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Al compas del mundo - programa #94 - Jazz tonight and jazz is alright

 


Jazz tonight and jazz is alright. We’re stretching the genre but then that’s often times the case with this music. You can’t hem it in. Try and limit the definition and Eric Gale will shout you down, combining medieval European-style plainsong with wailing horns and a chorus bursting at the seams. Or let Lester Bowie dawdle over a classic of 50’s rock “I Only Have Eyes for You” in a most savory batch of minimalist snatches. If Charles Earland is truly leaving this planet he’s being powered by the mighty Hammond B3 organ as he revs it up and roars, following in the wake and stardust of the solar king, Mr. Sun Ra, in a regal procession through ancient Ethiopia. Hans Koller and his group extend our journey even further with Turkish string music, a rhythm section’s response and, finally, soprano sax in mid-Eastern modality. That’s jazz…if you know what I mean. -J.H.

Run list for  Jazz tonight and jazz is alright, first broadcast 9-21-23

01 Prince Lasha Quintet with Sonny Simmons - Congo Call (USA)

02 Eddie Gale - The Rain (USA)

03 Herbie Hancock – Sanctification (USA)

04 Lester Bowie Brass Fantasy - I Only Have Eyes for You (USA)

05 Charles Earland - Leaving This Planet (USA)

06 Graham Collier Sextet - The Barley Mow (England)

07 Hans Koller Free Sound - Turkish Cross Colour (Austria)

08 Michel Roques - Le temps (France)

09 Sun Ra & His Solar Myth Arkestra - Ancient Ethiopia (USA-Mars)

10 Teddy Charles Tentet - Lydian M-1 (USA)

11 Chico Hamilton – Helena (USA)

 

Eddie Gale of fashion

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