Articles by Monk Rowe
Potpourri: Part 2
by Monk Rowe
We end Season 5 as we began, with a variety of jazz life stories. From piano nightmares to surviving on potatoes and onions, these cats have seen it all. See you on the flip side. ...
Continue ReadingTunes, Titles & Intent
by Monk Rowe
Your host, Monk Rowe, directs the spotlight on himself and speaks about licks, riffs, bumper music, inspiration and the creative process. ...
Continue ReadingYou're a Funny Guy
by Monk Rowe
Find a gathering of jazz musicians and you'll hear laughter and humorous stories galore. Lou Marini, Dave Pell, Jake Hanna, Bill Watrous, and Joe Wilder make Episode 38 one to smile about. ...
Continue ReadingIt Only Takes One Note
by Monk Rowe
The celebrated jazz masters all had a distinctive sound. Ernie Watts, Phil Woods, Holly Hofmann, Sweets Edison, and others offer their thoughts on how to develop your own audio trademark. ...
Continue ReadingThe Art of Accompanying
by Monk Rowe
The term backing up a soloist" does not do justice to the distinct skill of making an artist sound their best. Norman Simmons, Mike Longo, Howard Alden, Al Grey, Gregory Caputo, and Michael Moore enlighten us on the art of accompanying. ...
Continue ReadingFor the Vocalists
by Monk Rowe
What makes a singer a jazz" vocalist? Joe Williams, Janis Siegel, Giacomo Gates, and Dianne Reeves address this question and offer advice for those aspiring to that label. ...
Continue ReadingWomen in Jazz
by Monk Rowe
The role of women in jazz has come along way from the days when big bands featured their chirper" or chickadees" on a few brief songs per night. Vi Redd, Sherrie Maricle, Ann Rabson, Marian McPartland, and others share their experiences in what was traditionally a man's world. ...
Continue ReadingPotpourri: Part 1
by Monk Rowe
Season 5 kicks off with a sampler of memorable anecdotes that cover a range of topics from Basie to barracudas. We hear from Skitch Henderson, Benny Powell, Joe Wilder, Chubby Jackson, Ruth Brown and Iola Brubeck. ...
Continue ReadingJazz Advice: The Practical and the Profound, Part 2
by Monk Rowe
The jazz life is not an easy one and the life skills learned along the path can be relevant to anyone, in any field of endeavor. Season 4 ends with profound statements from Charles McPherson, Stefon Harris, Karolina Strassmayer, Maria Schneider, Denis DiBlasio, Joe Williams, Harold Ousley, and Gregory Caputo. ...
Continue ReadingJazz Advice: The Practical and the Profound, Part 1
by Monk Rowe
Veteran jazz musicians share their wisdom in the form of advice to those who wish to follow in their footsteps. Phil Woods, Jerry Bergonzi, Dan Barrett, Wayne Bergeron, Tom “Bones" Malone , Terri Lyne Carrington, and Rick Montalbano offer practical guidance, gained from decades of gigs. ...
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