Six Degrees of Jazz

12/13/2025

One of the most unique Zoom events I attended in spring 2020 was a dance party deejayed by jazz drummer, educator, and band leader Terri Lyne Carrington. Her set list was meant to get people on their feet, but most people stayed in their Zoom boxes sitting in their recliners and relaxing on their sofas. Tuesday’s show is going to spotlight Carrington as side artist and collaborator, and it will be fittingly badass. Until then, enjoy the closer from her dance party 5+ years ago.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupThe Payback · James BrownMake It Funky/The Big Payback: 1971-1975℗ 1973 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Reco...

12/06/2025

After getting snowed in last Tuesday, I plan, finally, to share the Lee Konitz show on Tuesday, December 9. Until then, check out this short documentary. The comedy/music bit 6 minutes in is a highlight:

In memory of Lee Konitz (1927-2020)Lee Konitz was an alto saxophonist with an unparalleled career in the history of American jazz and improvised music. Born ...

11/29/2025

Coming Tuesday: Lee Konitz! Initially planned for several weeks ago, it’s now time. Tune in!

11/23/2025

🎶 Six Degrees of Jazz – Special Thanksgiving Edition 🎶

While I try to keep my playlists fresh each episode, this Tuesday’s show is all about tradition. Join me on November 25 for the 2nd Annual Butch Warren Thanksgiving Extravaganza! I’ll spotlight Thelonious Monk’s “Stuffy Turkey” 🦃 and dive into other timeless tracks featuring Butch Warren on bass from his too-brief yet brilliant recording career. It’s going to be a feast of jazz classics you won’t want to miss. Until then, enjoy this recent take on Monk’s holiday gem:

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesStuffy Turkey (feat. Ethan Iverson, Stephen Riley & Eric McPhearson) · Dayna Stephens · Ethan Iverson · Stephen...

11/15/2025

When digging around in the side work of bassist Charnett Moffett for last week's show, I kept running into and listening to pianist Geri Allen in her many contexts as a side artist. So, tune in Tuesday (11/18/2025) for a show that will showcase her work as one of the most in demand pianists of her generation. Until then, take in Allen as a solo performer from her stunning album Flying Toward The Sound.

Geri Allen's Motema debut: Flying Toward The SoundListen/Buy here: https://geriallen.lnk.to/FlyingTowardtheSoundID

11/08/2025

The first jazz album I ever bought was Stanley Jordan’s Magic Touch (Blue Note, 1985), and Tuesday’s show will honor that fateful purchase by featuring bassist Charnett Moffett, who played on two of the album’s tracks. Also in the 1980s, Moffett recorded with Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and his later career resume includes side work with icons like Ornette Coleman and McCoy Tyner. Until then, check out Jordan’s opening salvo on Magic Touch, a stunning solo rendition of “Eleanor Rigby.”

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupEleanor Rigby · Stanley JordanMagic Touch℗ 1985 Blue Note RecordsReleased on: 1985-01-01Producer: Al Di MeolaComp...

11/02/2025

Been listening to favorite albums with Jack DeJohnette all week, so instead of returning to the regularly scheduled programming, I have another DeJohnette show planned for this coming episode. The ECM-produced obituary gives a nice career overview, if slanted to his work on the label.

Jack DeJohnette, multi-directional master musician, improvisational drumming genius, and a major contributor to the evolution of jazz at ECM, has died, aged 83. His first of many appearances at the label was on the 1971 recording Ruta and Daitya, a series of duets with Keith Jarrett. The last, as it...

10/31/2025

Two pianists/keyboardists featured on recent episodes of Six Degrees of Jazz - Alexander Hawkins (Sept. 2) and Craig Taborn (Oct. 14) - are included in this current article on Contemporary Creative Piano. Good reading while binge-listening to albums with Jack DeJohnette.

How a lineage stretching from the AACM to modern improvisers keeps redefining musical freedom.

10/28/2025

With the recent passing of drummer Jack DeJohnette (August 9, 1942 – October 26, 2025), I am pivoting for tomorrow, October 28. The Lee Konitz show is great, but I can save that for another time. Tune in tomorrow for a handful of my favorite tracks featuring DeJohnette. And, sometime sooner than later, probably an Eddie Gomez show so I can slot this track into an episode.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupSalsa For Eddie G. · Jack DeJohnette New DirectionsIn Europe℗ 1980 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to D...

10/25/2025

Coming up Tuesday, alto saxophonist Lee Konitz! With some great Konitz material with Lennie Tristano in my collection, I’ve been anticipating this show for months. I had the pleasure to hear him talk (mainly about Charlie Parker) and play, some, at the Detroit Jazz Festival one year. A distinct highlight among the live jazz I have been able to experience. Tune in!

10/19/2025

Tuesday’s edition is devoted to jazz violinist extraordinaire Stéphane Grappelli. From his pioneering work as a founding member of the Quintette du Hot Club de France of the 1930s/1940s with Django Reinhardt to guest turns in the 1990s, it’s going to be a lovely and lively hour. Tune in!

Sweet Lorraine (1953)Stéphane Grappelli, Isla Eckinger, Ike Isaacs, The Diz Disley Trio

10/12/2025

Tuesday’s show will spotlight pianist/keyboardist Craig Taborn. The press video for his very recent MacArthur Fellowship award focuses more on his craft than his career trajectory, but he has a significant body of side work, as well as celebrated leader/co-leader dates. We’ll only scratch the surface, but it will be tons of fun with great music and art. Tune in!

Meet Craig Taborn, an improvising musician, composer, and 2025 creating singular soundscapes through a virtuosic command of piano and expansive kn...