Jazz Bastard Podcast

After a serious discussion of where and where not a samosa should be put, the boys launch into examinations of two classic jazz releases and two much more recent efforts by the second wave of "young lions". Wes Montgomery – LIVE IN PARIS THE DEFINITIVE ORTF RECORDINGS; Alice Coltrane – MONASTIC TRIO; Jon Gordon – ALONG THE WAY; J. D. Allen – RADIO FLYER.

Cecil Taylor has always stood somewhat uneasily outside the jazz tradition - at least from the point of view of jazz traditionalists. This episode, Mike and Pat explore his challenging, exhausting, and sometimes off-putting music - and we like to think we nailed it. Cecil Taylor – LOOKING AHEAD!; NEFERTITI THE BEAUTIFUL ONE HAS COME; NAILED; THE WILLISAU CONCERT.

We're back from our extended look at Cecil Taylor's challenging music and ready for more accessible - if equally rewarding - work by various artists in the modern mainstream. There's a little bit about food, a little bit about Lovecraft, and a lot about four very fine albums that have nothing to do with either edibles or interdimensional monsters. Shamie Royston – BEAUTIFUL LIAR; Ted Sirota’s Rebel Souls - VS...

Mike's been hustled down in Texas, so Pat's without adult supervision when he interviews Glenn Crytzer about his new big band project: "Ain't It Grand." Glenn talks about the challenges of playing vintage jazz authentically, writing in the style of the period, and leading a band in the post making-money-from-album-sales era. The episode concludes with a brief discussion of some of Glenn's favorite vintage jazz sides...

At Mike's suggestion we check out some lesser known - and lesser loved - projects by major jazz artists, from the MOR sellout of Bill Evans' "Plays VIPs" to Duke Ellington's fantasia on jazz history and domestic violence, "A Drum is a Woman." After the main event is over, stay tuned for half an hour of wide-ranging talk on the Lovecraftian rock opera "Dreams in the Witch House" - unless you fear for your SANITY...

Across the pond we go to look at work by four up'n'comin' UK artists/groups (yes, there are such things as jazz groups). The boys delve deep into the in-jokes behind Shatner's Bassoon and, to wrap things about, talk about Herbie Hancock's recent concert and film appearances. Shatner’s Bassoon – DISCO EROSION; Jason Rebello – HELD; Zoe Rahman Trio – LIVE; Sons of Kemet – LEST WE FORGET WHAT WE CAME HERE TO DO; Hedvig Mollestad Trio – BLACK STABAT MATER.

From chaos order as the boys realize that a couple of Pat's random LP haul both have a connection with the sexiest country and the rest of the episode just falls into place. Come for Pat's mispronunciations, stay for Mike's penetrating analysis of white man dancing on Letterman...

Even what sounds like a police raid in progress can't stop the bastards from discussing two brand new releases, along with a couple selections from the earlier 'aughts. Mike isn't happy about electric pianos, Pat finds a new Russian saxist to look out for, and the discussion's short (if not sweet) for a change. Sasha Mashin – OUTSIDE THE BOX; Hubert DuPont – SMART GRID; Ximo Tebar – CELEBRATING ERIK SATIE; Justin Morrell Quintet – PLAYS THE MUSIC OF STEELY DAN.

Is it chilly in here or is it just us? The bastards take on the coolest buffet of music yet on offer by this august podcast, so pry open that sweater drawer and grab a hot beverage. Pop matters also might xylophone the old neck bone, as Gillian Welch's "The Harrow and the Harvest" presents its own brand of folkie cool. The Necks – BODY: Evan Parker – MEMORY/VISION; Modern Jazz Quartet – COMPLETE PRESTIGE AND PABLO (disc one); Lee Konitz – TOOT SWEET.

Fred Rogers never went to 'Nam - that's just one of the many insights we learn from interviewing the charming and talented Keri Johnsrud about her collaboration with pianist Kevin Bales based on songs written by the man we like to call "Cole Porter in a cardigan." After the interview, the boys discuss three other albums with at least a tangential relationship to children's music because, hey, that's a theme, people...