenny Garrett, Robert Hurst & Jeff Watts- Number 3 (1991)
Geri Allen featuring Dave Holland & Jack DeJohnette - Unconditional Love (2004)
Betty Carter featuring Geri Allen, Dave Holland & Jack DeJohnette - Feed The Fire (1993)
Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio - For Father Peter O'Brien (2016)
Geri Allen featuring Dave Holland & Jack DeJohnette - LWB's In The House (2004)
Geri Allen - That Girl (2013)

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