Upbeat January/February 2016 by Newark Public Radio

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:29 PM Page 1

JAN./FEB. 2016

UPBEAT | WBGO Program Guide Jazz 88.3 FM www.wbgo.org

Newark Celebrates 350 Years Photo: Harry Prott

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:35 PM Page 2

JAZZ MUSIC AND THE MOVEMENT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS: A PANEL DISCUSSION IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

n conjunction with the current exhibit, Jazz, Jews and AfricanAmericans:Cultural Intersections in Newark and Beyond, this panel discussion moderated by Maxine Gordon (widow of Dexter Gordon) will focus on the role of jazz music and jazz musicians in the movement for racial equality in 20th century America. The panel will focus specifically on the relationship between Jews and African-Americans in the jazz community as it impacted on the larger struggle for Civil Rights. This discussion, sponsored by the New Jersey

Vol. XXXIX No. 2 54 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102 Tel: (973) 624-8880 Fax:(973) 824-8888

E-mail: upbeat@wbgo.org Web Page: www.wbgo.org

MEMBER-SUPPORTED Public Radio

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

President & CEO Amy Niles Marketing Manager Brandy Wood Program Director Steve Williams

Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), WBGO, and Rutgers-Newark’s Institute for Jazz Studies (IJS), will include Junius Williams (Chairman NC350), Gwen Moten (Executive Director The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism), pianist Steve Colson and Robert O’Meally (Zora Neale Hurston Professor of English—Columbia University) and composer David Amram. The following quote from Dr. King, taken from his speech to the Berlin Jazz Festival (1964), speaks to the significance of jazz in the struggle for Civil Rights:

Music Director Gary Walker Membership Director Roslyn Turner

Director of Donor Development John Newcott Design/Layout Penguin Graphics

Upbeat is available in a large print edition upon request.

www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:35 PM Page 3

It is no wonder that so much of the search for identity among American Negroes was championed by Jazz musicians. Long before the modern essayists and scholars wrote of racial identity as a problem for a multiracial world, musicians were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their souls.

National Archives

Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life's difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant music. Modern jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more complicated urban existence. 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.

Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is exported to the world. For in the particular struggle of the Negro in America there is something akin to the universal struggle of modern man. Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.

The next Newark Public Radio, Inc. Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11. 2016, 6:00 p.m., at WBGO, 54 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102 The meeting is open to the public.

www.wbgo.org

Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:36 PM Page 4

WBGO Helps Kick Off Festivities Celebrating Newark’s 350th Year!

016 marks the 350th anniversary of WBGO’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Situated on Military Park—which went from being a militia training ground from 1667–1868, to a town commons, to the city’s most recently revitalized park—WBGO announcers and staff have the opportunity to walk through a piece of Newark’s past, present and future each day. So, it was an obvious “yes,” when we were approached by Junius Williams, the Chair of the Newark 350 Celebration Committee (NC350), to kick off a year of celebration in the park this past October. The NC350 festivities will include more than a hundred events, activities and programs. Presented by individuals and organizations such as WBGO, Newark Public Library, Newark

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

Junius Williams, Chair of the Newark 350 Celebration Committee (NC350)

Museum, Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, NJPAC and others, the festivities will be fo– cused around the city’s rich history and current vibrancy. “We are very excited with our first slate of NC350 programs for 2016. The community’s response, interest and desire to www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:37 PM Page 5

Broad Street at the corner of Raymond Boulevard in Newark, New Jersey in 1945.

be involved has been overwhelming. We have received many great ideas for programming and are thrilled with the direction of the year-long event,” stated Williams. “An important factor to our programming has been the direct feedback we received from our Programming Committee and at each of our five community ward meetings. The turnout exceeded our expectations and we

received great direction from the members of each of our diverse communities.” WBGO is honored to be part of this effort, as we broadcast our celebration of Newark each and every day. WBGO continues to produce its Newark Arts Calendar, which you can find at WBGO.org/community. There, you will find arts and cultural activities and events throughout the city of Newark. And, in honor of the 350th anniversary of the city, WBGO will be producing a series of stories about the people of Newark. So, stop by and see us in Newark this year—whether you come to one of our free, monthly Gateway 2 concerts, or to see the art in the WBGO Gallery, or to our Champions of Jazz Gala dance party at NJPAC in March—WBGO is Newark Public Radio and we celebrate that every day!

icking off Newark’s 350th anniversary year, WBGO features a series of episodes of Steve Adubato’s One-on-One, Newark at a Crossroads, Mondays at 7:30PM January 4–February 8 on WBGO 88.3FM and WBGO.org. Recorded in August 2015 at NJIT, this special series features individuals from business, healthcare, education and the non-profit world who are shaping the future of Newark. www.wbgo.org

Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:37 PM Page 6

Gary’ s Plays MUSIC DIRECTOR GARY WALKER’S TOP CDS + RE-ISSUES

Top Tunes

Kenny Burrell The Road to Love (High Note)

Stanley Clarke, Bireli Lagrene, Jean-Luc Ponty D-Stringz (Impulse)

Vic Juris Trio Blue (Steeplechase)

SUPPORT WBGO

Houston Person Something Personal (High Note)

Chucho Valdes Tribute to Irakere (Jazz Village)

great way to support WBGO is through a gift of stock or a family foundation. If you would like more information, please call John Newcott at 973-643-4302. All gifts to WBGO are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

Marcus Printup Youngbloods (Steeplechase)

Valery Ponomarev Big Band Our Father Who Art Blakey (Zoho)

www.wbgo.org

Cover Photo: Harry Prott

programs at a glance

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:37 PM Page 7

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:39 PM Page 9

All programs subject to change. Delta and traveled up the river to Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago, and the music the Mississippi inspired in the rest of the country is the story of at least the last century of American music. Feb. 28 Snarky Puppy in Big D Jazz Night in America meets up with jazzfusion superstars Snarky Puppy in their hometown of Dallas, Texas. Along with highlights from a live concert at The Prophet Bar, we explore how to hear the “gospel tinge” in the band’s infections grooves and sit down with an exclusive conversation with bandleader/bassist, Michael League in a recording studio where he breaks down his compositional process. 7:00 PM SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC MIX Grammy® nominated record producer Eulis Cathey plays an eclectic mixture of jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion, jazz/funk, Latin, classic R&B and so much more. From Grover Washington, Jr. to Weather Report; from James Brown to Eddie Palmieri; from Charles Earland to Incognito, the Sunday Night Music Mix has something for everyone. 11:00 PM THE CHECKOUT Re-broadcast of previous Tuesday’s Program. MONDAYS 6:30 PM LATINO USA with Maria Hinojosa Multi award-winning Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only nationally distributed English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective. This program covers the social, cultural and political issues facing today’s Latino community. Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino USA, is also urban affairs correspondent for CNN and a former NPR News reporter. In addition to being a broadcaster, Hinojosa is an author, and a frequent lecturer on college campuses. She has received the Robert F. Kennedy Award, an Associated Press award and the National Council of La Raza’s 1999 Ruben Salazar Award. www.wbgo.org

7:30 PM THE BEST OF ONE ON ONE with Steve Adubato One-on-One with Steve Adubato features conversations with the region’s most compelling personalities. Guests include television personalities, CEOs, artists, healthcare trailblazers, educational innovators and more. Emmy Award® winner, Steve Adubato, PhD, combines wide-ranging knowledge, a penetrating and inquisitive style and the appreciation for amiable conversation throughout the program. Steve asks questions that inspire the guests to talk beyond their expected route in a manner rarely seen on televised talk shows. One-on-One with Steve Adubato “Newark at a Crossroads” series— Jan. 4–Feb. 8 Jan. 4 Dr. Joel Bloom, President, NJIT Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with Dr. Joel Bloom, President of New Jersey Institute of Technology, to discuss innovation and ways to drive economic development through the collaboration of students and business leaders. David Rosenberg, CEO, AeroFarms Vertical farming is taking root in Newark, thanks to the vision of Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer David Rosenberg. Leafy greens and herbs will be grown in the new 69,000 square facility in Newark’s Ironbound section. Kimberly McLain, Pres. & CEO, Foundation for Newark’s Future Steve Adubato goes one on one with Kimberly McLain, President & CEO of the Foundation for Newark’s Future, to discuss how Mark Zuckerberg’s challenge grant is being used to improve education in Newark. Jan. 11 Ras J. Baraka, Newark Mayor National and international companies are calling the Brick City home. So are seniors who are enjoying new housing facilities. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka discusses the triumphs and challenges that still face New Jersey’s largest city. Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:40 PM Page 9

All programs subject to change. Delta and traveled up the river to Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago, and the music the Mississippi inspired in the rest of the country is the story of at least the last century of American music. Feb. 28 Snarky Puppy in Big D Jazz Night in America meets up with jazzfusion superstars Snarky Puppy in their hometown of Dallas, Texas. Along with highlights from a live concert at The Prophet Bar, we explore how to hear the “gospel tinge” in the band’s infectious grooves and sit down with an exclusive conversation with bandleader/bassist, Michael League in a recording studio where he breaks down his compositional process. 7:00 PM SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC MIX Grammy® nominated record producer Eulis Cathey plays an eclectic mixture of jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion, jazz/funk, Latin, classic R&B and so much more. From Grover Washington, Jr. to Weather Report; from James Brown to Eddie Palmieri; from Charles Earland to Incognito, the Sunday Night Music Mix has something for everyone. 11:00 PM THE CHECKOUT Re-broadcast of previous Tuesday’s Program. MONDAYS 6:30 PM LATINO USA with Maria Hinojosa Multi award-winning Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only nationally distributed English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective. This program covers the social, cultural and political issues facing today’s Latino community. Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino USA, is also urban affairs correspondent for CNN and a former NPR News reporter. In addition to being a broadcaster, Hinojosa is an author, and a frequent lecturer on college campuses. She has received the Robert F. Kennedy Award, an Associated Press award and the National Council of La Raza’s 1999 Ruben Salazar Award. www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:40 PM Page 10

programguide Jan./Feb. 2016 Jan. 18

Christopher Cerf, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with Newark’s new Superintendent of Public Schools, Chris Cerf, about his plan to fix the Brick City’s school system. Guy Sterling, Author, The Famous, Familiar and Forgotten: 350 Notable Newarkers Former Star-Ledger reporter Guy Sterling reveals the many fascinating people who have called Newark home in his new book The Famous, The Familiar, and The Forgotten: 350 Notable Newarkers. Jan. 25 Marjorie Perry, Pres. & CEO MZM Construction & Management Marjorie Perry, President & CEO, MZM Construction and Management goes one-onone with Steve Adubato to share more insight on her deep Newark roots and her positive future projections for the Brick City. Barbara Heisler, Executive Director, GlassRoots Steve Adubato goes one on one with Barbara Heisler, Executive Director of GlassRoots, to discuss how glass blowing transforms lives, especially of underserved youth. Thomas Krever, Executive Director, GlassRoots & Ashwanda Fleming, Ph.D. & Exec. Dir. of HMI-Newark Recent studies indicate that LGBTQ youth are 30 percent more likely to be evicted from their homes. Helping Newark LGBTQ youth cope with the myriad of challenges facing them are Hetrick-Martin Institute(HMI) Chief Executive Officer Thomas Krever and the Executive Director of HMI-NJ Ashawnda Fleming, Ph. D. Feb. 1 Barry Ostrowsky, Pres. & CEO, Barnabas Health Systems President and Chief Executive Officer of Barnabas Health, Barry H. Ostrowsky,

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

explains how the merger with Robert Wood Johnson benefits the entire New Jersey community Chris Siversen, Executive Chef and Owner, BURG Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with executive chef of the acclaimed Jersey City restaurant Maritime Parc, Chris Siversen, about his latest venture, BURG, in Newark’s Military Park. Ryan Haygood, President & CEO, NJ Institute for Social Justice Steve Adubato goes one on one with Ryan Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, to discuss law enforcement and community relations, and empowering Newark community members. Feb. 8 Ron Beit, CEO & Founding Partner, RBH Group Ron Beit, the CEO and Founding Partner of RBH Group highlights the 15-million square foot mixed-use redevelopment project known as Teacher’s Village located in downtown Newark. RBH Group recently broke ground on Maker’s Village, which will house vertical gardening pioneer AeroFarms. Andaiye Taylor, Editor, Brick City Live Steve Adubato goes One-on-One with the Editor of Brick City Live, Andaiye Taylor, to discuss her hyperlocal news website and how she is using citizen journalist to make content more relatable to the Newark community. Tony Howell, Executive Director, Educational Opportunity Program, NJIT Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with Tony Howell, Executive Director, Educational Opportunity Programs at NJIT, to discuss how the program has helped students prepare for NJIT’s rigorous college curriculum. Feb. 15 Pras Michel/Troy Lewis/ Patricia Smith More than a decade ago, Pras founded the New Jersey-based, multi-platinum rap group, www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:41 PM Page 11

All programs subject to change.

www.wbgo.org

THE CHECKOUT

January 12

shaimaestro.com

Deneka Peniston

The Fugees. He has since applied his creative energies to documentary film producing. Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with Pras, who gives insight into his new documentary Sweet Micky for President, that reveals how Pras recruited the irreverent musician, Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly to run for—and win—Haiti’s highest office. Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with first time author Troy Lewis, about his book, Gas Money, which is a collection of personal stories seen through the eyes of a six year old living in the small town of Saluda, Virginia, during the civil rights era. Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with NJPAC Poet in Residence, Patricia Smith, to discuss her poetry career and connection to NJPAC. Feb. 22 Vaughn L. McKoy/Tina DeMarco & Rudy Walker/Ted Chapin Vaughn L. McKoy, a successful lawyer, public speaker and author has made his life an example of how one rises to meet every occasion. Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with McKoy to discuss his new teaching guide, The Coaches Playbook, a classroom companion to his motivational autobiography, Playing Up: One Man’s Rise From Public Housing TO Public Service Through Mentorship. Steve Adubato talks with Tine DeMarco and Rudy Walker about how one hospital is going beyond medicine and using the power of music and art to help heal their patients. Steve Adubato goes one-on-one with Ted Chapin, who talks about his role as President & CEO of Rodgers & Hammerstein organization as well as host of the American Songbook series at NJPAC, featuring some of today’s top artists. Feb. 29 Freddy Cole/ Richard Willett & Christian Mansur A living link to the Great American Songbook, legendary Jazz pianist, vocalist, composer and arranger Freddy Cole talks about his

WJF Preview show— Ray Angry/Shai Maestro Now the biggest jazz festival in the United States, Winter Jazz Festival celebrates new jazz music by featuring over 100 bands on a dozen stages in the heart of New York City, Greenwich Village. Two of this year’s hottest acts this year Ray Angry and Shai Maestro talk about their projects. Producer and pianist Ray Angry presents Celebration Suite from Supreme Sonacy (Blue Note). Pianist Shai Maestro tells Untold Stories, also the name of his album. extraordinary career—and his newest album which, at age 85, he is currently recording. In this Newark at a Crossroads segment, Steve Adubato talks with Richard Willet, head of the Newark Boys Chorus School and student Christian Mansur, about the schools 45 years of music excellence. TUESDAYS 6:30 PM THE CHECKOUT The Checkout is a weekly one-hour music magazine featuring the best content from WBGO—the leading presenter of jazz on public media. Every week, producer Simon Rentner crafts a program that aims into the heart of New York’s music scene—featuring exclusive interviews, studio sessions, and Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:44 PM Page 12

programguide Jan./Feb. 2016 field recordings of today’s leading artists. Program listings subject to change. Jan. 5 Cape Town Jazz Fest Part 2: Thundercat/Claude Cozens The bassist, singer, and composer Thundercat talks about LA’s creative music scene— Flying Lotus, Kamasi Washington, and the late Austin Peralta. Plus, an introduction to Cape Town’s drummer Claude Cozens. Recorded at the 2015 Cape Town Jazz Festival. Jan. 12 WJF Preview show— Ray Angry/Shai Maestro See sidebar page 11. Jan. 19 MOPDTK “Blue”/ Rudresh Mahanthappa Bird Calls Don’t assume for a second the IndianAmerican alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa knows anything about his parent’s ancestry, language, or music. As a second generation kid growing up in mostlywhite Boulder Colorado, he didn’t. He became an expert of the music of Charlie Parker before investigating the music his own heritage in south India. But first, cloning Kind of Blue. The band Mostly Other People Do The Killing surprises us with their tribute of the Miles Davis classic recording. And, it may shock you too. Jan. 26 Joshua Redman/Phronesis/ Elizabeth Shepherd Joshua Redman talks about collaborating with The Bad Plus for their new recording on Nonesuch, plus shares his love for his hometown basketball team, The Golden State Warriors, now world champions. Jasper Hoiby, pianist Ivo Neame, and drummer Anton Eger from the group Phronesis talk about their album Life To Everything. The Montrealbased singer/songwriter Shepherd explains the motivation behind making her recording The Signal. Recorded at the 2015 Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

Feb. 2

Panama Jazz Fest Special Part 1: Randy Weston/Danilo Perez The Checkout takes you live to the 2016 Panama Jazz Festival to feature exclusive performances from Panamanian American piano players Danilo Perez and Randy Weston. The show will also highlight some of its emerging talent in connection with Berklee College of Music. Feb. 9 Cape Town Jazz Fest Part 1 Hugh Masekela, Benjamin Jephta, Carlo Mombelli When the South African bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli is stumped for ideas, he heads to the forest to sing along with the birds and insects. He tells us some of those “Stories.” Stories is the name of his recording featuring all self-taught musicians. The Cape Townean Benjamin Jephta is another South African bassist bubbling with ideas. The 22-year-old shares music from his debut Homecoming. But first, we go back 50 years with trumpet legend, Hugh Masekela. It’s 1965—the year that Masekela became a star and when he launched his record label Chisa. This is the 2015 Cape Town International Jazz Festival edition of The Checkout from South Africa. Feb. 16 Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Introducing Cuban pianist, singer and songwriter Zahili Gonzalez Zamora. She shares her music from the 2015 Montreal International Jazz Festival. Feb. 23 Jason Moran on Fats Waller/Ray Angry Pianist Jason Moran talks about music from his recording All Rise: A Joyful Elegy of Fats Waller (Blue Note). Jazz pianist and pop producer Ray Angry shares his five favorite pop tunes with jazz influence. 7:30 PM CONVERSATIONS WITH ALLAN WOLPER Conversations with Allan Wolper features guests whose ideas are on the cutting edge. Wolper, known as a “journalist’s journalist,” www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:46 PM Page 13

All programs subject to change. is an interviewer, reporter, documentary producer and ethics columnist, who has been honored by every journalism medium, winning over 50 awards. 8:00 PM LATIN JAZZ CRUISE with Awilda Rivera WEDNESDAYS 6:30 PM JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA Re-broadcast of previous Sunday’s Program. 7:30 PM SPORTSJAM SportsJam takes a unique peek into the sports scene as WBGO’s News and Sports Director Doug Doyle talks with a wide variety of guests. Bernie Williams, Kareem AbdulJabbar, Jon Faddis, Savion Glover and Jazz 88 host Rhonda Hamilton all agree there’s a strong connection between jazz and sports. SportsJam recently received the Best Sports Award from the New Jersey Associated Press Broadcasters Association. THURSDAYS 6:30 PM SONG TRAVELS WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN Jan. 7 Mark O’Connor Grammy®-winning violinist Mark O’Connor is at home playing bluegrass, country, jazz, and classical. And his approach to teaching strings is considered a rival to the Suzuki Method. Feinstein and O’Connor get together on this week’s Song Travels to explore American music, including a performance of Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Jan. 14 Barry Manilow Pop icon Barry Manilow got his start arranging for TV and writing commercial jingles. He was Bette Midler’s pianist before he recorded his 1974 breakout hit, “Mandy.” The rest is chart-topping history. On this Song Travels, Manilow joins Feinstein to talk about his life and career, and he performs “I Am Your Child.” Jan. 21 John Proulx Vocalist, pianist, and composer John Proulx has a voice that is reminiscent of another all-around musician, the late Chet Baker. www.wbgo.org

Proulx’s songs have been recorded by artists including Nancy Wilson and Mary Stallings, and he’s performed with legends Natalie Cole, Anita O’Day, and Marian McPartland. Proulx joins host Feinstein to discuss the continuing evolution of music. Jan. 28 Brandy Clark Country vocalist and songwriter Brandy Clark has written major hits for modern country artists Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and The Band Perry. With her acclaimed debut solo album, 12 Stories, she revitalizes the tradition of storytelling in country music with darkly humorous songs that speak from the experiences of a modern woman. Clarke performs a set of her original songs including “Pray to Jesus” and “Take a Little Pill.” Feb. 4 Jimmy Webb One of the most prominent songwriters of his era, Jimmy Webb has written for artists including Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, and the Fifth Dimension. He has earned multiple Grammys, membership in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Songwriters. In this session, Webb presents some of his most memorable songs, including “Galveston” and “MacArthur Park.” Feb. 11 Charenée Wade Jazz vocalist Charenée Wade began singing at age twelve and learned from jazz luminaries such as Carmen Lundy and Christian McBride. Her clear voice landed her first runner-up in the 2010 Thelonious Monk competition, and she followed this success with her debut album, Love Walked In. On this Song Travels, Wade performs jazz classics, including “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” and “Blue Monk.” Feb. 18 Michael and Lisa Gungor Michael and Lisa Gungor started the musical collective known as Gungor, which has been compared to Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens. Their first two albums were Grammy®-nominated, and their songwriting Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:47 PM Page 14

programguide Jan./Feb. 2016 continues to break ground and defy categorization. On this week’s Song Travels, Gungor demonstrates their innovative sound with a performance of their song “I Am Mountain.” Feb. 25 Valerie Simpson See sidebar. 7:30 PM PEOPLE’S PHARMACY This program examines current issues in medicine, mental health, nutrition and fitness. FRIDAYS 6:30 PM PORTRAITS IN BLUE Re-broadcast of previous Saturday’s Program; See Listing. 7:30 PM WBGO JOURNAL This program, produced by the multi-award winning WBGO team, covers issues of importance to the Newark/NY metro area. SATURDAYS 6:00 AM NIGHT LIGHTS Night Lights presents jazz, from 1950 to the SONG TRAVELS

February 25

Valerie Simpson Vocalist and songwriter Valerie Simpson and her late husband Nick Ashford formed one of the most powerful musical duos of the modern era. These master architects of soul and R&B penned hits including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Every Woman,” and “Solid.” Simpson reminisces about their work and life with host Michael Feinstein.

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

present, with a late-night sensibility, hosted by David Brent Johnson. Night Lights is a program of jazz in sound, story and song,” says Johnson. “I try to make each show a cultural narrative about whatever artist or theme I’m highlighting.” Jan. 2 Hipsters, Flipsters, and On-The-Scenesters Night Lights rings in the New Year with jazz tributes to characters both imagined and real, including Freddie Freeloader, Moose the Mooche, and more. Jan. 9 Portrait of Hod O’Brien An interview with the veteran pianist, as well as recordings that he’s made with Chet Baker, J.R. Monterose, Roswell Rudd, and others. Jan. 16 Swing It Loud: Duke Ellington’s Early Black-Pride Music Long before the black-pride movement of the 1960s, Duke Ellington was composing music that celebrated the history, achievements, and culture of African-Americans. We’ll hear music from Black, Brown and Beige, The Liberian Suite, and other Ellington works. Jan. 23 The Benny Golson Songbook Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson has penned some of the most notable compositions of the modern jazz era, including “Whisper Not,” “Along Came Betty,” and “I Remember Clifford.” We’ll hear performances of those pieces and more by Lee Morgan, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie’s big band, and the Jazztet. Jan. 30 Later: Bobby Hutcherson in the Mid-1970s Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson was already a Blue Note veteran when he made a string of mid-1970s hardbop albums for the label, drawing on a strong working group that included trumpeters Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Harold Land and Manny Boyd, and pianist George Cables. Although Blue Note’s glory days were already www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:47 PM Page 15

All programs subject to change. past when these records were made, they reflect the intensity of the label’s best work. Feb. 6 Vee-Jay Jazz: The Vee-Jay Records Story In 1953 a Gary, Indiana couple started a label that would become one of the most significant black-owned record companies in America. We’ll hear the jazz artists such as Lee Morgan, Wynton Kelly, and Wayne Shorter who recorded for Vee-Jay Records. Feb. 13 Portraits in Black Music tributes to African-American figures such as Paul Robeson and Joe Louis from Count Basie, Clifford Jordan, Charles Mingus and others. Feb. 20 Ready for Freddie Redd A salute to hardbop pianist Freddie Redd, featuring recordings he made with artists such as Jackie McLean and Tina Brooks. Feb. 27 Portraits of Harlem Bandleader Duke Ellington, stride pianist James P. Johnson, and saxophonist Benny Carter all wrote musical depictions of Harlem, one of the most vibrant black communities in American history. John Howland, author of Ellington Uptown, joins us to discuss these concert-jazz portraits of Harlem. 7:00 AM PORTRAITS IN BLUE Re-broadcasts on FRIDAYS at 6:30 Jan. 2 Best of 2015 Jan. 9 Albums of Jimmy Witherspoon Vol. 9 Jan. 16 Dinah Washington— From the Beginning Vol. 16 Jan. 23 Sam “The Man” Taylor Vol. 5 Jan. 30 Lucky Millinder Vol. 4 Feb. 6 Al Sears Vol. 2 Feb. 13 Buddy Johnson Vol. 6 Feb. 20 Dinah Washington Albums Vol.1 Feb. 27 Billy Eckstine Vol. 4 8:00 AM SATURDAY MORNING FUNCTION WBGO’s Bob Porter plays blues, R&B and classic soul, with an emphasis on the early 1950s to the late 1960s. New artists who www.wbgo.org

perform these styles are also featured. 10:00 AM RHYTHM REVUE with Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue’s blend of classic soul and R&B received the A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) Award for the Best Weekend Program in New York, and was named Best Radio Show by New York Magazine and the Village Voice. WBGO is the original home of Rhythm Revue. Jan. 2 Decades of Classic Soul Felix continues his 30th year on WBGO with four commercial-free hours of classic soul and R&B hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Jan. 9 Motown An extra helping of Motown classics in today’s show. Jan. 16 Pioneers Felix pays tribute to soul music’s pioneers, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, the Temptations and many others. Jan. 23 Rarities Felix dips into his rare stash for some seldom-heard and obscure soul treasures. Jan. 30 The Hits Felix features records that made it to No. 1 on the national soul charts. Feb. 6 Request Show Felix takes your classic soul requests. Click on “Requests” on the Rhythm Revue at wbgo.org! Feb. 13 Warm Your Soul It may be winter, but Felix has some uptempo classics that will warm your body and your soul! Feb. 20 Vocal Groups Felix features great soul vocal groups as part of today’s classic soul mix. Feb. 27 NY/NJ Radio Soul As part of the four hour music mix, Felix features an hour of songs that were big soul radio hits in New York City and North Jersey.

Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:47 PM Page 16

The Winter Jazz Festival, which turns 12 this year, runs in various venues around Greenwich Village in Manhattan, January 13-17. WBGO will once again partner with the festival, and Simon Rentner, host of The Checkout (Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. on WBGO), sat down with the festival’s creator, Brice Rosenbloom, to discuss this year’s event.

Simon: So how big can this festival really get? Brice: The audience that comes out every year . . . and the amount of talent that’s out there tell us that we can continue to see it Brice grow every year. This year Rosenbloom will be five days long [with more than] a hundred and twenty groups, over 650 musicians performing [in] 14 different venues across the Village. Last year we were in a beautiful venue, the Minetta Theatre, which we don’t have access to this year. [That] propelled us to start a conversation with the New School, and we’ve been able to secure four different stages at the school this year, in what we hope will become a long standing partnership. On the Friday and Saturday ECM records will be showcasing thirteen different groups of homegrown talent at the Tishman auditorium on 14th street and 5th Avenue. That showcase will feature artists like Vijay Iyer and Avishai Cohen, David Torn, Craig Taborn, Michael Formanek, Chris Potter and many others. Simon: I hear ECM records founder Manfred Eicher is making a special trip for this series. Brice: Yes, we understand that as well. We’re thrilled that he’s going to be in the room. Simon: It’s funny that you have all these venues in Greenwich Village which obviously holds great, storied history in jazz music in the United States where you’re presenting this festival. However, none of your acts are featured in any of these sort of jazz club mainstays in Greenwich Village itself like Smalls jazz club isn’t involved, Fat Cat isn’t involved or the Village Vanguard; all of these Greenwich

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

Village jazz clubs. Was that calculated or it just didn’t work out that way? Brice: You know it’s somewhat calculated, but not fully. We do include the Zinc Bar, we have included the Zinc Bar almost . . . every year but for the past seven or eight years of our twelve year history. We choose, though, to offer opportunities to experience the music in non-traditional jazz settings for audience and presenters who are in town for the Arts Presenters Conference. So yes, we will offer a couple jazz clubs, but a lot of the venues feel more like rock clubs or big open theatres; the kind of spaces that a presenter might come in and experience the music in a vibrant setting that might lend, or remind themselves of how they might want to present that artist. So we’re using Le Poisson Rouge as one of our central larger venues, right on Bleecker Street. [Other venues include] the Judson church, which is a historic space right near [the] NYU campus, and …Sub Culture, a little further east of the Village, which is kind of a basement smaller theatre space. So, the goal is to not just be in concert halls and jazz clubs but to offer a varied way to experience the music.

Find the rest of the interview at WBGO.org/WJF—along with links to interviews with the artists, the festival preview from The Checkout and more.

www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:47 PM Page 17

www.wbgo.org

Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:47 PM Page 18

Upbeat Jan./Feb. 2016

www.wbgo.org

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:48 PM Page 19

www.wbgo.org

Jan./Feb. 2016 Upbeat

WBGO Jazz 88.3FM Newark Public Radio 54 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102 www.wbgo.org

PAID Newark, NJ Permit No. 6132

TIME DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE DELIVER ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2016

The current issue of Upbeat is online with added links to content. Visit WBGO.org/Upbeat.

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

Jan_Feb_16_Upbt_WF1.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 12/22/15 12:48 PM Page 20