Beatles White Album turns 50 – A Jazz Celebration

Few albums turn the world on its head the way The Beatles White Album did in 1968.  Now, 50 years later, we can reflect on the impact that music had, even on the jazz world.

Doug Crane hosts the Wednesday “Night Beat – Jazz Without Category.”  Throughout November, Doug will be chronicling the jazz interpretations of that musical touchstone.  John, Paul, George and Ringo gave us plenty to work with.  The double-LP has 30 tracks on it.

Of course, the much beloved “Blackbird” has generated at least 30 versions in the KUVO library.  Doug’s going much deeper than that!  Among the songs getting a jazz flip: “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill,” “Cry Baby Cry,” “Dear Prudence,” “Helter Skelter,” “Honey Pie,” “I Will,” “Julia,” “Martha My Dear,” “Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da,” “Piggies,” “Revolution,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Yer Blues.”

Among the artists interpreting The Beatles White Album: Brad Mehldau, Joey Alexander, Rene Marie, Cassandra Wilson, Tony Williams, Steven Bernstein, John Pizzarelli, Bonerama, Bobby Broom, Robert Jospe, Bill Frisell, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Dave Stryker, Celia Cruz, Joel Harrison, Lucky Peterson and others.

Throughout November, tune in to the Wednesday “Night Beat – Jazz Without Category,” hosted by Doug Crane, starting at 8 pm.