The Dr. Jazz Podcast

In this Episode, we take a look at how jazz musicians can use popular rock songs and transform them into great improvisational vehicles or create interesting arrangements from these familiar melodies. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we continue our look at how jazz musicians can use popular rock songs and transform them into great improvisational vehicles or create interesting arrangements from these familiar melodies. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at the influence of Latin Music on the Blue Note Records catalog and explore just how far back it goes. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at the Rock explorations in the hands of the legendary pianist Brad Mehldau.

In this Episode, we are spinning some food-related tracks just for you as you prepare food for your Thanksfiving festivities. Gobble-Gobble & Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at 12 covers of pop tunes through the filter of the legendary Rahsaan Roland Kirk!

In this Episode, we take a look at jazz pianists that could be considered very tasteful Cocktail Piano Jazz artists / groups. The term gets a bad rep, but this episode proves why this music should not be in the background!

Boo! In this Episode, we bring back the Jazz Halloween Spectacular Episode of The Dr. Jazz Podcast. There's plenty of Tracks & Treats. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at the music of Jimi Hendrix in Jazz music. There are plenty of surprises here, so don't miss this one!

In this Episode, we offer 12 versatile & various tracks to give you one of the best Grab Bag Episiodes yet!

In this Episode, we focus on the often overlooked electric piano recordings made by jazz legend, Bill Evans.

Inspired by Ashley Khan's book 'Impulse Records: The House That Trane Built,' we take a look at some of the surprising songs and artists Impulse Records recorded on its label throughout its history. Not one to miss!

In this Episode, we take a look at the connections and influence of American Jazz and French culture through 12 tracks of Jazz in French!

In this Episode, we present a very special spotlight on the "Father of Bossa Nova" and one of the greatest composers in all of music: Antonio Carlos Jobim!

In this Episode, we offer a look at the solo piano recordings of the legendary Bill Evans (a compendium / addition to our previous podcast on the Bill Evans Trio). Listen in & marvel with us at the harmonic colors & contours only Bill Evans can provide!

In this Episode, we take a 2-part look at Reggae, Dub, and overall Jamaican influence in the jazz idiom.

In this Episode, we conclude 2-part look at Reggae, Dub, and overall Jamaican influence in the jazz idiom.

In this Episode, we bring back Jazz From the 1970s with another installment of groovy tracks for you to enjoy! Can you dig it?

In this Episode, we continue our special spotlight on Jazz Legend, Fats Waller as we present 12 rare tracks that swing like mad! Yes...yes!

In this Episode, we take a special apotlight look into jazz pianist, organist, composer, vocalist, entertainer, raconteur and Jazz Legend Fats Waller. Here we bring to the forefront 12 songs that were some of his biggest hits and tunes that are still played in the jazz idiom today!

In this Episode, we take a look at John Zorn's Bagatelles featuring various artists over 16 discs. Not to be missed!

The party continues one last time for the Summer! In this Episode, we conclude our summer series and provide you with 12 final groove-tastic tracks for your grilling, smoking or kitchen cooking experience. We have dug through Blue Note Records to find the grooviest tracks to be your cooking companion. Enjoy!

Back by popular demand! In this Episode, we continue to provide you with 12 more groove-tastic tracks from our own crate-digging experience! Whether physical or virtual, we are sharing some under-the-radar grooves for you to enjoy with the Summer weather!

In this Episode, we are providing you with 12 groove-tastic tracks from our own crate-digging experience! Whether physical or virtual, we are sharing some under-the-radar grooves for you to enjoy with the Summer weather!

In this Episode, we take a special spotlight to the music and career of Sun Ra! He is a master of stylistic versatility and his music is out-of-this-world!

The party continues! In this Episode, we continue to provide you with 12 more groove-tastic tracks for your grilling, smoking or kitchen cooking experience. We have dug through Blue Note Records to find the grooviest tracks to be your cooking companion. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we are continuing to provide you with an additional soundtrack for Summer: Jazz For Sailing, Vol. 2! Whether you're actually on the water or just hitting the waves in your mind, we give you 12 additional tracks at a sailing pace. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we are providing you an additional soundtrack for Summer: Jazz For Sailing! Whether you're actually on the water or just hitting the waves in your mind, we give you 12 great tracks at a sailing pace. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we present a snapshot of great tunes, stories and memories from a spectacular summer experience.

In this Episode, we take a special look at Island and Calypso music recorded by Jazz Legend, Sonny Rollins. C'mon & enjoy sunny vibes with Sonny Rollins!

In this Episode, we take a very special spotlight on composer, arranger, pianist, organist, saxophonist, percussionist, bandleader and the genius known as Carla Bley. She has worked with a who's-who in music and has recorded in a variety of styles. Not to be missed!

In this Episode, we continue to provide you with 12 more groove-tastic tracks for your grilling, smoking or kitchen cooking experience. We have dug through Blue Note Records to find the grooviest tracks to be your cooking accomplice. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at some of the finest Dynamic Duos of drums & bass in recorded jazz. There are a few curveballs in the mix, but we present to you 12 tracks of some of the greatest rhythmic tag teams that are sure to please. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we take a look at 12 tracks that have been or could be part of a film noir soundtrack. It's hard to put into words, but when you hear something that constitutes as "noir" you just know it. Enjoy!

When we discuss the Bill Evans Trio - different trios pop in people's minds. They all have merit, but there was definitely an evolution there. In this episode, we are taking a special spotlight on the evolution of the Bill Evans Trio.

It's Ron Carter's birthday! While we certainly wish him the happiest of birthdays, we felt compelled to highlight what we feel are some of the deeper tracks in his catalog as a leader. While these tracks may not be discussed as often as others - they all certainly have tremendous merit! We hope that after listening to these, it will give you more music and discussions about this great artist. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we are providing you with 12 groove-tastic tracks for your grilling, smoking or kitchen cooking experience. We have dug through the history of Blue Note Records to find the grooviest tracks to help you cook by. Enjoy!

This episode presents something special: music that is beyond category. Here we take a look at 12 saxophonists who are post-bebop and post-hard bop, but are discussed very little in comparison to other saxophonists (Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, etc). Each have their own style and sound that draws from various sources and the results are truly amazing! Give this episode a shot - it's not one to be missed!

In this episode, we are aiming to give you a musical reprieve from the world at-large and just how crazy it seems to be as of late. So sit back, relax, breathe...and simmer into these 12 great tracks. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we present Part 1 in a 5 part series dedicated to the legacy of Jazz Legend, Wayne Shorter. Here we take a special look at his contributions to Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

In this Episode, we present Part 2 in a 5 part series dedicated to the legacy of Jazz Legend, Wayne Shorter. Here we take a special look at his contributions as a member of Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet and was part of a landmark fusion album.

In this Episode, we present Part 3 in a 5 part series dedicated to the legacy of Jazz Legend, Wayne Shorter. Here we take a special look at his contributions in the fusion band he co-led with keyboardist, Joe Zawinul: Weather Report!

In this Episode, we present Part 4 in a 5 part series dedicated to the legacy of Jazz Legend, Wayne Shorter. Here we take a special look at his contributions as a sideman to some of the greatest names in music.

In this Episode, we present Part 5 in a 5 part series dedicated to the legacy of Jazz Legend, Wayne Shorter. Here we take a special look at his compositions that have become jazz standards as well as his contributions as a leader creating some of the most iconic albums in jazz music history.

In this Episode, we take a look at how jazz musicians incorporate elements of Sephardic Music in their imporvisations and original compositions. We also explain some origins and musical formulas for that sound. Enjoy!

We have reached our 200th Episode of The Dr. Jazz Podcast! What better way to celebrate this milestone than with our annual Mardi Gras Madness episode for 2023. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

We have presented many various spotlight episodes on John Zorn and his universe of music through various aggregations, but we haven't specifically focused on his guitar works. Most listeners will notice that there has been quite a number of pieces he has recently written for guitar. But Zorn has quite a history of guitar works. We will discuss this and the variety presented in these 12 selections. So sit back and enjoy some hair-raising music, some thought-provoking music and some of the most gorgeous music ever written for guitar. Not to be missed!

What in the world does Jug Bands or Washboard Bands have to do with jazz music? In this episode, we explain the connection through history, influence and some special players. Plus, it's just fun music. We pride ourselves here at The Dr. Jazz Podcast on bringing you the most diverse sounds in and related to the jazz idiom. So sit back, relax and enjoy the fun (and sometimes funny) sounds from Jug & Washboard Bands.

In this Episode, we take a look at trumpet great Lee Morgan and his role as a leader on sessions. Besides 12 great tracks that show his development and growth as an artist, we also give some historical and biographical info on the trumpet giant.

In this Episode, we take a separate look at trumpet great Lee Morgan and his role as a consummate sideman on some of the greatest sessions in jazz. Besides 12 great tracks that show his development and growth as an artist, we also give some historical and biographical info on the trumpet giant.

Mingus. Sometimes he was described as volatile, tender, or misunderstood, but most agree he was a musical genius. In this episode we are taking a look / listen at some of Mingus' music with a different lens and perspective: his dedication pieces. It would have to take a special musician for Charles Mingus to write a composition dedicated to them and that is exactly what we are exploring. One thing is guaranteed - all the music will be fantastic!

In this episode, we are exploring the gospel sounds coming from the Blue Note Records catalog! Alfred Lion was notorious for asking musicians to record something "groovy" and some of Blue Note's best artists went back to church for inspiration and wrote something in a gospel vein. We break down some of these tracks for you to enjoy. Hallelujah!

This episode is dedicated to explaining the deep and rich culture of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans. We explain some of the history, share some interviews from real Mardi Gras Indian tribes, and discuss the evolution of Mardi Gras Indian music.

In this Episode, we give you our annual Holiday Jazz episode. 25 uninterrupted Holiday Jazz tracks to lift your spirits and brighten your day. Merry Christmas!

In this Episode, we give you the last Jazz Grab Bag of 2022. We are spinning 12 very varied tracks to end 2022.

In this episode, we take a look at jazz icon, Dave Brubeck through 12 handpicked tracks. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we examine the Low-End Theory of Jazz Saxophones as we take a look at 12 of the most influential Bari Sax giants in the history of Jazz! (This episode is dedicated to Ronnie Cuber)

In this episode, we take a look at jazz standards that have been recorded by the hyper lyrical trumpeter / composer, Tom Harrell.

The Dr. Jazz Podcast: Jazz Double Takes (Nov 2022) by Nathan Holaway (Dr. Jazz)

In this episode - I'm just spinning some awesome jazz tracks to help heal everyone's soul and well-being. To add to the musical gumbo, I'm also sharing some stories related to some of these tracks. The stories may or may not be so riveting - but you can bet the music is. Check it out!

In this episode, I am sharing some of my personal jazz treasure hunt finds. Since the pandemic began, I've created a list of some of my hard-to-find jazz CDs, and I've been able to score some very lucky albums in this process. So, I am sharing with you 25 tracks from 25 albums I've been fortunate enough to find in my quest for recorded jazz. Enjoy!

Oscar Peterson is a giant among mortal jazz musicians. That's a fact - not an opinion! He represented the best in swingability, virtuosity, sensitivity, humor and beauty in his playing. The only thing that's possibly better than Oscar Peterson is Oscar Peterson with other giants of jazz. In his 60+ year career, he has played with some of the greatest jazz musicians ever recorded. In this episode, we listen to 25 mind-blowing collaborations with Oscar Peterson and some of the giants of jazz music!

Summer is here and the best soundtrack for Summer weather is Salsa! Enjoy this 2 part series on some great Salsa music that may have flown under the radar to your ears.

Summer is here and the best soundtrack for Summer weather is Salsa! Enjoy this 2 part series on some great Salsa music that may have flown under the radar to your ears.

It's June y'all! That means it's time for Summer Jazz Jams. We've got 25 groovy tracks to help you get your Summer vibes goin' in the right direction. Enjoy!

In this episode, we take a look at some tracks in the ECM Records catalog. Many times, music from ECM has a reputation that it is "cold," "spacey" or "without feeling." Besides debunking that myth, we also take a look at some types of folk music that could be argued serve as inspiration to some of these great artists.

In this episode, we give a spotlight on the great lyricist / composer Johnny Mercer. Mercer has worked with over 230 collaborations and over 95 films and musicals and the results are some of the most memorable jazz standards in the canon. Enjoy!

I was recently listening to some jazz randomly on shuffle, and I noticed a group that was simply swinging their asses off - and with no drummer to help them out, either! I started wondering how many groups were out there in the jazz canon that did not use drummers. It's amazing how many great jazz trios have recorded some awesome music without a drummer to propel them through a session. We present 21 tracks for you to hear for yourself.

You wrote. We listened! Back by popular demand - the Dr. Jazz Podcast gives you another edition of a Jazz Grab Bag Episode! There are lots of interesting twists and turns in this one. Don't sleep on this one!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Let the Good Times Roll! It's our annual Mardi Gras episode here at the Dr. Jazz Podcast and we are spinning 25 slammin' N'awlins tracks guaranteed to get your groove goin'! Whether you are getting your gumbo and king cake ready, sipping on a sazerac or hurricane, or you are just here for the music, we welcome all to our Carnival celebration!

In this Episode, we take a look at recordings by Stan Getz and some of the mind-blowing collaborations he has had on record with some of the biggest names in the jazz idiom. This episode is not to be missed!

In this Episode, we take a look at some classic jazz organists. Surprisngly, this is the first real spotlight on this music in our entire podcast series (even though I have loved this music for decades). So get ready to groove with some funky tunes!

I don't usually do episodes like this, but...Let's face it: 2021 was a heavy year. We all turned the corner from 2020 into 2021 and had hopes for the best. We all embraced the idea of optimism on January 1, 2021, but various events, various passings and viral variants has made this year hard - really hard. There have been times I have wanted to scream or throw things against the wall and most people can probably sympathize with me this past year. That being said, I have assembled some of the heaviest John Zorn tracks for therapeutic listening. Enjoy!

It's that time of year! Here are 25 Holiday Jazz tracks for you and yours to enjoy this Holiday Season. Whether you are rushing out and about, baking goodies for friends and loved ones, or just staying warm and cozy, we hope to provide a festive soundtrack for your merriment! Merry Christmas from The Dr. Jazz Podcast!

Salutations, listeners! It's time for another Jazz Grab Bag episode of the podcast, where anything goes and you could hear quite a variety of styles all mixed together. So sit back, relax and listen to some jazz tracks that stood out to me. Enjoy!

Hello out there in Podcast-Land! Jazz many times is taken as a very serious music (rightly so). Charlie Parker even said "If you don't live it - - - it won't come out of your horn!" With that said, many people find it hard to even break into jazz listening. They don't even know where to start with something so "serious" as jazz. On the other side of the coin, there are many light-hearted songs that are some of my personal favorites tracks in all of recorded jazz. At the end of the day, jazz cats know when to cut up and have a really good time - - - which is one of the most important aspects of this great art form. Jazz music can challenge you to think on another level, it can blow your socks off, but it can also make you smile, grin and laugh out loud. Enjoy!

It's that time of year, so in this episode, we are dedicating an entire show to jazz music inspired by food, meals, appetizers, desserts and more to help you along as you cook, bake or just partake in some holiday meals. Enjoy!

In this Episode, we are spotlighting Jazz Dedication albums by jazz artists. No covers - entire albums! This is the first of a two-part series. Great variety, great jazz, a great time!

In this episode we continue our deep dive into jazz albums dedicated to other jazz artists. You won't find jazz artists covering rock artists, or just one or two cover songs to a specific artist. These are tracks of jazz artists dedicating entire albums to a specific jazz artist. In this quest, we have found some really great music and albums. Come take a listen!

Scary tunes for Halloween courtesy of John Zorn, his pals & some awesome music mentioned from the Maestro. Also, best wishes and love to Mike Patton. We all love you Mike!

Sometimes we present to you challenging music, relaxing music, interesting pairings, musician spotlights, etc. But this episode is dedicated to light-hearted fun. We present to you 25 jazz songs that were "missed opportunities" for TV show themes.

In this episode of the podcast, we are making an appeal to 3 types of jazz listeners: those that only dig early jazz, those that only dig modern sounds, and those that only listen to classic jazz. This episode mixes & pairs up some early jazz with some of some of what's goin' on right now in jazz. Yes, it's an odd pairing, but with each major transition - it reminds me of some of the similarities as well as just how far we've come in this music. I hope you enjoy!

Bossa Nova. Even novice jazz listeners can usually say that they've heard certain songs or certain artists. But how far can it 'really' go? What this episode plans to do is give you 25 wonderful tracks by real jazz artists playing compositions by Bossa Nova composers. Enjoy!

In this episode, we are trying something new out for our listeners. Unbelievable tales from the world of jazz music! Some of these stories are well documented while others are simply folklore. Some stories may be humorous, some are uplifting while others are incredibly sad and poignant. Either way, the music is great to cast a terrific soundtrack to all of these jazz tales.

Most Coltrane fans already know he is a titan of jazz. A heavyweight who had a lyrical side ('The Gentle Side of John Coltrane'). He pushed the boundaries of jazz harmony into the stratosphere and still created many spiritual albums and avant-garde albums in his short 40 year span. While re-reading Lewis Porter's phenomenal book 'John Coltrane: His Life and Music,' he discussed how Coltrane was exposed to a great degree of Latin Jazz while living in Philadelphia and how many straight-ahead players were quite versed in various forms of Latin Jazz around Philly. He also learned how to craft a great deal of Latin Jazz elements into his own writing through his time in Dizzy Gillespie's band. Reading this lead me to the idea of just how much "Latin Jazz" was actually evident in Trane's recorded catalog. To my surprise, there was a great deal. This newfound appreciation for this side of Coltrane and his music has lead me to create this episode of the podcast. I hope you dig it!

Jazz has always had (and still has) a great deal to offer listeners, no matter your flavor or persuasion. One area that seems to get overlooked are jazz tunes that have the spoken word attached to them. In this episode, we serve up some glorious tracks that are all associated with jazz & the spoken word. You'll hear all sorts of things: recipes, nursery rhymes, dedications to historical figures, jazz musicians, horoscopes, and much more. So, tune in and dig this side to jazz (fingersnaps).

Mr. P.C. No, it has nothing to do with computers, but it has EVERYTHING to do with the bass in jazz! In this episode, we are putting a spotlight on the bassist extraordinaire, Paul Chambers. Besides having some great albums under his own name, he was on many integral albums in the development and history of all jazz music. That's not to be taken lightly, and neither should he. Here's one for Mr. P.C.

This episode compliments the previous one (Simmering Summer Ballads). As we draw closer to the end of Summer, I would like to offer up one more fresh set of care-free and lighthearted grooves for everyone to enjoy. May everyone enjoy the rest of their Summer. Carpe diem!

We're in the thick of the Summer season...and if you're like me, you like to hang out with friends during the Summer. Due to the oppressive heat of the day, most folks elect to hang out in the evening hours (myself included). While partaking in good "spirits" with good friends, the simmering, swarthy blanket of thick air hits my senses. This is when I like to go to jazz ballads: melodies and chords that linger like the heat on a Summer night. Stay cool & enjoy!

Chet Baker is certainly not a stranger to even casual jazz fans. Many listeners know of his groundbreaking recordings with Gerry Mulligan, Russ Freeman, Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond as well as many others. There's even been a movie made about Chet Baker (Born to Be Blue, starring Ethan Hawke). But one particular group that hardly ever gets mentioned is the Chet Baker Trio. Baker's Trio configurations recorded for a 10-year span, and they yield highly lyrical, beautiful, tasteful & emotional music! So, we are giving the Trio their due on this episode of the Dr. Jazz Podcast. Enjoy!

Sometimes we all need a break. We want stress to melt. We want it all to go away. For times like this, may I suggest some "music to float by." We have done the digging for you, and we present to you 25 glorious tracks of sheer nebulosity. Float on & enjoy!

When we started The Dr. Jazz Podcast, we had 2 main missions: to share some awesome jazz tracks with everyone & to bring a spotlight to either underrated musicians or to connect things that most listeners may have not thought about. In this episode, we are spinning a variety of awesome jazz tracks to cure whatever ails ya. Enjoy!

We're back and bumpin' harder than ever! Come listen to some of the greatest jazz grooves from the 1970s! Who loves ya baby? I do! Special shout-out & thanks to Midnight Dubs for being a devoted listener & for taking the time to provide this awesome ad for The Dr. Jazz Podcast. You're the best! To view it, go to the website: drjazzpodcast.wordpress.com

In this episode of the Dr. Jazz Podcast, we take a look & listen at a period in Miles' catalog that often gets overlooked: his later catalog. Many people scoff at this era in Miles Davis' career. There's no Coltrane, no Bill Evans, no Wayne, no Herbie - but what there "is" are a bunch of awesome grooves. Come listen as we dive in to expose your ears to some groove-tastic tunes.

Art Taylor! In this episode, we turn a special spotlight to one of my favorite drummers in all of jazz: Art Taylor. I believe that Taylor is an unsung hero in jazz. He's not the first jazz drummer you may think of like Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, or Buddy Rich, but you may be pleasantly surprised at all of the essential and influential recordings Art Taylor was a part of in the history of recorded jazz. Come take a listen!

This episode of The Dr. Jazz Podcast is dedicated to presenting you with cases of 2 songs that sound alike, have different titles, and getting down to the bottom of why. The game is afoot!

The years 1923-1924 were what I like to call "the moment before the explosion." It wasn't the beginning of recorded jazz music (that started back in 1917 with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band). The "explosion" wasn't Louis Armstrong joining King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, nor Armstrong's first recorded solo (although that "was" very important). The years 1923-1924 were the lead up to Louis Armstrong's Hot Five recordings. While some may yawn and roll their eyes - I believe it is fair to say that jazz, rock and popular music as we know it would be completely changed due to the revolutionary recordings of Louis Armstrong The Hot Five, then later the Hot Seven, followed by the remainder of Armstrong's recorded works. But the Hot Five were like a version of jazz music's Avengers or Justice League. It was a supergroup in all senses of the word! This podcast episode was designed in two ways: first, it is presented chronologically (or at least close). Next, it was conceived by an idea from a book I am reading by jazz author Ted Gioia. In his book 'How to Listen to Jazz', he discusses how he went 2 weeks listening to what he could find in recorded jazz previous to Louis Armstrong's Hot Five recordings in order to really let the full revolutionary sound impact him to the fullest extent of his ears. This podcast is a microcosm of that experience. We aim to give the listener the experience of sampling what was available in recorded music leading up to the moment of sonic artistry with the explosion of the recordings of the Hot Five - and Louis Armstrong was the bomb!

In this Episode, we take a look at the correlation between trains and jazz music. We talk about rhythms, sound effects, Albert Murray and jazz legends. All aboard!

We at the Dr. Jazz Podcast have been "showered" with compliments on our Rainy Day Jazz episode. There's truly a certain vibe to this kind of jazz. So, here are 25 more “rainy day” jazz tracks for your enjoyment. Hope y'all dig it!