The music I chose for my last 11 a.m.-1 p.m. "Jazz Odyssey" show before graduating from college:
1. When Will The Blues Leave-Kenny Kirkland
(The brisk intro draws the listener right in. Kirkland lets the brass and winds carry the tune, at first; then, he takes the melody and flies with it on the piano.)
2. Solar-Renee Rosnes Trio with strings
(An excellent cover of the Miles Davis tune; Rosnes transfers the trumpet line to the piano and speeds up the tune's tempo. Also recommended: Rosnes and company's outstanding versions of "Misty" and "I've Got You Under My Skin.")
3. Like A Lover-Gene Harris Quartet
(An enjoyable, uptempo title track from a strong CD. I hear elements of Vince Guaraldi in the piano and guitar parts. Also recommended: "Strollin'.")
4. To See Her Face-Bobby Watson
5. Passion Dance-McCoy Tyner Big Band
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6. I'll Remember April-Earl Klugh Trio
(This is a more a traditional jazz sound than usual for Klugh. His approach to the guitar here gives me an idea of how me might cover the tune, "Brazil.")
7. Early Spring-Alphonse Mouzon
8. Groovin'-Ryan Kisor
9. Strollin' With Pam-Phil Woods Quartet
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10. All The Things You Are-Ahmad Jamal
11. Phases-Cannonball Adderley
12. The Long Two-Four-Pepper Adams
13. L's Bop-Various Artists; The Griffith Park Collection (Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Lenny White)
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14. Blues (Untitled)-Chucho Valdes
(Despite its title, this is actually an upbeat tune, with an engaging steppin'-out-on-the-town feel in its piano line.)
15. Sweet 'N' Sour-Art Blakey
16. Milenberg Joys-Dirty Dozen Brass Band
17. I'll Be Seeing You-Holly Cole Trio
18. Nice Work If You Can Get It-Edythe Wright with Tommy Dorsey & The Clambake Seven
(George Gershwin's sentiments in this tune's chorus sum up the enjoyment I had in working at KCOU. The station offered a great, wide range of music, interesting people, and a chance to program radio shows that reflect my own sensibility. That's truly nice work if you can get it.)
19. Arise And Shine-Vanessa Rubin
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20. Way Back Home-The Crusaders
(I still think this was a strong final note on which to depart from "Jazz Odyssey" and my stint as KCOU's jazz director.)
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