Jazz Break at Noon - January 2025

January 13 - 17

The Enduring Legacy of Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams was a pioneering pianist, composer, bandleader and arranger whose innovative approach helped shape the sound of jazz. Her music transcended eras and styles, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential artists in the genre. Her innovative spirit and profound impact on jazz continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

January 20

Monday: Jazz Interpretations: The Music of Curtis Mayfield & Gil Scott-Heron
Join The Jazz Break at Noon for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day program honoring the enduring spirit of his message through the transformative music of Curtis Mayfield and Gil Scott-Heron. We'll explore jazz interpretations of their iconic songs, highlighting the powerful fusion of social consciousness, soulful expression, and musical innovation. From Mayfield's anthems of hope and resilience to Scott-Heron's spoken-word poetry and jazz-infused grooves, we'll celebrate the legacy of these influential artists and their impact on the fight for equality and justice.

January 21-24

Remembering Strata-East: A Spiritual Journey
Strata-East Records forged a unique path in the 1970s, creating a lasting legacy of recordings highly sought after by collectors today. Their sound seamlessly blended jazz, funk, soul, and free jazz, reflecting the cultural and political landscape of 1960s Black America. Through thoughtful compositions, soaring solos, and powerful arrangements, their music was both intensely expressive and deeply spiritual. This collective of groundbreaking artists pushed the boundaries of jazz, creating a potent mix of soulful expression, fiery improvisation, and conscious jazz, forever linked to the spirit of the 1960s and 70s.

Founded in 1971 by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, this artist-led independent label was a pioneer: independently Black-owned and operated, it spotlighted an expansive roster of original music, including works by Billy Harper, Clifford Jordan, Pharoah Sanders, Cecil McBee, and Gil Scott-Heron. This week, we honor the spiritual legacy of Strata-East Records on the Jazz Break at Noon.

January 27-31

Chicago Fire: Saxophone Giants from the Windy City
This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we're turning up the soulful-heat with "Chicago Fire: Saxophone Giants from the Windy City." We'll explore the Windy City's rich saxophone legacy, a hotbed of jazz and blues activity since the turn of the 20th century. By the 1950s, Chicago players were forging a unique sound, influenced by the intersection of blues and jazz. From the soulful grit of Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, and Von Freeman to the fiery intensity of John Gilmore, to the melodic invention of Clifford Jordan, we'll hear iconic recordings that shaped the Chicago sound. We'll explore the avant-garde explorations of the AACM and Sun Ra’s Arkestra and hear from contemporary players who keep the Chicago flame burning bright. Chicago Fire: Saxophone Giants from the Windy City, this week on the Jazz Break at Noon!