Jazz Artists 1945-1965

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part VII

The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles that include literally hundreds of noteworthy performances. Choosing prime examples from what has been recorded is always a difficult task, but here is ... more

Charlie Haden

Charlie Haden was one of the most significant bassists to emerge after Jimmy Blanton, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Scott LaFaro and Ron Carter. His passing on July 11, 2014 after a lengthy post polio illness has robbed jazz of one the most creative, interesting players out there. ... more

Horace Silver

On June 18th, 2014 the jazz world lost a true icon, the great pianist Horace Silver. Horace’s impact on jazz cannot be understated, his legacy as a tremendous composer and bandleader will be felt for decades to come. Along with Art Blakey, the pianist founded the ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part VI

Read Part V here. The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles that include literally hundreds of noteworthy performances. Choosing prime examples from what has been recorded is always a difficult ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part V

Read Part IV here The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles that include literally hundreds of noteworthy performances. Choosing prime examples from what has been recorded is always a difficult ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part IV

Read Part III. The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles that include literally hundreds of noteworthy performances. Choosing prime examples from what has been recorded is always a difficult task, ... more

Dizzy Gillespie

In the nearly one hundred years of recorded jazz, it’s challenging to think about what innovations sounded like at the time of conception since everything is available at an individual’s fingertips. Dizzy Gillespie blazed a fiery trail of virtuosity that ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part III

Read Part II. The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles that include literally hundreds of noteworthy performances. Choosing prime examples from what has been recorded is always a difficult ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part II

Read Part I . Here are four more important small group jazz performances in recorded history. Lennie Tristano: Wow (Capitol, 1949) Lennie Tristano: piano, Warne Marsh: tenor saxophone, Lee Konitz: alto saxophone, Billy Bauer: guitar, Arnold Fishkin: bass, Harold Granowsky: ... more

Small Group Jazz Performances: Part I

This entry begins a series on small group performances in jazz history which are milestones for fans, and musicians. Many styles will be represented along with brief descriptions and personnel. Jazz At the Philharmonic: How High The Moon (Clef/Norgran, 1947) Buck Clayton: ... more

Charlie Parker

Very few artists in jazz have had the impact of Charlie “Bird” Parker. “Bird” changed the music dramatically, and like so many innovators did so in a short burst of time. There have not been many alto saxophonists since Bird, who haven’t used him ... more

Bud Powell

The shift from swing to bebop was heavily changing the jazz landscape, the music ceased popularity with a mainstream audience. One of the leaders in the new bebop style was the brilliant pianist Earl Rudolph “Bud” Powell. Born in Harlem, on September 27, 1924, in a ... more