Category Archives: Jazz

Mexico City Blues (242 Choruses) – Jack Kerouac (1959)

Posted on May 14, 2019 by

“Mexico City Blues is a poem published by Jack Kerouac in 1959 composed of 242 ‘choruses’ or stanzas. Written between 1954 and 1957, the poem is the product of Kerouac’s spontaneous prose, his Buddhism, and his disappointment at his failure … Continue reading →

Posted in Allen Ginsberg, Books, Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, Jazz, Marijuana, Mexico, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

#10 The Best of Chicago Blues (1970)

Posted on May 10, 2019 by

“These mostly ’60s recordings of tough Chicago blues were produced by Samuel Charters and feature James Cotton, Junior Wells, Otis Spann, Buddy Guy, J.B. Hutto, Homesick James, Big Walter Horton, and Johnny Young. They’re very successful snapshots of what was … Continue reading →

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Jazz Deconstructed: What Makes John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” So Groundbreaking and Radical?

Posted on May 5, 2019 by

“John Coltrane bore an unusual burden. Many experimental artists who radically change their forms of music, and music in general, are so out on the edge and ahead of their time they elude the public’s notice. But Coltrane was responsible … Continue reading →

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An NYC Mambo, Boogaloo and Salsa Family Tree

Posted on April 14, 2019 by

“…  Eddie Palmieri (b. 1936). Palmieri is a Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader of Puerto Rican heritage. Influenced by jazz as well as by Latin pianists, Palmieri was also inspired by his older brother Charlie to take up piano after … Continue reading →

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#9: “Good Vibrations” – Beach Boys (1966)

Posted on March 22, 2019 by

“‘Good Vibrations’ is a song composed by Brian Wilson with lyrics by Mike Love for the American rock band the Beach Boys, of which both were members. Released on October 10, 1966, the single was an immediate critical and commercial … Continue reading →

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John Coltrane Quartet ‎– Crescent (1964)

Posted on February 23, 2019 by

“John Coltrane‘s Crescent from the spring of 1964 is an epic album, showing his meditative side that would serve as a perfect prelude to his immortal work A Love Supreme. His finest quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin … Continue reading →

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The Last Poets (1970)

Posted on February 4, 2019 by

“You can trace the birth of hip-hop to the summer of 1973 when Kool Herc DJ’d the first extended breakbeat, much to the thrill of the dancers at a South Bronx block party. You can trace its conception, however, to … Continue reading →

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