Broadcast on 07-Oct-2013

Even though he had been first and foremost as one of the world's finest Jazz drummers since 1934, Jo Jones didn't make his first recording under his own name until this date in August 1955. Tonight The Jazz Show celebrates what would have been Jo's 102nd Birthday. Jo or as he was known later in life as "Papa Jo" died at age 73 on September 3,1985. He was really the forerunner of Modern Jazz drumming.He did away with the "four on the floor" reliance on the bass drum and used the hi-hat cymbal (operated with the foot) to keep time and also the large "ride" cymbal and it gave the rhythm section room to breathe and be dynamic rather than just pound out a beat. This is a fine date with all of Jo's favorites including the great Lucky Thompson on tenor saxophone, trombonist Bennie Green...both modernists rooted in deep swing. Underrated trumpeter Emmett Berry is on board. The rhythm section is unbeatable...Freddie Green on guitar, Walter Page on bass, Nat Pierce on piano and of course Jo Jones on drums. Count Basie replaces Nat Pierce on the two wonderful takes of the old standard "Shoe Shine Boy". The Jo Jones Special Septet garnered some of the highest ratings when it was released in 1955 and it is still a classic today. Happy 102nd Birthday Papa Jo!