The Jazz Real Book

(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 deeply, blending it with the influence of Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. His trio performance of “Dexterity” on “Magnificent!” demonstrates this lineage: Harris states the melody with clarity, launches into solos steeped in bebop vocabulary, and leads the rhythm section through crisp exchanges before returning to the head. Beyond performance, Harris ensured that Parker’s innovations lived on through his legendary workshops, where he taught bebop as both a musical system and a philosophy of community. In playing and teaching, Harris embodied Parker’s belief that bebop was the foundation of modern jazz.Charlie Parker Barry HarrisJazz Real Book Podcast 

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, Nat Reeves, Tony Davis, Mike DiRubbo, and Josh Bruneau.Steve Davis, widely regarded as one of today’s finest jazz trombonists, has performed with legends from Art Blakey to Chick Corea. His latest release, We See (Smoke Sessions, 2024), captures his all-star sextet—Ralph Moore, Eddie Henderson, Renee Rosnes, Essiet Essiet, Lewis Nash, and Steve—in electrifying live performances at Smoke Jazz Club.

(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 by Chick Corea and vibraphonist Gary Burton. One of its most striking tracks, “Desert Air,” captures the spacious, atmospheric qualities that came to define ECM’s sound. Written in ¾ time and structured as AAB, the 88-measure piece features unusual harmonic movement, slash-chords, and fluid melodic lines with no rests. Its difficulty and unconventional form make it rarely performed, yet Corea’s conception is brilliant. The original recording is conversational and immersive, embodying ECM’s ideal of music as both experience and atmosphere.Chick Corea and Gary Burton Connie Han Jazz Real Book Podcast 

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?", and "So Very Hard to Go." Over the past five decades, Tower of Power has earned worldwide acclaim for its tight, horn-driven grooves, blending funk, jazz, soul, and R&B into an irresistible sound. Their enduring popularity has led to collaborations with Santana, Elton John, Aerosmith, and countless others, while their signature “Oakland soul” continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

(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 recording albums such as Do the Bossa Nova with Herbie Mann (1962). His interpretation of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s Desafinado highlighted the instrument’s lyrical possibilities while introducing American listeners to the syncopated phrasing and harmonic subtleties of Brazilian music. Mann’s 1962 album Right Now! featured a notable version of the tune with vibraphone, guitar, and Latin percussion, emphasizing both rhythmic drive and melodic elegance. By championing Desafinado and other bossa nova standards, Mann played a crucial role in popularizing the style internationally.Herbie Mann Getz/Gilbeto Jazz Real Book Podcast

 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 captures the immediacy and excitement of performance. The Nonet blends the intimacy of a small group with the power of a larger ensemble, with lush arrangements and Wilson’s lyrical guitar, the album reaffirms his status as one of jazz’s most original voices.

(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 Conference and Cerebral Caverns highlight his compositional imagination. Beyond performance, Workman has been a crucial educator, mentoring generations of musicians at The New School. His artistry was recognized in 2020 when he was named an NEA Jazz Master. Wayne Shorter’s composition Deluge, recorded on Juju (1964), reflects the Coltrane-inspired synergy of Workman, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones. Built on recurring rhythmic hits and modal harmonies, it blends structure and freedom, making it a modern jazz classic.Wayne Shorter Ari Hoenig Trio Jazz Real Book Playlist

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 of the Year awards, seventeen Grammy nominations, and recognition as a Doris Duke Artist. As an educator, he has shaped generations of pianists through his work at Juilliard, NEC, and the Manhattan School of Music.Openly gay, Hersch has spoken candidly about his experiences living with HIV since the mid-1980s, surviving multiple health crises, and enduring bouts of depression. His memoir and interviews detail how these struggles have shaped his music, deepened his emotional range, and informed his commitment to authenticity on and off stage. He has become a role model for resilience in both the LGBTQ+ community and the jazz world, using his art to explore vulnerability, perseverance, and self-expression.His two most recent releases reflect the breadth of his artistry. Silent Listening (ECM, 2024) is an intimate solo piano album produced by Manfred Eicher, featuring poetic, nocturnal improvisations that balance lyricism and abstraction. The Surrounding Green (ECM, 2025) marks his return to the trio format after seven years, with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Joey Baron. Together, these works affirm Hersch’s place among jazz’s most expressive modern pianists.

“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 trio, where he co-wrote the jazz standard “Detour Ahead.” “Detour Ahead” is a lyrically rich, harmonically sophisticated ballad that uses the metaphor of a winding road to reflect romantic vulnerability. Written in 1948 with Lou Carter and Johnny Frigo, the tune is structured in a 34-bar AABA form and features nuanced harmonic shifts and melodic tension. It remains a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike, reflecting Ellis’s gift for subtle emotional depth and his lasting influence on jazz composition and guitar artistry.Soft Winds Herb Ellis Jazz Real Book Playlist

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 across prestigious venues and events. In his new role, Abramson will lead the nomination and selection process for two major jazz honors: the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award, presented every four years with a $300,000 prize, and the Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Award, awarding $25,000 biennially to promising American pianists aged 22 and under. Funded by an $8 million endowment from Bell’s Brewery founder and Gilmore Board President Larry J. Bell, the first awards will be announced in 2026. Learn more at thegilmore.org.

(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 32-bar ballad in B♭ major, rich in harmonic nuance and emotional tension. Hartman’s interpretation, paired with Coltrane’s lyrical saxophone and McCoy Tyner’s piano, brought the tune new artistic depth. The arrangement showcases clever melodic symmetry, expressive harmonic shifts, and subtle use of dissonance and resolution. Despite limited fame, Hartman’s voice found renewed appreciation through film and reissues. His work, especially on “Dedicated to You,” remains a masterclass in jazz ballad performance, securing his place in jazz history.Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane Freddie Hubbard

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.

(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 among jazz musicians for interpretation and improvisation. Stanley Turrentine’s interpretation captures the tune’s lyrical essence while infusing it with soulful phrasing and blues-inflected lines. Known for his warm tone and melodic clarity, Turrentine brought a unique voice to jazz that transcended genre boundaries. Raised in a musical family and rooted in both R&B and bebop traditions, he became a defining figure in the soul jazz movement. His ability to merge technical precision with emotional depth made him one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists of his generation and a lasting influence in jazz history.Stanley Turrentine Nancy Wilson

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 more than 300 recordings as a sideman. His latest solo project, Chicago to New York (April 2025), features Mike LeDonne, Dennis Carroll, and George Fludas, and highlights his enduring creative vitality and deep connection to swing and blues. Now, Alexander reunites with fellow saxophone powerhouse Vincent Herring for their third collaboration, Split Decision, a fiery live album recorded at SMOKE Jazz Club with an all-star rhythm section: Mike LeDonne on piano, John Webber on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums. Set for release on August 22, 2025, via SMOKE Sessions Records, Split Decision marks the 20th anniversary of their first celebrated saxophone battle and captures the dynamic interplay and intensity that have defined their partnership. To celebrate the release, Alexander and Herring will perform a special five-night engagement at SMOKE Jazz Club in New York City, August 13–17, delivering an electrifying week of saxophone battles and hard swinging music.

(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 musicians and gained international attention with recordings by Stan Getz, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. Like other folk-based jazz pieces such as “Greensleeves” or “Shenandoah,” “Dear Old Stockholm” thrives on the balance between a memorable, singable melody and the harmonic complexity jazz can offer. Both folk and jazz share oral traditions, adaptability, and an emphasis on personal expression. In “Dear Old Stockholm,” the melodic clarity of folk music merges with jazz’s improvisational language, resulting in a timeless tune that bridges geographic, stylistic, and emotional landscapes.Miles Davis Bud Powell Playlist

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 saxophonist Eric Alexander. A master of the hard bop tradition, Farnsworth brings both intensity and finesse to every performance. His recordings as a bandleader, such as City of Sounds and The Big Room, showcase his deep musicality.See Jay's article on Joe Farnsworth in Jersey Jazz Magazine https://njjs.org/magazine/

(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 improvisation. Notable recordings include the 1967 Montreux performance by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, showcasing their dynamic interplay and emotional depth.Charles Lloyd, born in 1938 in Memphis, fused blues, gospel, and jazz from an early age. After formative years with legends like Chico Hamilton and Cannonball Adderley, Lloyd formed a groundbreaking quartet with Jarrett, DeJohnette, and McClure. Their crossover appeal brought jazz to wider audiences, notably with Forest Flower. After a retreat from the spotlight, Lloyd returned with profound, genre-blending work. His lifelong pursuit of spiritual and musical truth cements him as a visionary voice in modern jazz.Charles Lloyd Steve Wilson

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 career further showcased his versatility, blending jazz, funk, rock, and classical influences. Albums like School Days and Journey to Love highlighted his technical brilliance and musical innovation. Throughout his career, Clarke has collaborated with artists across genres, from George Duke to Jeff Beck. A multiple Grammy Award winner, he continues to inspire generations of musicians with his groundbreaking work and remains a towering figure in modern bass playing

(81) “Day Waves” and Stanley Clarke Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 6 “Day Waves,” composed by Chick Corea, is a harmonically adventurous piece first recorded on Stan Getz’s Captain Marvel. Its unique 25-bar form, shifting tonality, and descending melodic lines create a floating, untethered feeling, showcasing Corea’s sophisticated harmonic language. The A section’s sparse, rhythmically tied motifs build tension with colorful extensions, while the B section continues a chromatic descent in the bass, reinforcing the piece’s elusive tonal center. The signature recording features Getz on tenor saxophone, with Corea, Stanley Clarke, Tony Williams, and Airto Moreira creating a vibrant, modern Latin-infused groove. The solos highlight the players’ improvisational mastery, especially Clarke’s brilliant bass lines.Stanley Clarke revolutionized the electric and double bass, transforming it into a virtuosic solo instrument. Rooted in classical double bass yet drawn to the electric’s possibilities, he became a pioneer of jazz fusion with Return to Forever and his groundbreaking solo work. Clarke’s melodic approach, innovative techniques, and fearless exploration inspired generations, solidifying the bass as a central voice in modern music.Stan Getz Chick Corea and Gary Burton Spotify Playlist

Patrick Zimmerli Interview Patrik Zimmerli is an acclaimed American composer and saxophonist known for blending jazz improvisation with contemporary classical forms., Zimmerli has built a reputation for pushing genre boundaries while maintaining clarity and emotional depth in his work. His 2025 trio album Songs of Innocence—featuring pianist Kevin Hays and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi—demonstrates his signature fusion of jazz, classical, and pop influences. The album balances lyrical expressiveness with structural complexity, creating a contemplative and melodic sound world. Zimmerli’s compositions often explore intricate rhythms and layered textures, evident in both his small ensemble work and large-scale commissions for ensembles like Songs of Innocence stands as a compelling example of Zimmerli’s ability to craft music that is both intellectually rich but also appealing to listeners across stylistic boundaries.