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The Jazz Jam

by The Jazz Jam Podcast

Two seasoned musicians and long-time friends discuss the most prominent classic jazz albums in addition to reviewing new and modern albums and artists. Join Max and Dwain as they take a deep dive into jazz albums of all different shapes and sizes.

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Episodes

  1. Sunset to Dawn by Kenny Barron

    This week, we dive into Kenny Barron’s atmospheric jazz classic Sunset to Dawn from the Muse label. Featuring Barron on piano alongside a stellar ensemble, the album captures a unique blend of soulful grooves, electric textures, and intimate late-night jazz. Tune in as we break down the album,...

  2. For The Love Of It All by Brandon Woody

    This week, we dive into Brandon Woody’s debut Blue Note release, For The Love Of It All. Joined by his longtime band, Upendo, Woody delivers a deeply personal album rooted in the blues and gospel traditions of his hometown, Baltimore. Tune in as we break down the music, explore its themes and...

  3. Cool Struttin' by Sonny Clark

    This week, we dive into Sonny Clark’s hard bop classic Cool Struttin’. Backed by a powerhouse lineup featuring Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Art Farmer on trumpet, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums, Clark delivers one of the most iconic Blue Note sessions of the late 1950s....

  4. The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis

    This week, we mix it up with a punk-rock jazz exploration by The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis. This Impulse release is a bit different than any other we've done on the show thus far. Tune in and see how we arrived at our overall rating of 7.3/10! Feel free to reach out to us with any...

  5. Yaron Herman Interview: His musical journey and creating "Radio Paradise"

    This week Max sits down with jazz pianist Yaron Herman to talk about his musical journey and his latest album "Radio Paradise". Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at [email protected] Website: Click here! Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast…

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  6. The Bridge by Sonny Rollins

    This week, we dive into Sonny Rollins' triumphant return after a two-year sabbatical with The Bridge. This landmark album showcases a pianoless quartet, featuring the brilliant addition of Jim Hall on guitar. Tune in as we break down the album, discuss its impact, and reveal how we arrived at our...

  7. Portrait by Samara Joy

    On this week's episode we head back into the world of blossoming jazz star, Samara Joy. Her sophomore Verve release takes a step forward into new territory with daring arrangements of many different standards. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.2/10, make sure to take a listen to our...

  8. Friends And Strangers by Ronnie Laws

    On this week's episode we direct our attention to the funk fusion class "Friends And Strangers" by Ronnie Laws. The 1977 release is a fundamental recording in the jazz fusion sphere. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.7/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up...

  9. Alto Summit by Phil Woods, Vincent Herring and Antonio Hart

    On this week's episode we direct our attention to a deeper cut that was recommended by a listener; Alto Summit by a trio of fantastic alto saxophonists. This album spans a few different generations of the music with Phil Woods being 64 at the time of the session and Vincent Herring and Antonio…

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  10. Moanin' by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

    On this week's episode we explore the hard-bop cornerstone of Moanin' by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. This album was foundational in the development of the hard-bop style as well as the development of the musicians on the album. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.5/10, make sure…

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  11. Fearless Movement by Kamasi Washington

    On this week's episode we dive into Kamasi Washington's latest album "Fearless Movement". This record bring a host of different musicians to the table from funk legend such as George Clinton to bassist Thundercat and many in between. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.4/10, make sure…

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  12. Portrait In Jazz by Bill Evans Trio

    On this week's episode we take a pit stop in the world of Bill Evans with his album "Portrait In Jazz". This is the first studio album of his trio with Scott LaFaro on bass and features some incredible piano trio playing that has been influential to many. Our overall combined rating for the album...

  13. Who Are You When No One is Watching? by Braxton Cook

    On this week's episode we get back to Braxton Cook with our review of his 2023 album "Who Are You When No One is Watching?" It was truly an honor to get to review and fully delve into this personal work from Braxton after getting to interview him on the podcast. Our overall combined rating for…

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  14. Blue Train by John Coltrane

    On this week's episode we take a dive into a Blue Note masterpiece in John Coltrane's Blue Train. It was his only Blue Note recording as a leader and is a landmark album in the history of jazz music. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.6/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts…

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  15. Braxton Cook Interview: His musical journey and creating "Who Are You When No One Is Watching?"

    On this week's episode we get to talk to award winning saxophonist and singer Braxton Cook about his journey as a musician and about his 2023 album "Who Are You When No One Is Watching?". We get lots of insight into his different influences as well as his creative process while creating an album....

  16. Momentum by Joshua Redman Elastic Band

    On this week's episode we go through a listener suggestion Momentum by Joshua Redman Elastic Band. This album brings a lot of funk and some intriguing different covers. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.1/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that...

  17. 2024 Jazz Grammy Preview Show! (Picks, Predictions, and More)

    On this week's episode we take a quick dive into the 2024 Jazz Grammy Nominations. We go through the nominations for Best Jazz Performance, Best Vocal Jazz Album, and Best Instrumental Jazz albums and make our picks for each category to get us ready for the Grammy selections on February 4th. Take…

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  18. Groovin' With Jug by Richard Holmes and Gene Ammons

    On this week's episode we are captivated by one our personal favorite albums Groovin' With Jug by Richard "Groove" Holmes and Gene "Jug" Ammons. This live recording brings so much energy and is heavy-swingin'. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.3/10, make sure to take a listen to our...

  19. In Real Time by Artemis

    On this week's episode we explore the sophomore album by all female group Artemis entitled "In Real Time". This album features many great compositions and some great musicianship throughout. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.4/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we...

  20. Speak No Evil by Wayne Shorter

    On this week's episode we venture into the world of Wayne Shorter with his iconic recording Speak No Evil. This album is regarded by many as his crowning jewel. He is joined by Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones for a recording that you won't soon forget. Our overall...

  21. Phoenix by Lakecia Benjamin

    On this week's episode we take a look at Lakecia Benjamin's new album entitled Phoenix. Lakecia levels up on this album which also has many great guest features. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.5/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!…

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  22. Afternoon in Paris by John Lewis & Sacha Distel

    On this week's episode we're getting back into some classic jazz albums with this listener recommendation of Afternoon in Paris by John Lewis and Sacha Distel. This is an under the radar recording that features some talented French musicians. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.0/10,...

  23. Linger Awhile by Samara Joy

    On this week's episode we're reviewing the award winning album Linger Awhile by Samara Joy. This album just won the Grammy award for Best Vocal Jazz Album and Samara Joy was able to surprise many by winning Best New Artist. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.2/10, make sure to take a...

  24. 2023 Jazz Grammy Preview Show! (Picks, Predictions, and more)

    On this week's episode we're culminating our 2023 Grammy lead up with our Jazz Grammy preview episode. We go through the nominations for Best Improvised Solo, Best Vocal Jazz Album, and Best Instrumental Jazz albums and make our picks for each category to get us ready for the Grammy selections on...

  25. Parallel Motion by Yellowjackets

    On this week's episode we're continuing our lead up to the Grammy's with the Yellowjackets latest release Parallel Motion. This fusion group has been on the scene for over 30 years and in many different iterations. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.0/10, make sure to take a listen to...

  26. LongGone by Joshua Redman

    On this week's episode we're starting our lead up to the Grammy's with this nominated album entitled LongGone by Joshua Redman. He is join by an A-List rhythm section for this 2022 studio album. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.5/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and…

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  27. The Sidewinder by Lee Morgan

    On this week's episode we're going back to the peak of the Hard Bop era with The Sidewinder from Lee Morgan. An album that was widely popular amongst jazz enthusiasts as well as having more widespread popularity in pop music and culture. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.4/10, make...

  28. Sketches of MD: Live at the Iridium by Kenny Garrett

    On this week's episode we're getting down to the soul and spirit of Kenny Garrett and Pharaoh Sanders with the album Sketches of MD: Live at the Iridium. This is a fun and energetic live recording that brings together two jazz saxophone legends. Our overall combined rating for the album is…

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  29. Jazz at Massey Hall by The Quintet

    On this week's episode we're bebopping our way through Jazz at Massey Hall with the founding fathers of bebop. Another history-piece of a recording that is plenty deserving of a deep dive. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.3/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we...

  30. Five Peace Band (Live) by Chick Corea and John McLaughlin

    On this week's episode we're jamming along to a jazz fusion super-group led by Chick Corea and John McLaughlin. This album won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album and we get into some of the reasons why! Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.3/10, make sure to take a...

  31. Somethin’ Else by Cannonball Adderley

    On this week's episode we get in to one of the all-time great albums Somethin' Else by Cannonball Adderley. A jazz masterpiece front to back with an all star cast that includes the one and only Miles Davis. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.7/10, make sure to take a listen to our...

  32. Stretch Music by Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

    On this week's episode we focus on a 2015 release by Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (now Chief Xian) entitled Stretch Music. This album features many young jazz musicians that have become mainstays in the current jazz landscape including Elena Pinderhughes, Braxton Cook, and Corey Fonville. Our...

  33. Blue and Sentimental by Ike Quebec

    On this week's episode we listen to a recording by great and under-appreciated saxophonist Ike Quebec entitled Blue and Sentimental. He joins forces with the fantastic Grant Green to create his signature work and they are a match made in heaven. Our overall combined rating for the album is…

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  34. New Standards Vol. 1 by Terri Lyne Carrington

    On this week's episode we review a very recent release by veteran jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington entitled New Standards Vol. 1. This is a collection of jazz compositions written by female composers and there's a lot going on in this one. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.0/10…

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  35. Night Train by The Oscar Peterson Trio

    On this week's episode we get into one of the all-time great piano trio recordings in The Oscar Peterson Trio's album Night Train. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.5/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score! Feel free to reach out to us with...

  36. The 7th Hand by Immanuel Wilkins

    On this week's episode we take a listen to the highly anticipated sophomore Blue Note release from Immanuel Wilkins entitled The 7th Hand. A group full of up and coming young jazz musicians highlight this seven track spiritual suite. Our overall combined rating for the album is 5.4/10, make sure…

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  37. Sonny Side Up by Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins

    On this week's episode we are faced by a trio of jazz giants in Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins. These three are all legends of the music for a reason and it's well represented in their playing on this album. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.9/10, make sure to take a...

  38. Camden Session by Butcher Brown

    On this week's episode we switch things up with a newer release by Richmond-based group Butcher Brown. This is a studio session that was recorded in 2018 that's sure to get your head boppin'. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.7/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how…

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  39. Satchmo at Pasadena by Louis Armstrong and the All Stars

    On this week's episode we get a jazz history lesson while listening to Louis Armstrong's live performance "Satchmo at Pasadena". The players on this album are foundational to the early roots of jazz. Featured styles include ragtime, stride, swing and some vocals as well. Our overall combined…

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  40. In the Key of the Universe by Joey DeFrancesco

    On this week's episode we remember the life and legacy of the late great organist Joey DeFrancesco by reviewing his album entitled "In the Key of the Universe". This album is a spiritual journey that swings and grooves as hard you would expect from Joey. He is joined by a fantastic cast that...

  41. Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley by Nancy Wilson and the Cannonball Adderley Quintet

    On this week's episode we listened to an album with a legendary jazz singer, Nancy Wilson. It's an excellent collaboration of Nancy Wilson's voice with Cannonball Adderley's alto sax from the early '60s. While this 1961 recording was the first time Wilson was with Adderley in the studio, it was…

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  42. Two Continents One Groove by T.S. Monk

    On this week's episode we analyze the newly released album "Two Continents One Groove" by drummer T.S. Monk. Monk is the son of jazz legend Thelonious Monk and he carries on his fathers' legacy well with this live recording which was actually pulled from two separate performances in 2014 and…

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  43. Go! by Dexter Gordon

    On this week's episode we discuss an album hailed by jazz critics as one of Dexter Gordon's greatest ever, "Go!". It was Dexter's third LP for Blue Note Records. It heralded a remarkable upturn in the tenor saxophonist’s career, which briefly bloomed in the late 40s before floundering during the...

  44. In The Spirit Of Ntu by Nduduzo Makhathini

    On this week's episode we take a look at the most recent album from South African jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini. He draws on Zulu and precolonial traditions and wide-ranging cosmological and intellectual curiosities. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.8/10, make sure to take a…

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  45. Soul Station by Hank Mobley

    On this week's episode we dive deep into the classic album Soul Station from the saxophone great Hank Mobley. This 1960 album defined an era of Hard Bop in jazz and has one of the best rhythm sections that could ever be assembled. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.3/10, make sure to...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Two seasoned musicians and long-time friends discuss the most prominent classic jazz albums in addition to reviewing new and modern albums and artists. Join Max and Dwain as they take a deep dive into jazz albums of all different shapes and sizes.

HOSTED BY

The Jazz Jam Podcast

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Jazz Jam have?

The Jazz Jam currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Jazz Jam about?

Two seasoned musicians and long-time friends discuss the most prominent classic jazz albums in addition to reviewing new and modern albums and artists. Join Max and Dwain as they take a deep dive into jazz albums of all different shapes and sizes.

How often does The Jazz Jam release new episodes?

The Jazz Jam has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Jazz Jam?

You can listen to The Jazz Jam 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 The Jazz Jam?

The Jazz Jam is created and hosted by The Jazz Jam Podcast.
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