Blogs

Jazz After Dark December 08 2015

Jazz 1946 – 68 tonight. Cool, soul, mellow, and more. Metronome All Stars (Frank Sinatra vocals) * Nat King Cole * Vince Guaraldi (Autumn Leaves) * Stan Kenton * Ella Fitzgerald * Illinois Jacquet * Jimmy Giuffre & Jim Hall * Art Blakey * George Benson * Frank Sinatra & Duke Ellington * and wrapping it up with guitar by Al Di Meola from 1999. Happy 100th, Frank!

Listening Lyrics, 12/11/15, with Andrew Castro and Casey Groat

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andrew Castro comes to KDRT

Andrew Castro

(link is external) is a Sacramento  based singer songwriter. His new EP "RED HEARTS" is now riding on the EP chart of iTunes. Andrew has been on the show before but now as an up and coming "star" we will talk about his new release. Andrew will be joined by singer/songwriter and producer Casey Groat. Andrew's acoustic upbeat pop styled music is catchy and melodic while providing lyrics that are thoughtful and personal and can relate to anyone who has been in love and out of love in any type of relationship. His live shows are high energy and though he is a solo performer his live looping and the rhythms and sounds created on his guitar provide a sound, power and energy most songwriters don't have. 

Album Review: Looking Forward, Looking Back, by Symphonic Jazz Orchestra

Looking Forward, Looking Back album cover

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is a group of Los Angeles musicians who combine American jazz with the traditional format and sound of European orchestras. The group is heavily involved in the Los Angeles community, playing at auditoriums around the LA basin and investing lots of resources into teaching music in underfunded LA County schools. 

Album of the Week - Thursday 12/3/15 at 5:00PM - "And, As Always; The Infinite Cosmos" by Stelth Ulvang

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Stelth Ulvang And, As Always album cover

This album shows Stelth Ulvang at his best. It's quite a departure from his role in The Lumineers, showing us Stelth has a lot to offer. "And, As Always" is a delightful mix of original tunes that are personal and insightful, and a commentary on life. From the onset, the album keeps the listener engaged, using a very simplistic approach to a full band/symphony on a variety of songs. Stelth clearly demonstrates his ability to master multiple instruments and his skills as the producer for this CD. This is the real deal--the sound quality and Seth's abilities just shine through on each track. 

Jazz After Dark December 01 2015

Cool jazz tonight! Peggy Lee & Harold Mooney * Nat King Cole * Leo Wright * Johnny Hodges * Illinois Jacquet * Yusef Lateef * Stan Getz * Art Pepper with Chet Baker * Chet Baker with Paul Desmond * Art Pepper * Ella Fitzgerald with The Count Basie Orchestra * Milt Jackson * Swing de Gitanes
* Replays Thursday 11 pm * Friday at midnight * Saturday 9 pm

Album Review: For One to Love, by Cecile McLorin Salvant

For One to Love

For One to Love

Ever since winning the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cecile McLorin Salvant has been one of the rising stars in jazz. For One to Love is a fine showcase for her fantastic voice. Her range in both pitch and emotions is remarkable, as she sings both high and low, innocently and angrily. This album mixes originals and covers in a soft, classic style, using only uses three instruments (piano, drums, bass) in a minimalist and simple fashion, allowing Salvant's voice to take centerstage, where it shines. Her voice, combined with romantic lyrics, convey powerful emotion throughout, especially on tracks "Look at Me" and "Monday." The album also has a lighter side, as demonstrated by tracks "Growlin' Dan" and the whimsical "The Trolley Song." For One to Love is a solid third album for Salvant and a worthwile listen for fans of Salvant and classic jazz.

250th Episode of Jazz After Dark: November 24th 2015, 8 pm

For the 250th episode of Jazz After Dark I’m serving up an hour of mainstream jazz from the 30’s and 40’s. Swing with Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Earl Hines, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington.  

Live broadcast Tuesday at 8 pm.

Replays Thursday at 11 pm, Friday at midnight, and Saturday at 9 pm.

Check out the archives at kdrt.org, and look for us on iTunes!

Album Review: Mariachi El Bronx (III), by Mariachi El Bronx

Mariachi El Bronx album cover

Mariachi El Bronx III

Mariachi El Bronx is the third self-titled LP by Mariachi El Bronx, the alter ego of LA punk group The Bronx, which formed in 2002. In contrast with their hardcore punk, Mariachi El Bronx plays acoustic instruments in classic Latin style. On their latest album, the group does use some synthesizers and electronic elements but largely stays true to the Latin sound they brought to their first two albums. The singer, Matt Caughthran, is quite good, carrying many of the songs with his smooth voice and vague, thoughtful lyrics. While some of the quieter, low-tempo songs are relaxing and soothing, such as the melancholy "Nothing's Changed," the album is at its best when there is a quick beat and the trumpets blare loud and proud, on songs such as "Wildfire" and the infectious "Raise the Dead." While Mariachi El Bronx isn't for everybody, it is a very fun Mariachi El Bronx album that expands their sound while staying true to their Latin roots.