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Instructional Cassette Catalog: Jazz and Ragtime

And All That Jazz
CBM 838
The Roaring Twenties' wild and exuberant music is explored in Chicago through the jazz tunes and performers who wrote and played them. Louis Armstrong and W.C. Handy are among the featured musicians.

Carol Britto
CBM 1245
For two decades she delighted Toronto jazz fans. Carol Britto has returned to her native country, making waves on the New York music scene with her impressive piano skills. Britto discusses her career.

Oscar Brown, Jr.
CBM 727
The singer-songwriter and social activist talks about his life, his music, and his strong identification with Scott Joplin.

Gary Burton
CBM 1249
Although his main instrument is the vibraphone, he has taught piano at the Berkelee College of Music for many years. Gary Burton performs "Turn Out the Stars." Marian McPartland interviews Burton and the two blend talents on a duet of "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes."

John Colianni
CBM 1235
At fifteen he demonstrates his abilities with a composition of his own, "Slow Blues." A powerful duet of "Get Happy" concludes a session with Marian McPartland.

John Coltrane Quartet
CBM 117
Program of jazz music played by the John Coltrane Quartet and hosted by Ralph Gleason.

Johnny Copeland
CBM 1232
The singer and guitarist explains the difference between Texas country blues and Texas city blues and why his music is often considered the quintessence of just plain Texas blues.

Chick Corea
CBM 1250
The multitalented musician plays selections from a variety of musical genres-from big band to jazz-rock fusion. In "Piano Jazz," recorded at Corea's own California studio, the prolific composer joins Marian McPartland for a dazzling mix of talk, improvisations, and musical portraits.

James Dapogny
CBM 1254
A specialist on piano music from the turn of the century to World War II tells his favorite tales of the legendary Jelly Roll Morton and plays tunes by Morton and Gershwin.

Digging Music
CBM 190
Arthur Fiedler and Stan Kenton play selections from jazz and the classics. Examples include classical music works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Mascagni, and DvoR k performed by Boston Pops Orchestra along with a variety of jazz pieces by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and other jazz musicians.

Roy Eldridge
CBM 1238
In this demonstration the great jazz trumpet stylist displays his piano abilities by playing several of his own works and a composition penned by both Marian McPartland and Eldridge, the "M and R Blues."

Elements of Jazz
CBM 1546
An overview of jazz, its elements, and the times from which it was born. Narrated by Bill Messenger.

Duke Ellington
CBM 933
Mike Whorf interviews friends and relatives of the pianist, bandleader, and composer of more than 1,000 pieces.

The Era of F. Scott Fitzgerald
CBM 931, 1184
The zest and spirit of the Roaring Twenties are captured in this two-part series. Mobsters and Prohibition, The Great Gatsby, and the life of F. Scott Key Fitzgerald are evoked through songs and music of the Jazz Age.

The Father of the Blues
CBM 343
The late W.C. Handy sings and tells about writing such songs as "Memphis Blues," "St. Louis Blues," and "Beale Street Blues."

Gospel, Jazz, Blues, and Rock
CBM 137
Explains how an underground code of African slaves blossomed into the samba, rumba, and calypso.

Dave Grusin
CBM 1251
Known primarily as the composer of the musical scores for Tootsie and On Golden Pond, Dave Grusin is also a successful producer and performer. During this interview he plays his own "Theme from St. Elsewhere," and Marian McPartland joins in for a melodic duet of "I Remember April."

Gumbo Ya Ya
CBM 236
Analyzes the origins of "gutbucket" jazz. "Gumbo ya ya" means "everybody talking at once" in Creole.

Herbie Hancock
CBM 1229
His mastery of both acoustic piano jazz and electronic jazz-rock-funk has propelled him to stardom. Herbie Hancock discusses his role in the film Round Midnight, plays "Chan's Song," written especially for the film, and joins Marian McPartland for their own version of "That Old Black Magic."

Spotlight on Coleman Hawkins
CBM 264
Friends and colleagues reminisce about the jazz musician's career. Includes a recording of his last performance.

Fatha Hines Groove
CBM 54
Traces the development of Hines's unique jazz piano style throughout the long span of his career.

History of Jazz Piano
CBM 135
Different jazz piano styles.

Billie Holiday
CBM 822
Biography of the blues singer. Examples of her sensitive style include both upbeat and blues songs. Some backings are played by Teddy Wilson and Lester Young.

Jane Jarvis
CBM 1258
An executive for Muzak, former organist with the New York Mets, and now a headliner in premier jazz clubs, Jarvis plays a solo version of "The Bounder." A duet of "J and M Blues" concludes this interview by Marian McPartland.

Jazz Joins the Classics
CBM 133
Dave Brubeck explains how composer Darius Milhaud used jazz for the first time in classical compositions.

James P. Johnson
CBM 858
The composer of "Charleston" and "If I Could Be with You" ranked along with Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton as the "father" of the eastern Harlem stride style.

Oliver Jones
CBM 1247
His renditions of "Street of Dreams" and "Straight, No Chaser" have earned this Montreal native international recognition. The endearing Oliver Jones talks about his career and tells stories of his childhood friend Oscar Peterson.

The Kings of Jazz
CBM 131-132
D.D. and Billie Pierce, Papa Tom Albert, Papa John Joseph, Manuel Minetta, and other jazz men talk about the early days of New Orleans jazz.

Kenny Kirkland
CBM 1239
While still in his twenties, he has already made thirty recordings and worked with an impressive range of artists-from Wynton Marsalis to Sting. Kenny Kirkland talks with Marian McPartland and performs a two-piano version of "Billy's Bounce" with her.

The Legend of Ted Lewis
CBM 827
His trademarks-a top hat, cane, and clarinet-gave him his distinction. He performed for nine presidents during his career.

Ellis Marsalis
CBM 1234
He is the father of two popular American jazz artists, Wynton and Branford Marsalis. This teacher, performer, and recording artist, credited with instilling a love for music in all his children, talks about and plays his own compositions and combines talent with Marian McPartland for their version of "Blue in Boogie."

Memories of Eubie
CBM 728
The ninety-six-year-old ragtime musician reminisces about his many years in show business. He also plays "Charleston Rag," "Memories of You," and "If You've Never Been Vamped by a Brownskin."

Memory Bank
CBM 1076-1085
Personalities and historical high points from the 1890s to the 1960s through song. Touches on such wide ranging topics as the Roaring Twenties, World War II, famous TV shows, and big bands.
Part 1 presents music of the 1950s.
Part 2 shows the beginning of American television in the 1950s.
Part 3 reflects on historical and artistic events of the year 1952 and how they are represented in music of the time.
Part 4 focuses on the years 1952 to 1959.
Part 5 returns the audience to the Roaring Twenties.
Part 6 continues the presentation of the Roaring Twenties.
Part 7 continues the presentation of the Roaring Twenties.
Part 8 continues the presentation of the Roaring Twenties.
Part 9 begins the presentation of historical events as they were reflected in the popular music of the 1930s.
Part 10 continues the presentation of American popular music of the 1930s big band music.

Focus on Kid "Punch" Miller
CBM 291
Tribute to black trumpet player "Punch" Miller, known in the New Orleans of the 1920s and 1930s as "King of the Blues."

Mulgrew Miller
CBM 1243
In an interview with Marian McPartland, Miller and McPartland take turns on Art Tatum tunes, and the two combine forces on Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?"

Charlie Mingus Speaks Out
CBM 183
Charlie Mingus talks about life, love, education, religion, children, women, men, and injustice from the black perspective.

Mr. Edison's Marvelous Memory Machine
CBM 1040, 1041, 1051, 1055, 1056, 1061
A historical look at recordings and recording technology illustrated with examples by famous personalities.
Part 14 contains an introduction to the historical recordings from BBC Sound Archives and Edison Institute, dealing with events of 19th and 20th centuries mainly represented in eyewitnesses' accounts. Artistic recordings featured are stage performances of Sarah Bernhardt and Joseph Jefferson, jazz band music by George Gershwin.
Part 15 tells about the artists whose sound recording careers were initiated by Edison, among them Billy Jones and Ernest Hare, Billy Murray, Vincent Lopez, and Rudy Wiedoeft.
Part 25 features sound recordings of George Gershwin's music made by Edison.
Part 28 features early sound recordings made by Columbia, the company oriented toward recording of jazz and popular music. Includes rare recording of Gershwin's Second Rhapsody made by the composer in 1931.
Part 29 presents another installment of the American popular music sound recordings made by Columbia from 1925-1929. Includes recording of Gershwin, performing his Concerto in F and a piano version of "I've Got Rhythm."
Part 34 concentrates on popular music recorded by Edison during his exploration of the sound recording technology. Examples selected are jazz music by James P. Johnson, popular hits "Yama Yama Man," "Good-bye Dolly Gray," "My Mother Was a Lady." Features restored Edison's records along with later made electrical and electronic music recordings.

Gerry Mulligan
CBM 1248
Best known as a baritone saxophonist and big-band performer, Gerry Mulligan has begun to write and perform symphonic music. During this interview he turns to the piano to play "Ontet" and a duet of "Blue Angst."

Musical Ideas of Art Pepper
CBM 18
The artist discusses how he puts a jazz piece together. Starting with a promising tune, he works out rhythmic and melodic outlines, then allows emotions to take over with individual solos.

Larry Novak
CBM 1255
A teacher, director, arranger, and composer from Chicago considers himself "one of the last generalists" and proves it by offering an impressive variety of piano jazz during this interview with Marian McPartland.

Our Time
CBM 1158-1159, 1171-1175
A look at historical events through the music of the times. Covers selected years between 1916 and 1944. The stock market crash, World War 1, and Prohibition are some of the subjects covered.

Pappa Jack the Patriarch
CBM 279
On his ninetieth birthday, Pappa Jack Laine reflects on his role in the development of jazz.

Michel Petrucciani
CBM 1256
"I'm never letting anything stop me from doing what I want to do," proclaims the twenty-one-year-old Petrucciani, during this discussion and demonstration of his own composition style.

Ram Ramirez
CBM 1253
He wrote Billie Holiday's hit song "Lover Man" and enjoys continued popularity on the New York jazz scene. Roger "Ram" Ramirez converses McPartland and teams up with her for a duet of "Undecided."

Judy Roberts
CBM 1240
In a conversation with Marian McPartland that hits topics from sexism to Cole Porter, Judy Roberts shows that her independence and talent make her one of the most versatile singers and pianists of her age.

Patrice Rushen
CBM 1252
Her talents range from jazz and soul to rhythm and blues. The popular vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and master keyboardist Patrice Rushen discusses her career and demonstrates her many abilities, including her rendition of "Spirit Song."

Son Seals
CBM 1230
The Chicago blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist traces the blues' move up the Mississippi into Memphis and Chicago, and explains how his own roots influence his music.

Diane Shuur
CBM 1236
This vocalist and pianist first performed at age nine to begin a career that has taken her to the White House and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Diane Shuur reflects on her life and does a solo of "I Can't Believe You're in Love with Me."

George Shearing
CBM 1242
This legendary blind jazz figure describes his early start in music as a teenager and plays some of his favorite pieces.

Musical Ideas of Muggsy Spanier
CBM 22
A legendary jazz trumpeter discusses his art and idols.

Cecil Taylor
CBM 1241
A jazz artist with a classical background, Cecil Taylor has garnered such honors as a Guggenheim Fellowship and an honorary doctorate from the New England Conservatory of Music. Here he offers his tribute to Jimmy Lyons and joins Marian McPartland in a duet of "Get Out of Town."

Things Are Just like They Used to Be
CBM 980
Anecdotes and facts about the man Duke Ellington and his big-band style of arranging. "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Perdido" are heard.

Butch Thompson
CBM 1244
Best known for his popular appearance on public radio's "Prairie Home Companion," Butch Thompson performs opera as well as folk music and jazz. This cassette begins with "Ecuadorian Memories" and ends with a rousing version of "Rosette."

Musical Ideas of Mel Tormé
CBM 150
Insights into jazz. Tormé‚ discusses his vocal style and the vocal trademarks of other singers.

The Legend of Ethel Waters
CBM 818
Ethel Waters made her way from poverty to stardom in vaudeville. Among her best known songs, "Dinah" (1925) and "Am I Blue" (1929) are heard.

What Is Jazz?
CBM 704
Leonard Bernstein discusses jazz and includes musical examples performed by Buck Clayton, Bessie Smith, Miles Davis, Teo Macero, Louis Armstrong, and Buster Bailey.

Musical Ideas of Paul Winter
CBM 17
A jazz artist discusses his State Department tour of Latin America, his meeting with jazz musicians in cosmopolitan cities, and his experiences in the bush where natives had never heard of jazz.

Won't You Come Home, Hugh Cannon?
CBM 856
Biography of the ragtime pianist who wrote "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?"

Denny Zeitlin
CBM 1246
A practicing psychiatrist as well as an accomplished pianist who has toured with the Paul Winter Consort, Denny Zeitlin discusses his music and plays several tunes from his first album.


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Posted on 2004-10-20