Jazz Appreciation Month

The jazz art form in America is about century old.  But thanks to recording technology, we are able to explore the evolution of jazz through the years.  Thanks for enjoying 1959 with us during Jazz Appreciation Month.  And while it was an uncommonly prolific year for jazz releases, KUVO continues to showcase other “Very Good Years” in jazz.

Andy O’ has been putting his musical mind to work.  See his salute to 1972 “The Year I Got Turnt.”  And he’s been digging through the mid-60s to find out how the jazz world responded to the Beatles-led British invasion. The jazz covers of those early Lennon-McCartney tunes run deep and wide: Count Basie, Keely Smith, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Bob Hammer, and more!

On the Wednesday “Night Beat – Jazz Beyond Category,” host Doug Crane will focus on nothing but 1959 recordings by Rudy Van Gelder. 1959 was a pivotal year for him as he began recording in his new studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ after leaving the confines of his Hackensack, NJ studio set in the living room of his parent’s home.   The new studio was designed by someone (name unknown) described as an acolyte of Frank Lloyd Wright.  The sounds were just as progressive as the modern look of the studio.

Many people say that the BEST way to appreciate jazz is in a LIVE music setting.  KUVO Studio Club members can RSVP to get a seat in the intimate Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio.  But every listener can catch the magic of musicians interacting in real time.  Upcoming sets in the P.A.G. include: Monarch High School, directed by Clare Church (Tuesday 4/23), the Matt Skellenger Band (Friday 4/26).  And don’t miss the next “Live from Dazzle at Baur’s.” It’s an International Jazz Day (Tues. 4/30) celebration with the Justin Kauflin Quartet.

And there’s one more way to be part of Colorado’s vibrant jazz scene. KUVO is giving away concert and club tickets DAILY during Jazz Appreciation Month.

Jazz Appreciation Month is a truly national event. Jazz is well-represented in the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division at the Library of Congress. The link below points to interviews, the National Jukebox (early jazz recordings), film shorts, and more!  https://blogs.loc.gov/now-see-hear/2019/04/jazz-appreciation-in-moving-images-and-recorded-sound/?loclr=eanshb

The Smithsonian Institution and National Museum Of American History founded Jazz Appreciation Month in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April.  For teachers, students and lifelong learners, curricula are available HERE.