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PODCAST

The Jazz Real Book

In this podcast, Jazz History professor, biographer, musician, and popular podcaster Jay Sweet will help guide you through the tunes included in the Jazz Real Book. For decades, this book (often called "The Jazz Bible") has been a resource for jazz musicians looking to learn jazz standards and repertoire. This podcast will discuss essential recordings and details associated with the songs in the Jazz Real Book, the musicians who created the material, and the recordings that inspire jazz musicians

music music commentary

All Episodes

00:14:45

Dizzy Atmosphere and Arturo Sandoval

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/09/14

(90) “Dizzy Atmosphere” and Arturo SandovalStandards Rating 7, Difficulty Rating 6 “Dizzy Atmosphere” (1945) is a bebop standard composed by Dizzy Gillespie and first recorded with Charlie Parker. Built on George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” changes, the tune exemplifies bebop’s innovation through angular melodies, rhythmic variety, and harmonic daring. The A section’s compact four-note triplet motif creates instant character, while the bridge departs from Gershwin’s model with a sequence of descending

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00:38:32

Braxton Cook Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/09/11

Braxton Cook is an American alto saxophonist, singer-songwriter, and one of the leading voices of his generation in jazz and beyond. Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, he studied at Juilliard under Ron Blake and Steve Wilson before joining Christian Scott’s touring band. Cook has since performed with Christian McBride, Jon Batiste, Rihanna, and Mac Miller, and was hailed by Fader as a “jazz prodigy.” His solo career began with the EP Sketch (2014) and has expanded across acclaimed projects including

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00:17:48

Dexterity and Barry Harris

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/09/07

(89) “Dexterity” and Barry Harris Standards Rating 7 and Difficulty Rating 7 Charlie Parker’s 1947 composition “Dexterity” epitomizes bebop. Built on the chord changes of Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” its angular melody and flowing ii–V progressions reveal Parker’s genius for reshaping familiar structures into fresh, logical lines. The tune became a touchstone for generations, including pianist Barry Harris, one of bebop’s most devoted interpreters. Harris (1929–2021) absorbed Parker’s language

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00:53:19

Abena Koomson Davis and Steve Davis Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/09/04

Love, Life, and Jazz: Abena Koomson Davis and Steve DavisThe jazz world has long celebrated couples who share both life and the stage. Vocalist Abena Koomson Davis and trombonist Steve Davis now join that tradition with their first jazz album together: Where Is Love? (WJ3 Records), Abena’s debut as a leader. With roots in theater, funk, and soul—including a starring role in Broadway’s Fela!—Abena embraces her long-held love of jazz on this recording, supported by Willie Jones III, Rick Germanson,

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00:19:01

Desert Air and ECM Records

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/31

(88)” Desert Air” and ECMStandards Rating 2 and Difficulty Rating 7 Founded in Munich in 1969 by bassist-producer Manfred Eicher, ECM Records quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive and influential modern music labels. With its crystalline sound, minimalist visual design, and commitment to artistic freedom, ECM became a home not only for exploratory jazz but also for contemporary classical and world music. Among its many landmark releases is Crystal Silence (1973), a duo recording

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00:58:24

Emilio Castillo (Tower of Power) Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/27

Emilio Castillo is the soulful saxophone maestro who co-founded the legendary funk-soul powerhouse Tower of Power in 1968. Raised in Fremont, California, Castillo was drawn from a young age to the rich rhythms of R&B, guided by early musical mentors and inspired by Bay Area soul bands. As the band’s co-leader, second tenor saxophonist, and prolific songwriter alongside Stephen “Doc” Kupka, Castillo helped shape iconic tracks like "You’re Still a Young Man, " "What Is Hip?",

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00:23:12

Desafinado and Herbie Mann

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/24

(87) “Desafinado” and Herbie Mann Standards Ratings 7 Difficult Rating 7 Herbie Mann (1930–2003) was a pioneering jazz flutist whose openness to global sounds helped shape the spread of bossa nova in the United States. At a time when the flute was not widely recognized as a primary jazz voice, Mann’s technical agility and adventurous spirit set him apart. In the early 1960s, he traveled to Brazil and became captivated by the emerging bossa nova style, collaborating with Brazilian musicians and

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01:02:17

Anthony Wilson Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/20

Guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson has long been celebrated for his versatility and creative reach, both as a solo artist and through his longtime role in Diana Krall’s quartet, where his warm tone and subtle swing have made him an essential collaborator on stage and in the studio. His latest project, House of the Singing Blossoms, released in August 2025 on Sam First Records, finds him returning to the sweeping textures of his acclaimed Nonet. Recorded live at Los Angeles’ Sam First, the album

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00:17:44

Deluge and Reggie Workman

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/17

(E 86) “Deluge” and Reggie Workman Reggie Workman, born in Philadelphia in 1937, is one of jazz’s most versatile and influential bassists. Best known for his work with John Coltrane he helped shape some of the most important recordings of the 1960s, balancing hard bop drive with avant-garde exploration. His collaborations with innovators like Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, and Archie Shepp reveal a fearless curiosity, while his leadership of ensembles such as Trio Three and his acclaimed albums Summit

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01:11:05

Fred Hersch Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/15

Fred Hersch, born in Cincinnati in 1955, is a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and educator whose career spans over four decades. A prodigy who began piano at age four and composing by eight, he studied at the New England Conservatory with Jaki Byard before emerging as a distinctive voice in jazz. Hersch was the first pianist to play weeklong solo engagements at New York’s Village Vanguard and has released over fifty albums as a leader or co-leader. His honors include multiple Jazz Pianist

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00:25:45

Detour Ahead and Herb Ellis

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/10

“Detour Ahead” and Herb Ellis Standards Rating 6 Difficulty Rating 6 Herb Ellis (1921–2010) was a seminal American jazz guitarist best known for his tenure with the Oscar Peterson Trio in the 1950s. Known for blending bebop fluency with a blues-infused swing style, Ellis was praised for his rhythmic precision, melodic clarity, and ability to seamlessly complement virtuoso ensembles. A native of Texas and a student of North Texas State University, Ellis gained early recognition with the Soft Winds

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01:16:26

Seth Abramson Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/06

Seth Abramson has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Jazz Awards at The Gilmore, where he will oversee the newly established Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards for outstanding jazz pianists. A celebrated producer, presenter, and musician, Abramson brings decades of experience discovering and supporting major artists including Jon Batiste, Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Jason Moran. He has produced Grammy-winning and nominated recordings and presented concerts for top-tier talent

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00:23:22

Dedicated To You and Johnny Hartman

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/08/03

(E85) “Dedicated To You” and Johnny Hartman Standards Rating 5 Difficulty Rating 6 Johnny Hartman, born in 1923 in Chicago, was a jazz vocalist known for his smooth baritone and emotional delivery, particularly on romantic ballads. Though underrecognized in his lifetime, he earned deep respect from jazz musicians and critics. His defining moment came in 1963 with the release of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, featuring the iconic track “Dedicated to You.” Originally composed in 1936, the song is a

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00:57:29

Marel Hidalgo Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/31

Marel Hidalgo is a 17-year-old jazz guitar prodigy based on the Jersey Shore, already making waves on the global jazz scene. With a sound that blends deep tradition and youthful innovation, Marel has performed at top jazz clubs and festivals around the world. Despite his young age, he’s already collaborated with jazz luminaries such as drummers Billy Hart, Roger Humphries, organist Pat Bianchi, earning him recognition as one of the most exciting young voices in jazz guitar today.

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00:21:16

Dearly Beloved and Stanley Turrentine

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/27

(E84) “Dearly Beloved” and Stanley Turrentine Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 5 “Dearly Beloved,” composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, is a graceful 32-bar standard known for its memorable melodic patterns and rich harmonic turns. The tune opens with a classic ii–V progression, but cleverly delays resolution, creating subtle tension and release. Its balanced A–A′ form, motivic development, and tasteful chromaticism make it both accessible and musically sophisticated—a favorite

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00:55:03

Eric Alexander Interview

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/23

Eric Alexander, is widely recognized as one of today’s foremost tenor saxophonists, deeply rooted in the hard-bop tradition. He first gained national attention after placing second in the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and went on to study at William Paterson University, where he was mentored by jazz great Harold Mabern. Known for his robust tone, harmonic sophistication, and lyrical phrasing, Alexander has released over twenty albums as a leader and contributed to

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00:30:19

Dear Old Stockholm and The Folk-Jazz Connection

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/20

(E 82) “Dear Old Stockholm” and Folk-Jazz Connection Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6 “Dear Old Stockholm,” a jazz arrangement of the Swedish folk tune “Ack Värmeland, du sköna,” exemplifies the rich intersection of folk melody and jazz improvisation. Rooted in the expressive traditions of rural Sweden, the original melody carries emotional depth and lyrical simplicity—qualities that resonate naturally with jazz. Its transformation into a jazz standard began in the 1940s through Scandinavian

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00:34:37

Joe Farnsworth Interview #2

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/16

Drummer Joe Farnsworth joins host Jay Sweet for their second interview. Farnsworth is a highly respected American jazz drummer known for his impeccable timing, swing, and dynamic style. Born in Massachusetts in 1968, he studied at William Paterson University under legendary drummers like Harold Mabern and Jackie McLean. Farnsworth has played with jazz greats including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, and Wynton Marsalis. He’s especially known for his long-standing collaboration with

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00:22:17

Days and Nights Waiting and Charles Lloyd

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/13

(82) “Days and Nights Waiting” and Charles Lloyd Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 5 “Days and Nights Waiting,” composed by Keith Jarrett and performed by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, is a harmonically rich tune built on a 32-bar AABA form. Its spacious melody contrasts with intricate II–V-based progressions that tease traditional resolutions, giving soloists wide harmonic freedom. Jarrett’s composition features rhythmic motifs and non-diatonic tonal shifts, supporting lyrical yet adventurous

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00:53:51

Stanley Clarke Interview (Replay from 2/14/2023)

The Jazz Real Book ·

2025/07/08

Stanley Clarke is a pioneering American bassist, composer, and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz fusion musicians of all time. Born on June 30, 1951, in Philadelphia, Clarke revolutionized the role of the bass in contemporary music, bringing it to the forefront as a lead instrument. He gained fame as a founding member of the jazz fusion group Return to Forever, alongside Chick Corea, where his virtuosic electric and acoustic bass playing stood out. Clarke's solo

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125 results

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