Jazz Break at Noon - November 2024

November 4 - 8

The Big Bands of the 1950s - Dizzy, Duke, Basie, and Beyond! 
This week on the Jazz Break at Noon, we're exploring the enduring legacy of The Big Bands of the 1950s. As the 1940s drew to a close, the popularity of swing-era big bands gave way to Bebop and other popular styles. Big Bands adapted, finding new life in the changing landscape of jazz. What they lost on the dancefloor, they gained in new advancements in audio fidelity and recording technology, bringing a sonic purity to these timeless recordings. Jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie continued to lead their enduring ensembles, recording some of their most significant albums during this time. This week we'll delve into this transformative period for big bands, highlighting iconic albums and influential figures. Plus, we'll explore hidden-gems from artists like Art Blakey, Stan Kenton, and Quincy Jones. The Big Bands of the 1950s - Dizzy, Duke, Basie, and Beyond!

November 11 - 15

Wizards of the Vibes
The vibraphone, invented in the US in the 1920s, quickly found its place in jazz, with Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton's 1930 recording of "Memories of You" marking its first appearance on record. This historic moment ignited a lasting legacy, with pioneers like Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, and Terry Gibbs shaping the instrument's role in jazz through innovative swinging compositions.

From Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton to Roy Ayers and Joe Locke, vibraphonists continued to push boundaries throughout the decades. Today, artists like Steve Nelson, Stefon Harris, Joel Ross, and Warren Wolf are pushing the boundaries of the vibraphone, adding their innovative voices to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we explore these "Wizards of the Vibes," past and present.

November 18 - 22 

Coleman Hawkins: Body & Soul - A Birthday Celebration
Born November. 21, 1904, St. Joseph, Missouri - Died May 19, 1969 (aged 64) NYC
It's hard to imagine jazz without the saxophone, but at the turn of the 20th century, it was primarily a trumpet, cornet, and trombone affair. That all changed with the arrival of Coleman Hawkins. This week on The Jazz Break at Noon, we honor and celebrate the jazz titan, born on November 21, 1904 in St. Joseph Missouri. A true innovator and pioneer of the saxophone, Hawkins established the tenor as a leading voice in jazz. His influence, beginning in the 1920s, shaped the development of swing and bebop, inspiring generations of tenor saxophone giants, from Ben Webster and Sonny Rollins to John Coltrane and beyond. This week, we'll explore Coleman Hawkins' most celebrated recordings from the 1920s through the 1960s including his iconic 1939 recording of "Body and Soul” showcasing his mastery within a jazz ballad.

November 25 - 29

Soul Food: Jazz Classics and Songs of Gratitude for the Holiday Season! 
Gather 'round the radio and join us on The Jazz Break at Noon for a soulful feast of jazz classics and songs of gratitude! All this week, we're serving up a delicious menu of classic tunes to celebrate the holiday season. From soulful melodies to swinging rhythms, we'll feature the many flavors of jazz that express thankfulness, joy, and togetherness. So gather round, settle in, and let the music nourish your soul. From everyone at KRTU, Happy Holidays!