Mondo Jazz

From audiophile jazz labels, to definitive record stores and jazz kissaten-the outstanding jazz bars that provide a cozy place for jazz fans to congregate and share their love for jazz-Japan has traditionally been one of the most jazz-friendly countries in the world. Here is the second part of a special edition that pays tribute to some of Japan's own eclectic talents. Happy listening! The playlist features Fumio Yasuda, Theo Bleckmann, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Soil & Pimp Sessions, Yuka Honda [pictured], Dairo Miyamoto, Jun Miyake, Aki Takase, Misako Kano, United Future Organization, Towa Tei and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11641315/Mondo-Jazz (from Fumio Yasuda & Theo Bleckmann onwards). Photo: Nathan West.

In addition to offering a safe haven and an enthusiastic audience for international jazz players, Japan has a vibrant local scene which features musicians that approach jazz without necessarily being encumbered by its tradition, and infuse it with their own cultural traditions and generally post-modern attitude. So let's dive into the fun and varied universe of Japanese jazz through the work of some of its most remarkable iconoclasts. The playlist features Suga Dairo, Shibusa Shirazu Orchestra [pictured], Koh, Masahiro Uemura, Yosuke Yamashita, Eri Yamamoto, Emi Makabe, Minoru Muraoka, Rinsyoe Kida, Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffalos, Johnny Hartman, Masabumi Kikuchi, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Otomo Yoshihide, Sax Ruins, O.N.T.J. (Olivia New Ton John), Kaze & Ikue Mori. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11641315/Mondo-Jazz (up to Kaze & Ikue Mori) Happy listening! Photo credit: Luciano Rossetti (Phocus Agency)

For the second part of this week's exploration of new and upcoming releases we "Focus". As in... we compare and contrast the music from that iconic 'saxophone & strings' album by Stan Getz with the two more recent CDs-both entitled "Re Focus"-by Tim Garland and Silvayn Rifflet which Getz's 1961 masterpiece inspired. The latter was orchestrated by the great French bass player and arranger Fred Pallem who is about to release a fascinating project dedicated to fairy tales in the key of jazz, which sounds... fabulous, of course, just like the prohibition era fairy tales narrated by another bass player (this time he's back on sousaphone) that is writing fundamental new pages in the Chicago jazz book, Matt Ulery [pictured] This and much more in this edition of Mondo Jazz. Happy listening! The playlist features also Jesse Fischer; Takuya Kuroda; Darrifourq, Hermia, Ceccaldi; Tigran Hamasyan. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11596865/Mondo-Jazz (From Jesse Fischer onwards)

Genre-bending, re-imaginings of masters past and present, and eclectic alliances of musicians from different scenes and background are at the heart of this week's roll-call of new and upcoming releases, with the latest albums by Jyoti (a.k.a. Georgia Anne Muldrow), and Hal Willner, deserving special attention. We wrap things up with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah infusing electric-era Miles' "Guinnevere" with the spirit of "Sketches of Spain". The playlist also features Butcher Brown, Ezra Collective, Yaya Bey, Gil Scott-Heron, Makaya McCraven, Helga Davis, Lakecia Benjamin, Roy Ayers, Josh Johnson, Sean Khan and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11596865/Mondo-Jazz (up to Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah). Happy listening!

This is the second part of our exploration of Michael Brecker's and Steven Bernstein's work as first-call musicians in the world of high-end pop productions. Their capacity to adapt to the demands of these productions while remaining true to their jazz roots has offered millions of listeners that might have looked at jazz with a grain of diffidence an opportunity to re-assess their skepticism. Brecker and Bernstein musicians that have played and keep playing a prime role in bringing new fans to the world of jazz through these crossover projects. In this segment we'll hear how they've left the mark in productions featuring U2 and the Sun Ra Arkestra, James Brown, Frank Zappa, Levon Helm and many more legends of the pop world, including Donald Fagen, Rufus Wainwright, Aerosmith, Bettye LaVette, and more. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11543087/Mondo-Jazz (up to the Barabbas). Photo credit: Roberto Cifarelli (Bernstein)

This week we focus on Steven Bernstein and Michael Brecker, the quintessential jazz-hackers of the pop world. If you heard a compelling saxophone solo on a high-end pop or rock production, especially between the 1970s and 1990s, you could bet it was by Michael Brecker. Likewise, if you have been struck by an elegant yet quirky arrangement on a high-end pop or rock album from the past two decades, the odds were that it had been written by Steven Bernstein. In today's show we'll be alternating songs featuring Michael Brecker mostly as a soloist, with tunes that have Steven Bernstein as either a soloist or arranger. The playlist features Mocean Worker; Catherine Russell; Esther Phillips; Joni Mitchell; Marianne Faithfull; Eric Mingus; Robert Palmer; Cameo; Digable Planets; Michael Franks; Chris Barron; Chaka Khan; Lee "Scratch" Perry; Barabbas and more. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11543087/Mondo-Jazz (up to the Barabbas). Photo credit: Roberto Cifarelli (Bernstein)

As we continue our exploration of the best in new and upcoming jazz, this week we look into a unique project featuring the music of John Zorn and lyrics of Jesse Harris written with the unique voice of Petra Haden in mind, a special album that blends beautifully with the new releases by Bill Frisell, Jorge Roeder and Ron Miles, Jimmy Heath's musical testament, a Spinal-Tappy jazz take on the music of Black Sabbath and much more. The playlist features also Throttle Elevator Music, Logan Kane, Regina Carter, John Hollenbeck, Donatello D'Attoma, James Carney, Brian Landrus, Camila Nebbia, Lesley Mok, David Leon and Russ Nolan. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11493007/Mondo-Jazz (from Throttle Elevator Music onwards). Happy listening! Photo credit: Steven Perilloux

Recently unearthed gems by Dudu Pukwana and Art Blakey, beautiful new albums by Eric Revis and Charles Tolliver, the Cuban roots of David Virelles and Aruán Ortiz, a peak in the Amsterdam and Berlin scenes through the music of Federico Calcagno and Reza Askari, respectively, and much more in this week's edition of Mondo Jazz dedicated to new and upcoming releases. The playlist features also Daniel Bingert, Chico Pinheiro, Rez Abbasi, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Nduduzo Makhathini and Gabriele Coen. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11493007/Mondo-Jazz (up to Gabriele Coen). Happy listening! Photo credit: Luciano Rossetti (Phocus Agency)

This is the second part of our celebration of Pat Metheny's 66th birthday through an exploration of the best renditions of his work by other musicians. Metheny's signature compositional style inspired countless colleagues, even before he had released his own debut album. It's no surprise that more than four decades lager, the renditions of his work can be counted in the hundreds. I hope you'll enjoy those featured here by long time collaborators like Lyle Mays, Gary Burton, Charlie Haden, Brad Mehldau, Gil Goldstein, as well as a diverse range of other artists like Judy Niemack, Wallace Roney, Alex Sipiagin, Gilad Hekselman, Mark Murphy, Peo Alfonsi, Béla Fleck, Julie Caron, Mattia Zappa and Ivo Kova. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11409581/Mondo-Jazz (from Judy Niemack onwards) Happy listening! Photo credit: Andrea Rotili

This week we launch a series of episodes that, from time to time, we'll look at the work of contemporary jazz players as composers, rather than performers, from Tim Berne to Geri Allen, Bill Frisell, Carla Bley, John Zorn, Brad Mehldau and many more. We are starting this series with Pat Metheny, the author of countless unforgettable themes. The playlist features Bob Curnow, Kurt Elling, Cristiano Stocchetti, Kevin Mahogany, Billy Drummond, George Colligan, Orion Saxophone Quartet, Jason Vieaux, Paul Motian, Mario Stanchev, John Law, Moncef Genoud, and The Ahn Trio. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11409581/Mondo-Jazz (up to The Ahn Trio) Happy listening! Photo credit: Luciano Rossetti

A Belgian vocalist that turns the Great American Songbook inside out, young Austrian creative minds, female guitar experimentalists, an all female ensemble and the band that brings the Allman Brothers spirit to Rahsaan Roland Kirk town... To find out more, I guess you'll have to click on the player and find out for yourself! Happy listening! The detailed playlist is available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11326394/Mondo-Jazz (from Ahl6 onwards). Ahl6, chuffDRONE, Dave Pietro, ARTEMIS, Lynn Cassiers, Alessandra Novaga, Thumbscrew, and The J. & F. Band. Photo credit: Geert Vandepoele

It's time to get back to the new releases menu and its delicious assortment of modern jazz infused with timeless Miles Davis aromas, forward looking fare marked by traces of Tim Berne, as well as gargantuan ensembles for good measure. Bon appetit! The playlist features Daniel Bingert [pictured], Antoine Pierre, Nubya Garcia, Rudresh Mahanthappa, In Common: Walter Smith III, Matt Stevens, Tommaso Gambini, Andrea Keller Five Degree Below, Makaya McCraven, On Dog, Michael Formanek, Small Choices, The Spike Orchestra, and Schapiro 17. The detailed playlist is available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11326394/Mondo-Jazz (up to Schapiro 17). Photo credit: Truls Nord.

In this final installment of our exploration of today's French jazz scene, a number of projects that illustrate how beautifully French musicians blend their many influences, from troubadour music of the middle-ages to pop songs of the '60s and '70s, and interests, from Greek mythology to the M-Base collective. The playlist features Manu Codjia, Geraldine Laurent, Christophe Marguet, Camille Bertault, Sarah Murcia, Louis Sclavis, Sélène Saint-Aimé [pictured], Michel Portal, Alban Darche, Matthieu Donarier, Meivelyan Jacquot, Sophia Domancich, Magic Malik, Stéphane Payen, Alexandra Grimal, Joelle Leandre, Noël Akchoté, Marc Ribot and Sylvain Rifflet. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11280569/Mondo-Jazz (from Manu Codjia, Geraldine Laurent, Christophe Marguet onwards). Happy listening! Photo credit: Nikola Cindric

As we continue our journey in today's French jazz scene we look at how it has been influenced by the many musical traditions that enrich the French society, in particular those from North Africa and the Middle-East courtesy of Yacine Boularès, Ibrahim Maalouf, Naïssam Jalal, Smadj and Sophie Alour with Mohamed Abozekry and Wassim Halal). To add the range of this episode. The urban influence of hip hop on jazz (Kit De Survie and Thiefs); the faux soundtracks of Fred Pallem; the groove of The Volunteered Slaves and Julien Lourau, the pianistic elegance of Baptiste Trotignon and Benjamin Moussay, the angular melodicism of Marc Ducret and the atmospheric lure of Michel Benita make it for a rather eclectic listening experience Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11280569/Mondo-Jazz (up to Benjamin Moussay) Photo credit: Jeff Humbert

Here's more jazz from the scene by the Seine, featuring the lyricism of Emile Parisien, Vincent Courtois, the rhythmic hypnosis of The Recyclers and Benoît Delbecq, the sketches of Miles by Airelle Besson and Médéric Collignon, the urban vibes of Antoine Berjeaut and Guillaume Perret and much more. Happy listening! The playlist features Edward Perraud, Barthelemy - Lazro - Margues - Tchamitchian, Édouard Ferlet, Stéphane Kerecki, and Makaya McCraven. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11243365/Mondo-Jazz (from Edward Perraud onwards).

Historically, the French scene has played a vital role in the world of jazz, so let's celebrate Bastille day and pay tribute to the French way of Jazz, exploring in particular the work of a captivating crop of contemporary French musicians who have developed a very original way to blend their love for jazz with multitude of other interests and influences. The playlist includes: Aldo Romano, Louis Sclavis, Henri Texier, Leïla Olivesi, Vincent Peirani, Thomas de Pourquery, Céline Bonacina, Papanosh, Claude Barthélémy, Théo Ceccaldi, Leïla Martial and Stephane Furic. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11243365/Mondo-Jazz (up to Stephane Furic).

This week we have a wide-ranging palette, as well go from the maelstroms of Andrew D'Angelo's DNA Orchestra and Raoul Björkenheim's Interstellar Coltrane, to the subtleties of Mara Rosenbloom, Nathalie Darche and João Lencastre's Communion 3, through the fertile collaborations between the indie darlings Deerhoof with Wadada Leo Smith, or Nubya Garcia and Joe Armon-Jones while savoring the exciting North European bands chuffDRONE and Superposition, the latest Blue Note releases by Ambrose Akinmusire and GoGo Penguin, and Ricardo Grilli's tribute to Peter Bernstein! Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11212684/Mondo-Jazz (from Nubya Garcia & Joe Armon-Jones onwards) Happy listening! Photo credit: Dave Kaufman

This week we pay tribute to the late Ennio Morricone the way we often do, through renditions of his memorable soundtracks performed by contemporary creative jazz artists like John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Marco Cappelli, Guano Padano, and Oddjob. We then check out some great new releases that cross borders, stylistic definitions and generations. The playlist also features: Jeff Cosgrove, John Medeski, Jeff Lederer, Billy Martin, Songs of Tales, McCoy Tyner, Gordon Grdina, Lucian Ban, John Surman, Mat Maneri, Bettye LaVette, Felice Clemente, Gabriel Chakarji Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11212684/Mondo-Jazz (up to Gabriel Chakarji)

The fusion of different musical cultures and genres is at the heart of this edition of Mondo Jazz, where the works of Frank Zappa are given the solo piano treatment by Dave Hartl, Mats Öberg and Stefano Bollani, where a Kansas City expat in Paris, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, explores both his Eritrean roots and his urban inclinations, where the global music of Ajoyo finds its matches in the Mathis Sound Orchestra, and where the cutting edge Ezra Collective looks back into the Blue Note vaults while the Brand New Heavies make a comeback and Kesha takes Marc Bolan into the future with a little help from Hal Willner. Happy listening! The playlist also features The Greyboy Allstars, Michelangelo Scandroglio, Dario Congedo, The Brecker Brothers and Frank Zappa. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11111687/Mondo-Jazz (From the The Greyboy Allstars onwards) Photo credit: James O'Mara

Spectacular debut releases by Vanessa Perica, Immanuel Wilkins and Micah Thomas; international and inter-generational collaborations between Marcin Wasilewski and Joe Lovano, and among Juhani Aaltonen, Jonas Kullhammar, Christian Meaas Svendsen, Ilmari Heikinheimo; three bands lead by Michael Wolff, Steven Cardenas and Dave Glasser revolving around the thick and catchy pulse of Ben Allison's bass and more in this edition of Mondo Jazz. The playlist features also Alex Goodman, Azat Bayazitov, David Krakauer, Kathleen Tagg, Deep Ford, Camilla Battaglia and Francesco Cataldo. Happy listening. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11111687/Mondo-Jazz (up to Francesco Cataldo) Photo credit: Pia Johnson

The second part of this week's new and upcoming release special brings new gems by Angel Bat Dawid, Caleb Dolister, old gems in new bottles courtesy of Gary Bartz & Maisha and of Jorja Smith diving into the Blue Note catalogue for a neo-classic St. Germain, some family love by the Granellis and the electro-acoustic experimentations of Enrico Rava, Matthew Herbert and Giovanni Guidi. The playlist features Jorja Smith, Gary Bartz & Maisha, Caleb Dolister, Angel Bat Dawid, Spirabassi, Jerry Granelli, Bobby Previte, Jamie Saft, Nels Cline, J. A. Granelli, Luca Alemanno, Enrico Rava, Matthew Herbert and Giovanni Guidi. Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11066822/Mondo-Jazz (from Jorja Smith onwards). Photo credit: Anna Trevelyan

It has been more or less a month since our last episode devoted to new and upcoming releases, so it's time to catch up as so much great music has been coming out, some of it to raise funds for worthy causes. So sit back, put your headphones on and enjoy the latest by Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Michael Thomas, Marie Kruttli, Pericopes+1, Ernesto Cervini and more. The playlist features Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Brian Blade, Ernesto Cervini, Michael Thomas, Pericopes+1, Sebastien Ammann, Marie Kruttli, Jonathan Barber, Aubrey Johnson, Esperanza Spalding and Fred Hersch. Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11066822/Mondo-Jazz (up to Esperanza Spalding and Fred Hersch). Photo credit: Jimmy Katz

As our series dedicated to the amazing music that has come out of the struggle for the advancement of African-Americans come to an end, we focus on tunes inspired by the march on Selma, or dedicated to the many victims of racially motivated brutality. Listen to this deep set featuring old masters like Grant Green, Blue Mitchell, current giants like Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jason Moran and Wynton Marsalis and stars of the future like Christian Scott, Logan Richardson, Kris Bowers and Keyon Harrold. The playlist also features Louise McCord and Curtis Mayfield. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11033090/Mondo-Jazz (from Grant Green onwards). Photo credit: Eric Ryan Anderson.

As Martin Luther King put it in the opening address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival, "When life itself offers no order and meaning, the musician creates an order and meaning from the sounds of the earth which flow through his instrument." And so, with that in mind, we continue our exploration of socially engaged jazz in search of order and meaning in the complicated phase we're living, looking at how Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, Charles Mingus, Archie Shepp, Lou Donaldson, Oscar Brown Jr., the Pharoahs Cannonball Adderley, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden and Hank Jones found it in the past, how Gary Bartz continues finding it today with Maisha and how Alicia Hall Moran, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Jaimeo Brown and Uri Caine are keeping that flame alive. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11033090/Mondo-Jazz (up to Ornette Coleman).

In the second part of this special dedicated to jazz and civil rights we look into music inspired by the bloody events that marked the advancement of the civil rights movement and by the victims of ongoing brutality. The playlist included tunes which incorporate the words or the cadence of Martin Luther King, are introduced by Jesse Jackson or celebrate Malcolm X, as well as songs that were played to draw attention to and support the cause. Enjoy the show! The playlist features Cannonball Adderley, Archie Shepp & Attica Blues Orchestra, Darrel Grant, John Coltrane, John Coltrane, Martin Luther King, Nina Simone, Terence Blanchard, Miles Davis and Ambrose Akinmusire. Detailed playlist at Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11000805/Mondo-Jazz (from Cannonball Adderley onward). Photo credit: New York Public Library

Music often distills the truth in ways that make it hard to ignore. The history of jazz is intertwined with the struggle for the advancement of the African-American society that birthed it. Many of its masterpieces were inspired by events that marked the civil rights movement, which, in turn, drew inspiration from them. Let's look back at the amazing body of music that has come out of the African-American struggle for social justice and equal rights, through the works of Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, Mahalia Jackson (pictured), Herbie Hancock and many more. The playlist also features The Mothers of Invention, John Lee Hooker, Gil Scott-Heron, Terence Blanchard, Working Week, and Marlena Shaw. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11000805/Mondo-Jazz

In the first part of the show we focused on jazz inspired by the of music composed by James Barry for 007 flicks. Here we switch our attention to other great soundtrack composers like Lalo Schifrin or Quincy Jones, and other movie characters like Sherlock Holmes, Ms. Marple, Nero Wolfe or Dirty Harry. And we look into why Charlie Parker became Charlie Chan. We wrap things up with the daughter of the writer of the "Detective Writer Daughter". Not sure what does that mean? Well, then play this episode to find out! The playlist features Jimmy Smith, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Oddjob, Médéric Collignon, Quincy Jones, The Spirits of Rhythm, Alan Barnes, Bill Frisell, Oranj Symphonette, Ron Goodwin, Marco Cappelli, Joe Lovano, The Quintet, Naked City, Nunzio Rotondo, and Karen Mantler. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10949861/Mondo-Jazz (from Jimmy Smith onwards)

For a reason or another, movies about detectives, secret agents or spies have gone mano a mano with jazz, and so this week we'll feature jazz inspired by adventurous characters. In this first segment, the focus is on James Bond and how anyone from Louis Armstrong and Count Basie to Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas and Steven Bernstein, among others, have played with John Barry's compositions just like James Bond has played with Dr. No, Auric Goldfinger and whole bunch of other villains! The playlist features John Barry, Louis Armstrong, Pizzicato Five, CCM Jazz Orchestra, Steven Bernstein, Count Basie, Dave Douglas, Soul Brothers, Bill Frisell, Thomas Morgan, Sexmob and Leroy Holmes. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10949861/Mondo-Jazz (up to Leroy Holmes). Happy listening!

All good things come to an end, so here we are with the last part of our celebration of Stevie Wonder's 70th birthday in the key of jazz. In this final installment tributes by Geri Allen, Stephane Belmondo and Sylvain Luc, Urbie Green, Max Ionata and Dado Moroni, Abbey Lincoln, Steve Khan, the New West Guitar Group with Gretchen Parlato, Joshua Redman the SFJAZZ Collective, and Grover Washington, Jr.. Plus Stevie Wonder's first hit, his early collaboration with Billy Preston and a later one with Herbie Hancock. Happy listening and long live Stevie! Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10919157/Mondo-Jazz (from Urbie Green onwards).

After a dive in renditions from the '70s during parts 1, here we mix things up with a combination of contemporary stunners, like the unique take of Alicia Hall Moran on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" or the incandescent rendition of "Too High" by Chris Hunter, with classics like Roland Kirk's version of "Ma Cherie Amour" or Toots Thielemans'"You've Got It Bad Girl". The cherry on the cake: Stevie's own playing under the pseudonym of Eivets Rednow (Stevie Wonder backwards), aged 18, and as guest of Herbie Hancock on "St. Louis Blues". The playlist also includes: Enzo Pietropaoli, Max Ionata, Regina Carter, Doug Wamble, Tiziano Tononi, Stanley Turrentine, Carmen McRae, Jared Gold, and Elephant9. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10919157/Mondo-Jazz (up to Elephant9).

Stevie Wonder has often infused his performances with compelling renditions of jazz standards like Miles' "All Blues" or Coltrane's "Giant Steps". In return, countless jazz musicians have looked at his Songbook and found in his compositions fertile grounds for their own explorations. In the second part of our "Stevie @70 special" we cherry-picked tributes to his genius by the likes of Ran Blake, Cassandra Wilson, Gene Harris, Jamie Saft and many more, and a great guest appearance by Stevie Wonder on Herbie Hancock's 70s funk jazz voyage "Man-Child". Happy listening! The playlist features Gene Harris, Hank Crawford, Herbie Hancock, Dave Pietro, Cassandra Wilson, Ran Blake, Rune Gustaffson, Lou Rawls, Jamie Saft, Gato Barbieri, Laika and Joe Farrell. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10877639/Mondo-Jazz (from Gene Harris onwards).

Stevie Wonder has more entries in the "Real Book" than any other pop musician, The Beatles included. It is not surprising therefore that his Songbook has been mined by hundreds of jazz musicians, including Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Dexter Gordon and Herbie Hancock. To mark his 70th birthday we feature some of the best jazz renditions of his compositions. In this segment we focus, in particular, on renditions from the '70s which payed tribute to hits from his "classic period". Happy listening! The playlist features Ahmad Jamal, Ray Barretto, Gary Bartz, Phil Upchurch, Tennyson Stephens, Charles Earland, Les McCann, Richard Tee, Ramsey Lewis, David Newman, Lionel Hampton, Max Ionata, Ralph Alessi, Vijay Iyer, Collin Walcott, Don Cherry, Naná Vasconcelos, Avishai Cohen, Yonathan Avishai. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10877639/Mondo-Jazz (up to Avishai Cohen & Yonathan Avishai).

Second part of this week's review of new and upcoming releases with the great return of master arranger Pablo Ablanedo, the new single by Swedish saxophonist and flutist Otis Sandsjö, two new projects by the prolific oud and guitar player Gordon Grdina, and saxophones in solo, duo, trio and quartet settings. Happy listening! The playlist features Otis Sandsjö, Enzo Favata, Orchestra Nazionale della Luna, Pablo Ablanedo, Vincent Peirani & Emile Parisien, Tiptons Sax Quartet & Drums, Crisco 3, Tim Berne, Giorgio Pacorig & Zeno De Rossi, Webber/Morris Big Band, Gordon Grdina. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10891529/Mondo-Jazz. (from Otis Sandsjö onwards) Photo credit: Urs Leuenberger

This week we go through another delicious stash of new and upcoming releases, many of them launched on Bandcamp on 1 May for the 'waived fee' events the website is promoting every first Friday of the month to support musicians in the time of Covid19. The cherry on the stash? The much anticipated first single, sung by Nick Cave, from Hal Willner's last production, "Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex. The playlist features also: Omer Avital, Ohad Talmor, Danilo Gallo, Antti Lotjonen, Vijay Iyer, Mike Ladd, Majel Connery, Hobby Horse, Moon Hooch, The Michael Leonhart Orchestra feat. Jswiss, Kurt Elling and Danilo Perez Detailed playlists at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10891529/Mondo-Jazz. Photo credit: Karjaka Studios

Here's is the second part of this week's exploration of new and upcoming releases, focusing on the new works of drummers Chad Taylor, with his trio and in the duo with James Brandon Lewis and Matt Wilson, the global jazz of the cult band Aka Moon and South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini... and some obliquely intriguing offerings by pianist Roberto Negro, the Onyx Collective and saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa. Happy listening! The playlist features Matt Wilson, Chad Taylor, James Brandon Lewis, Ferdinando Romano, Nduduzo Makhathini, Aka Moon, Roberto Negro, Onyx Collective, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Mike McGinnis, Elias Bailey, and Vinnie Sperrazza. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10796388/Mondo-Jazz (from Matt Wilson onwards). Photo credit: Boris Lemonsky.

Plenty of European jazz on this week's show, with a special focus on the French scene and the mighty Convervatorium von Amsterdam Concert Big Band's new album. Also featured the great new releases by Aaron Parks and by Jason Palmer as well as the debut EP of the promising young quartet featuring Maya Keren, Camila Nebbia, Diana Arias, Lesley Mok. Happy listening! The playlist features also Reinier Baas, Johan Plomp, UR-Kestra feat. Steven Bernstein, Sarah Murcia, Magic Malik, Sophie Alour, Dal Sasso Big Band, and Mihaly Borbely. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10796388/Mondo-Jazz (up to Maya Keren).

Second part of our weekly exploration of brand new releases, with a special focus on guitar-centric albums. The playlist features Rob Luft, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Scott Colley, Brian Blade, John Scofield, Steve Swallow, Bill Stewart, John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, Gyan Riley, Thana Alexa, The Beat Freaks, George Burton, The Heliocentrics. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/m/playlist/export?k=9b4777c1046037f6dc71afd2d89b0fa4 (from Rob Luft onwards).

We may be in lock-down but outstanding jazz releases keep coming out as if nothing were of the COVID19 and the social distancing, bringing us much needed relief. One more reason to pay tribute to today's artists and to encourage everyone to support the music scene by purchasing music directly from the musicians and labels that make them. An hour of incredible collaborations, music for the dreamworld and from some of today's best trumpet players. The playlist features Makaya McCraven, Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Will Bernard, Luciana Souza, Alexia Bontempo, Nils Berg Cinemascope, Verneri Pohjola, Avishai Cohen, Dave Douglas and Elan Mehler. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/m/playlist/export?k=9b4777c1046037f6dc71afd2d89b0fa4 (up to Dave Douglas & Elan Mehler) Happy listening! Photo credit: Brett Rubin & Bernard Benant

The final (for now) installment of this series dedicated to drummers features Rudy Royston, John Hollenbeck's Claudia Quintet +1, Ted Poor, Brian Blade Fellowship, TOTM - Tivoli of the Mind, Louis Moholo, Ginger Baker, Go: Organic Orchestra & Brooklyn Raga Massive. Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/m/playlist/view/10712210 (from Rudy Royston onwards). Photo credit: C. Andrew Howan

More music featuring projects lead by drummers. Drums for civil rights, solos and duos, and poetry drumming. The playlist features Terri Lyne Carrington; Max Roach; Bill Bruford; Andrew Cyrille; Günter Sommer; Emanuele Maniscalco; Marilyn Mazur, Jan Garbarek; Matt Wilson; OK:KO; Christian Lillinger; Edward Ware. Detailed playlist available at https://spinitron.com/m/playlist/view/10712210 (up to Edward Ware) Photo credit: Luciano Rossetti

Second part of this drummer-special, focusing on power drummers and showing the continuity that connects Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa to Joey Baron and Jim Black, and a special focus on the live performative energy of Kresten Osgood and Makaya McCraven as well as the spiritual jazz of Tommaso Cappellato's latest album. Happy listening! Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10606137/Mondo-Jazz (from Buddy Rich onwards). Photo credit: Michael Parque

As we hunker down amidst a terrifying pandemic what we need is to drum up our positive energy and attitude. So here's a special home edition of Mondo Jazz spotlighting projects led by creative drummers. Just another way to give drummers more than some! Stay home, socially distance, but musically connected. And don't forget to support musicians and the institutions that contribute to their outreach during these challenging times! Happy listening! The playlist features Art Blakey, Derick Dickens, Allison Miller, Bobby Previte, Tiziano Tononi, Chico Hamilton, Scott Amendola, Sasha Mashin, Susie Ibarra, 3TM, Zeno De Rossi, Paul Motian, Lesley Mok. Detailed playlist available https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10606134/Mondo-Jazz Photo credit: Claudio Casanova

When he passed away Charlie Parker was not even 35 years old. The impact of his genius however has been ever-lasting. This week we continue our exploration of his influence on the generations of musicians that followed him, featuring their original take on his music as well as music composed to celebrate him. [For the first part of this Charlie Parker special go to: https://www.mixcloud.com/MondoJazz/charlie-parker-100-reincarnations-of-bird-mondo-jazz-106-1/] The playlist features Greg Osby, Charles Mingus, Tony Scott, Massimo Urbani, Hal Willner, Kronos Quartet, Dr. John, Linda May Han Oh, Ken Peplowski, Johnathan Blake, Joey Baron, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Caroline Davis, Anthony Ortega, Gil Evans. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10501026/Mondo-Jazz (from Greg Osby onwards). Photo credit: William P. Gottlieb

100 years on, the music of Charlie Parker remains relevant and vital. This week we celebrate his foundational contribution to modern jazz by featuring renditions of his work by contemporary musicians who have drawn inspiration not only from his compositions but especially from his spirit as a forward-looking creative artist. Enjoy these reincarnations of Bird! Happy listening! The playlist featurs: Paul Motian, Manu Codjia, Geraldine Laurent, Christopher Marguet, Steve Cardenas, Walking Distance, Dave Holland, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jaco Pastorius, Django Bates, Geri Allen, Mark Murphy, Stefano Di Battista, Joe Lovano, Charlie Haden. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10501026/Mondo-Jazz Photo credit: William P. Gottlieb

Second part of our weekly exploration of new releases showcasing new and upcoming gems with a special focus on musical forces of nature like Cuban violinist and singer Yilian Cañizares, and prolific British reedist Shabaka Hutchings (check out his South African forays with his Shabaka and the Ancestors and with Idiosyncratic guitarist Sibusile Xaba!). A special mention for Chris McCarty's Still Time to Quit Project and the new album by Wildflower. Happy listening! The playlist also features Bowman Trio, Vincent Courtois, Reverso, Shake Stew, Eric Hofbauer and Dylan Jack. Detailed playlist available at Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10411488/Mondo-Jazz (from Wildflower onwards) Photo credit: Andrea Rotili

In our weekly exploration of new releases, here are beautiful albums featuring piano trios, adventurous guitarists, Miles Davis alumni, a tribute to John Coltrane and vocalists that explore electro-acoustic soundscapes. Happy listening! The playlist features Franck Amsallem, Marco Bardoscia, Lynne Arriale, Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Dave Liebman, Ross Hammond, Isabelle Olivier, Rez Abbasi, Camille Bertault, Kassa Overall, Heroes Are Gang Leaders, Lakecia Benjamin Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10411488/Mondo-Jazz (up to Lakecja Benjamin).

Anthony Braxton playing standards? Don Byron and Phillip Johnston playing the music of Raymond Scott? Nothing to be surprised about... as musicians have a more open mind than critics like to recognize. So here's the second part of this week's show focusing on retro-sounding jazz performed by forward-leaning musicians - a bit like the jazz equivalent of Blade Runner. For the first part go to https://www.mixcloud.com/MondoJazz/avant-retro-or-retro-avant-mondo-jazz-103-1/ Happy listening! The playlist features also Matt Darriau's Ballin' the Jack, Enrico Terragnoli's Orchestra Vertical, Mauro Ottolini's Sousaphonix, Francesco Bearzatti Tinissima Quartet, Phillip Johnston's Big Trouble, Don Byron, Farmers Market, Anthony Braxton, The Four Bags, Mostly Other People Do the Killing, and Moppa Elliott. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10322837/Mondo-Jazz (from Vangelis onward)

Rigid categories are not what music should be about. This week we focus on music that some may file under "retro" but is performed by musicians that are often labelled "avant", it may not sound exactly how Count Basie and the Kansas City 7 would have played, but hey... it's 2020 and it debunks the notion that musicians that may like it skronky don't know how to swing. Case in point: Steven Bernstein whose playing and arranging is the common thread through this week's show. Happy listening! Photo credit: Roberto Cifarelli The playlist features Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra, Ghost Train Orchestra, The Lounge Lizards, Roy Nathanson, Alban Darche's l'OrphiCube, Octurn, Django Bates, Baikida Carroll, Trio Grande, Houdini's Cage, Max Nagl, and the Kansas City Band. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10322837/Mondo-Jazz (up to Kansas City Band)

Second part of this week's ride through the new releases prairie with music by artists that cover a lot of ground, from Chicago Underground Quartet to Jesse Harris, from Valentina Ciardelli's take on Frank Zappa to Roger Kellaway' interpretation of Paul Desmond, and much more. For the first part go to: https://www.mixcloud.com/MondoJazz/irreversible-entanglements-goran-kajfes-soul-gnawa-other-new-releases-mondo-jazz-102-1/ Happy listening! The playlist features also Matt Mayhall, Pulcinella, Christophe Panzani, Brent Birckhead, Wayne Krantz, Gebhard Ullmann, Ben Wolfe, and Jesse Harris. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10278243/Mondo-Jazz (from Matt Mayhall onwards).

This week's exploration of new and upcoming releases and releases features projects inspired by music from Benin and the Gnawa tradition of Morocco, hip-hop and electronica, as well as a tribute to Eddie Harris and the socially engaged music of Irreversible Entanglements. Happy listening! The playlist features Goran Kajfes, Majid Bekkas, Soul Gnawa, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Irreversible Entanglements, Michael Leonhart Orchestra feat. JSwiss, Slow Poke, Jimi Tenor. Detailed playlist at: https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/10278243/Mondo-Jazz (up to Jimi Tenor) Photo credit: Bob Sweeney.