Jaki Byard

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Marian McPartland hosted her hourly radio series “Piano Jazz” for many years, interviewing and playing duets with a countless number of major jazz pianists.

The very versatile Jaki Byard, who could play credibly in nearly every jazz style, is in the spotlight during this program from 1995.

Byard chats with McPartland a little about his early days and playing piano in general, and is in excellent form on such numbers as his adventurous “European Episode,” “In A Mellow Tone,” “We Kiss In A Shadow” and “Lester Leaps In.”

While Jaki Byard mostly plays bop and swing on the show, he also hints at his interest in stride and free jazz during this fascinating hour.

Playlist

1. Hello Young Lovers” (Rodgers, Hammerstein)
2. European Episode” (Byard)
3. Rose Room” (Hickman, Williams)
4. In A Mellow Tone” (Ellington)
5. How High The Moon” (Hamilton, Lewis)
6. Ornithology” (Parker, Harris)
7. We Kiss In A Shadow” (Rodgers, Hammerstein)
8. On A Clear Day” (Lerner, Lane)
9. June In January” (Rainger, Robin)
10. Free Piece” (McPartland)
11. My Silent Love” (Suesse, Heyman)
12. Lester Leaps In/I Got Rhythm” (Young, Gershwin)

– Scott Yanow

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