Broadcast on 16-Nov-2009

One of the most startling debuts in Jazz history was this album by Jeremy Steig. Steig, who is the son of the great cartoonist William Steig plays flute. He doesn't double on any other instrument and developed his own sound and concept on the flute. Jeremy didn't consider the flute a delicate instrument but one that could hold it's own with the saxophone or trumpet. Steig, who was born in New York on September 23,1942 is still alive and well and playing, entered the Jazz world with this album called "Flute Fever". It was produced by John Hammond and mysteriously has never been issued on CD. Steig was subject to a lot of criticism for his maverick approach to the instrument but he had many supporters including the great pianist, Bill Evans, who was a fine flute player himself. Marking his debut was Jeremy's pianist, Denny Zeitlin who did score a Columbia Records contract after his performance here. Denny is still alive and well and performs around the San Francisco Bay Area with his trio. Steig and Zeitlin are ably supported by two pros, bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Ben Riley. I'm sure you will be moved and occasionally startled by the outgoing playing of Steig and the ceativity of Denny Zeitlin on this great 1963 recording of "Flute Fever".