Jazz Break at Noon - June 2025

June 2 - 6

The Artistry of Oliver Nelson: Composer, Arranger, Player

This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we celebrate the multifaceted genius of composer, arranger, and saxophonist Oliver Nelson. Born in St. Louis, MO, in 1932, Nelson was a true triple threat – a phenomenal saxophonist, a dynamic bandleader, and a deeply gifted composer and arranger. By 15, he was already playing professionally, working with the legendary Louis Jordan. The 1960s saw Nelson hit his historic stride, leading memorable sessions for Prestige, Argo, Verve, and Impulse! records.

His arranging talents and instrumental prowess also enriched recordings by giants like Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Louis Armstrong, Shirley Scott, Lee Morgan and so many more. Nelson's expansive discography is rich with timeless gems, including Full Nelson, Sound Pieces, and the essential The Blues and the Abstract Truth, featuring the iconic jazz standard "Stolen Moments," showcasing his complex and brilliant writing. A master of the saxophone, he also shared his knowledge through influential educational books and extended his work to TV and film scores!

Oliver Nelson: a multifaceted legend of the 1960s studio scene.

This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we're celebrating his incredible artistry. Tune in as we spotlight key historical recordings from this composer, arranger, and saxophonist extraordinaire.

June 9 - 13

The Brilliant Veracity of Geri Allen

This week on Jazz Break at Noon host Bria Woods presents a program highlighting the life and music of pianist, composer, and educator Geri Allen. With a career spanning over four decades, Allen was a pioneering force in modern jazz, known for her innovative approach and versatile artistry. Her remarkably nimble musicality afforded her the ability to play a variety of jazz styles, from blues to ballads, world music to funk, and rock to free jazz. Each weekday at noon listeners can hear a curated playlist that highlights Allen’s diverse influences.

Born Geri Antoinette Allen on June 12, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan, and raised in Detroit, Allen began playing piano at age seven and honed her skills under the mentorship of trumpeter Marcus Belgrave at Cass Technical High School. She later became one of the first graduates of Howard University's jazz studies program in 1979 . Her academic journey continued with a master's degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982.

Allen collaborated with an impressive rolodex of musicians including Ornette Coleman, Ravi Coltrane, Betty Carter, Billy Taylor, Charles Lloyd, Ron Carter and many others seamlessly blending a variety of jazz modalities. She toured with bassist Esperanza Spalding and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington in the ACS Trio as well as her own trio featuring Kenny Davis, and Kassa Overall. Notably, she was the first woman to receive Denmark’s prestigious Jazzpar Prize in 1996. Allen was the recipient of a 2008-2009 Guggenheim Fellowship in Composition, resulting in the album Refractions: Flying Toward the Sound. She was also named the top Talent Deserving Wider Recognition among pianists in the 1993 and 1994 DownBeat magazine critics' polls.

Beyond her performance career, Allen was a dedicated educator, serving as the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she influenced countless students and contributed to the academic community. Closer to home, Geri Allen visited Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University to present a masterclass with local music students in 2012. Allen passed in 2017 of cancer, today she is remembered as one of the great women in jazz of the 1990s whose sound left an enduring impact on the world of jazz.

June 16 - 20

Guitarist, Tal Farlow: Elegance & Sophistication

Tal Farlow, a brilliant and technically gifted guitarist, dazzled audiences and fellow musicians alike with his fluid lines, intricate chord voicings, and impressive speed. An early innovator of jazz guitar, Farlow built upon the groundbreaking work of pioneers like Charlie Christian. He further expanded the guitar's role in small group settings, developing and refining his self-taught technique in a now-classic trio alongside Red Norvo and Charles Mingus.

As a bandleader, Farlow led several successful dates beginning in the 1950s, flourishing for nearly three decades and demonstrating his impactful mastery. His elegant and sophisticated playing cemented his legacy, making him a major influence on countless guitarists. Beyond his technical prowess, Farlow is also remembered for his gentle and kind spirit.

Join us as we celebrate the artistry and influence of guitarist Tal Farlow.

June 23-27

Ballads, Blues & Bey: Celebrating vocalist, Andy Bey.

This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we pay tribute to the extraordinary vocalist and pianist, Andy Bey, who passed away on April 26, 2025.

A truly singular talent, Bey's music was defined by its profound intelligence, captivating sensitivity, and unmistakable, soulful originality. With a remarkable four-octave baritone voice and a deeply nuanced piano style, he crafted performances both rooted in the rich jazz tradition and boldly exploratory, venturing into the realms of the blues, soul jazz and funk.

Throughout his decades-long career—from his early work with the "Andy and the Bey Sisters" trio to acclaimed solo albums like Ballads, Blues & Bey and The World According to Andy Bey—he continuously pushed artistic boundaries and expression. His unique interpretations of the American Songbook and collaborations with jazz luminaries like Horace Silver and Gary Bartz left an indelible mark on the world of vocal jazz.

Join us as we honor vocalist Andy Bey.