PODCAST · music
Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard
by Tony Habra
Now into their 5th year, and receiving high accolades from several different podcast review sites, Same Difference has quickly become the go-to Jazz podcast for good (and fun) analysis of all your favorite Jazz standards. Each episode, AJ and Johnny pick a standard, then listen to and discuss several different versions, including a "New-To-Us Artist" who may very well be new on the Jazz scene. They've had an array of special guests on the show, including Jazz and Musicology scholars, noted Jazz critics and reviewers, and some excellent Jazz musicians. Best of all, AJ and Johnny have been friends since their college days (40 years and counting!), and have been attending Jazz festivals together since the 80's. Their love of Jazz coupled with their own unique stories make for one very entertaining podcast!
Episodes
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Episode 145 - George Benson and Smooth Jazz
Since AJ was visiting Johnny for the 2025 Sun Valley Jazz Festival, we thought we'd take advantage of being in the same room and record an update for all of you Same Difference fans. For this episode, we've combined two loosely related episodes from our old Patreon library, and added some new...
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Episode 144 - Tiger Rag
It's been a wonderful 6-year run, but it's time to call it a day. So, for this final episode of Same Difference, we go back to the beginnings of Jazz with "Tiger Rag". Join AJ and Johnny one last time, as they listen to and discuss versions of this Jazz standard by The Original Dixieland Jass…
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Episode 143 - I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
How does someone take a solid Broadway musical number and turn it into a Jazz tune? Well, on this episode of Same Difference we hear some interesting results, when "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" goes under the microscope. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Rex...
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Episode 142 - Trumpet Players pt. 2
It's the second part of our 2-part look at trumpet players, and our friend and professional Jazz trumpeter, Mike Sailors, is back with us for the deep dive. In this part two, join us as the three of us listen to and discuss music by Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, and our guest Mike Sailors, who has a…
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Episode 141 - Trumpet Players pt. 1
Rather than discuss a single Jazz standard, this episode of Same Difference is all about the trumpet, and we've invited our friend and professional Jazz trumpeter, Mike Sailors, to join the fun. In fact, we had so much fun recording this, we've broken it into 2 full shows! In this part one, join…
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Episode 140 - Jive At Five
Count Basie and Harry "Sweets" Edison are in the songwriting seat with "Jive At Five" on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by the Count Basie Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry and Mike Vax, Martin Taylor and Stephane Grappelli, Joe...
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Episode 139 - Blue Bossa
We all get to learn about the Jazz standard "Blue Bossa" together, as neither AJ nor Johnny had any versions of this song in their library, yet it was recommended on good authority to check it out, so we did! We'll listen to versions by Joe Henderson, Art Farmer and Phil Woods, Bobby McFerrin and...
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Episode 138 - At Last REDUX
Time to revisit "At Last", and joining us to do so is the incredibly talented Jazz singer, Melonie Collins! Yes, join the three of us as we listen to and discuss versions by Glen Miller, Etta James, Diane Schuur and BB King, Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass, Phoebe Snow, and of course Melonie Collins...
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Episode 137 - Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
So is it "Oysters" or "Ersters"? In this episode of Same Difference, Johnny and AJ address this and many other linguistic questions posed in the song "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off". Along the way, you'll hear versions of this Jazz standard by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Billie Holiday, Mel...
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Episode 136 - Jada
After covering "Doxy" in the last episode, we decided to follow it up with the song that supposedly was the original version, "Jada". AJ and Johnny listen to and discuss versions of this Jazz standard by The Original New Orleans Jazz Band, Louis Prima, Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton, Sidney...
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Episode 135 - Doxy
Ready for some good, fun straight ahead Jazz? AJ and Johnny take a look at the Sonny Rollins Jazz standard "Doxy"! You'll hear versions by Miles Davis with Sonny, Dexter Gordon, Red Mitchell, Branford Marsalis, Mike Jones, and new-to-us artist David Finck.
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Episode 134 - Surrey With The Fringe On Top
Wanna know how jazzy a show tune can get? Join AJ and Johnny as they answer that question while reviewing "Surrey With The Fringe On Top"! We'll discuss versions by Blossom Dearie, Mel Torme, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and TWO new-to-us artists: Angela De Niro, and Joe Farnsworth.
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Episode 133 - You Don't Know What Love Is
Start the new year off on the right foot! Our friends Mike and Russ from The Adult Music Podcast join us on this episode of Same Difference to review the Jazz standard "You Don't Know What Love Is"! Tune in as FOUR Jazz fans listen to and discuss versions by Dinah Washington, Miles Davis, George...
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Episode 132 - Nature Boy
It's our annual Christmas episode, and this year it's the Jazz standard "Nature Boy". Join AJ and Johnny as they try to figure out why this is considered a Christmas song by so many Jazz artists, including Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., John Coltrane, Jason Wanner, new-to-us artist Laura Auer,...
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Episode 131 - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Is it a genuine compliment, an end-of-the-night lament, or simply a pick up line? AJ and Johnny will try to solve this question when "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" goes under the Same Difference microscope. Join us as we listen to and discuss versions by Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra and June...
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Episode 130 - Sway
"Sway" is under the Same Difference microscope this episode, but is it really Jazz? Join AJ and Johnny as they try to answer that question, with versions by Nelson Pinedo, Dean Martin, Cab Calloway and Scatman Crothers, Julie London, Diana Krall, and new-to-us (well, new to AJ anyway) artist Sal...
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Episode 129 - Aint Nobody's Business
It's our annual "we're recording in the same room because AJ is in town for the Sun Valley Jazz Festival" episode! This time it's the Jazz/Blues standard "Aint Nobody's Business". Join us as we listen to and discuss versions by Bessie Smith, BB King, Billie Holiday, Wynton Marsalis with Willie...
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Episode 128 - 'S Wonderful
Spelled several different ways, and performed several different ways, it's the lighthearted "SWonderful" on this episode of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Diana Krall, Rod Stewart (yes, THAT Rod Stewart), the Shaymus...
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Episode 127 - I Can't Give You Anything But Love
With the often recorded Jazz standard "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", AJ establishes a new ranking level on this episode! You'll hear us discuss versions by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, The Side Street Strutters, Ella Fitzgerald, and new-to-us artist Giacomo Gates. Come...
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Episode 126 - The Stars Fell On Alabama
It's the delightful "Stars Fell On Alabama" under the Same Difference microscope this episode! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this sometimes forgotten Jazz standard by Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick Jr., Cannonball Adderley and John...
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Episode 125 - Fly Me To The Moon REDUX
Time to revisit an old favorite! We originally covered "Fly Me To The Moon" way back on episode 2, but we were still finding our rhythm to the show then AND fine tuning our technical aspects. So, we thought we'd take a fresh look at this true Jazz standard. You'll hear versions by Frank Sinatra...
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Episode 124 - Moon River
A listener-suggested show! Well, ok, one of our loyal listeners suggested a new-to-us artist, and this was one of her best known covers, so here we go with "Moon River" on this edition of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Henry Mancini, the Vince…
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Episode 123 - Jeepers Creepers
The song "Jeepers Creepers" seems like such a novelty song, but we're gonna dive in and see if there's some decent Jazz behind its comedic surface. Join us as we listen to versions by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Oscar Aleman, Doc Cheatham and...
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Episode 122 - One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
The gorgeous Frank Sinatra ballad "One For My Baby" is featured on this episode of Same Difference, but is it always done as a ballad? Tune in and you'll find out, with versions by Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett and John Mayer, Ella Fitzgerald, and new-to-us artist The...
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Episode 121 - Mary Lou Williams
For this episode of Same Difference, we take another deep dive into a Jazz artist that we feel does not get the recognition she deserves. Ever heard of Mary Lou Williams? Yeah, probably not. We barely had, but as you will hear, Mary Lou Williams quietly directed the course of Jazz music during…
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Episode 120 - Equinox
It's time for another dive into the sometimes risky world of John Coltrane, with his most interesting Jazz standard "Equinox" on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Coltrane, Hubert Laws, Kenny Garrett, Tito Puente, Gato Barbieri, and...
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Episode 119 - The Playboy Jazz Festival
On this very special episode of Same Difference, we're giving you a peek behind the "Velvet Rope" of our members-only Patreon content! AJ and Johnny have combined a few previous Patreon-exclusive episodes to bring you this look back at The Playboy Jazz festival. Along with their guests, A. Scott...
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Episode 118 - Puttin' On The Ritz
It's another experiment for us on this episode of Same Difference, as we feature ALL new-to-us artists (well, except for one). Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions of the Jazz standard "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Fred Astaire (the one we DO know), The Dr. Jazz Dixieland Band, Dukes And…
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Episode 117 - I've Got You Under My Skin
We're actually surprised we haven't done this song already, but this episode brings you the very popular Jazz standard "I've Got You Under My Skin"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Diana Krall, Dinah Washington, Charlie Parker, Louie...
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Episode 116 - Old Devil Moon
The fun Jazz standard "Old Devil Moon" takes a turn under the Same Difference microscope this episode. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Charlie Spivak, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Miles Davis, Tito Puente, and new-to-us artist Hilary Kole.
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Episode 115 - Take The A Train REDUX
We've been talking about doing this for a long time. On this episode of Same Difference, we revisit the standard we started the whole podcast series with, Duke Ellington's "Take The A Train"! Join AJ and Johnny as they take a fresh look at this Jazz classic, with versions by Duke, Ella…
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Episode 114 - Watermelon Man
It's a listener request! Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" goes under the microscope on this edition of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this Hard Bop Jazz standard by Herbie, Mongo Santamaria, Woody Herman, Buddy Guy, and new-to-us artist The Langley...
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Episode 113 - Doodlin'
Are you familiar with the term "vocalese"? We may have mentioned it from time to time, but neither of us really know what it means. That is, until we recorded this episode! Join AJ and Johnny as we listen to and discuss versions of the casually fun Jazz standard "Doodlin'", which feature some…
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Episode 112 - I Fall In Love Too Easily
Jazz vocalist Shaymus Hanlin joins us for this edition of Same Difference, as 2 Jazz fans and 1 Jazz musician take in the beautiful ballad "I Fall In Love Too Easily". Join AJ, Johnny and Shaymus as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Carmen McRae, the...
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Episode 111 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Can AJ find us a version of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" that doesn't have any strings? Tune in to this episode of Same Difference and find out! Johnny and AJ will listen to and discuss versions of this beautiful Jazz standard by Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Clifford Brown, The...
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Episode 110 - Livery Stable Blues
We're going WAY back to the beginning - the VERY beginning - for this episode of Same Difference, as we listen to the very first commercially available Jazz recording, Livery Stable Blues! Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions of this pioneering Jazz standard by The Original Dixieland Jass...
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Episode 109 - As Time Goes By
If you've seen the movie Casablanca (and/or Sleepless In Seattle), then you're already familiar with this episode's standard, the romantic "As Time Goes By". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Dooley Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Durante, Anita O'Day…
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Episode 108 - Flying Home
So just who did write "Flying Home"? Who recorded it first? What's it all about? In this episode of Same Difference, AJ and Johnny answer all these questions and more, while listening to versions of this fun Jazz standard by Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Clarence "Gatemouth"...
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Episode 107 - Shiny Stockings
We're kicking off 2023 with the delightful Jazz standard "Shiny Stockings"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Count Basie & Ella Fitzgerald, The Side Street Strutters, Dexter Gordon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Katie Thiroux, and new-to-us artist Swamp Kitchen.
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Episode 106 - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
It's our annual holiday episode, with the Christmas classic "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra, Chris Isaak & Stevie Nicks, Harry Connick Jr., Straight No Chaser, Arturo Sandoval, and new-to-us artist the Tiger...
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Episode 105 - Good Morning Heartache
"Good Morning Heartache" is under the microscope on this edition of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Billie Holiday, Chris Botti & Jill Scott, Tomy Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and new-to-us artist Mayte Alguacil. And to keep up on all...
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Episode 104 - Sidney Bechet
In the great tradition of Jazz - that is, experiment and improvise - we're trying a new format on this episode of Same Difference. Don't worry, we're not changing the show now and forever, but we thought we'd branch out and try looking at a specific Jazz musician (rather than a Jazz song) this...
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Episode 103 - Caravan
We're back from the Sun Valley Jazz Festival and ready to go on Duke Ellington's "Caravan" for this episode of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Duke, Nat King Cole, Dr. John, Wynton Marsalis, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist Vern Spevak....
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Episode 102 - Nice Work If You Can Get It
It's an A-List of performers on this episode of Same Difference with the delightful Jazz standard "Nice Work If You Can Get It". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Teddy Wilson & Billie Holiday, Miles Davis & Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, and...
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Episode 101 - Woodchopper's Ball
Time to explore some Woody Herman music, and what better place to start than his classic "Woodchopper's Ball"? Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this upbeat Jazz standard by Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Bill Harris, Acker Bilk, and new-to-us artist Paulo Tomelleri.
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Episode 100 - West End Blues
It's our 100th episode! To celebrate this Same Difference milestone, we're taking a look at the King-Oliver-written-but-made-famous-by-Satchmo classic "West End Blues". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Doc Severinsen,...
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Episode 099 - My Baby Just Cares For Me
Nina Simone's hit "My Baby Just Cares For Me" takes center stage on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Nina, the King Cole Trio with Woody Herman, Julie London, Joe Williams and the Count Basie Orchestra, Cyndi Lauper (yes, THAT Cyndi...
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Episode 098 - Oye Como Va
It's our first ever full-fledged Latin Jazz standard today, Tito Puente's most famous composition, "Oye Como Va", however it wasn't Tito who made it famous! Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions by Tito, Santana, Bobby Hutcherson, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente Jr., and new-to-us artist The New...
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Episode 097 - Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen
The Andrew Sisters' first big hit goes under the Same Difference microscope today, with the song "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Regina Carter, The Hot Sardines, and new-to-us artist Rebecca Parham.
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Episode 096 - Perdido
Duke Ellington's upbeat standard "Perdido" takes the spotlight on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Duke, Louis Armstrong, The Red Norvo Quintet (or is it a sextet?), Mar De Copa (well, um, sort of), "The Quintet" featuring Charlie…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Now into their 5th year, and receiving high accolades from several different podcast review sites, Same Difference has quickly become the go-to Jazz podcast for good (and fun) analysis of all your favorite Jazz standards. Each episode, AJ and Johnny pick a standard, then listen to and discuss several different versions, including a "New-To-Us Artist" who may very well be new on the Jazz scene. They've had an array of special guests on the show, including Jazz and Musicology scholars, noted Jazz critics and reviewers, and some excellent Jazz musicians. Best of all, AJ and Johnny have been friends since their college days (40 years and counting!), and have been attending Jazz festivals together since the 80's. Their love of Jazz coupled with their own unique stories make for one very entertaining podcast!
HOSTED BY
Tony Habra
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard have?
Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard about?
Now into their 5th year, and receiving high accolades from several different podcast review sites, Same Difference has quickly become the go-to Jazz podcast for good (and fun) analysis of all your favorite Jazz standards. Each episode, AJ and Johnny pick a standard, then listen to and discuss...
How often does Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard release new episodes?
Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard?
You can listen to Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard?
Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard is created and hosted by Tony Habra.
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