Shows
Peaceful ExitMusic and Judaism with Rabbi Neil BlumofeRabbi Neil Blumofe is the senior rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas, and has been part of that community for 26 years! Rabbi Blumofe and I talk about how music can help facilitate community and spirituality. If life is improvisation, then Judaism is jazz. And sometimes rock 'n roll. We also talk about forgiveness, belonging, what makes something sacred and how forgiveness is possible at any time.You can learn more about Rabbi Blumofe's work here: https://theaustinsynagogue.org/rabbi-neil-f-blumofe/2025-04-0136 min
The AllCreation PodcastShmita Now with Rev. Dr. Daryl Horton & Rabbi Neil BlumofeThe Rev and Rav Talk Sabbatical Year (Shmita). Austin clergy Rev. Daryl Horton and Rabbi Neil Blumofe talk about Shmita, the sabbatical year practice described in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy—exploring concepts such as economic justice, human nature, faith, and enoughness. Daryl and Neil are each respected faith and community leader in Austin, TX. They've each served as directors of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, working towards a common good for all. About Our GuestsRev. Dr. Daryl Horton is Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin, TX. He has served the Austin community in...2021-12-2152 min
Liner NotesEllis MarsalisOn this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe remembers the legendary patriarch of New Orleans Jazz, Ellis Marsalis.2020-04-1104 minLiner NotesRalph TownerRabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe teaches us about multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer and arranger Ralph Towner. Born in Washington, Towner incorporated improvisation into much of his work.2020-03-0504 minLiner NotesDexter GordonRabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon.2020-02-2704 minLiner NotesMyra MelfordRabbi Neil Blumofe explores the life and work of pianist, improviser and composer Myra Melford.2020-02-2504 minLiner NotesJack SheldonRabbi Neil Blumofe talks about the life of Jack Sheldon following his passing on Dec 27, 2019.2020-02-1803 minLiner NotesRich HarneyHow does the sudden loss of a central figure change the local music community? How does the community deal with that loss? In this installment of Liner Notes with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, we learn about the life and career of Austin jazz pianist Rich Harney who passed away on Jan. 5, 2020. […]2020-02-1304 minLiner NotesJoe LovanoWhat does it mean to create a legacy? How do we hold at once the future and the present as we move through the world? In this installment of Liner Notes with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, we learn about the life and career of jazz great Joe Lovano, who continues to collaborate and […]2019-12-2904 minLiner NotesEddie PalmieriIn this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what the life and music of Palmieri can teach us about identity, the power of movement, and the necessity of community. Eddie Palmieri is an American pianist, bandleader, musician, and composer of Puerto Rican ancestry. He is the founder of the […]2019-12-1500 minLiner NotesTerry GibbsTerry Gibbs is an American vibraphonist and bandleader who remains the oldest bebopper at the age of 95. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Gibbs’s long career can teach us about inclusion and unity in the face of isolation and fear.2019-11-0504 minLiner NotesAzar LawrenceAzar Lawrence is an American jazz saxophonist who was hired by McCoy Tyner following the death of John Coltrane. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Lawrence can teach us about continuing a legacy, finding our voice, and knowing our value while holding on to our mortality.2019-11-0504 minLiner NotesLes McCannLes McCann is an American jazz pianist and vocalist. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about McCann’s influential life and work, and how it can inform us today.2019-11-0505 minLiner NotesJazz and The Art of MovementWhere do we consider being at home? When do we feel that we belong in a place and how quickly can we become dispossessed? In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about how jazz traces various migrations – some arbitrary, some forced, and some chosen – and beyond appropriation […]2019-08-2604 minLiner NotesPat MethenyRabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and work of jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny.2019-08-1203 minLiner NotesArt NevilleArt Neville was an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist whose music and presence over five decades defined the New Orleans music scene. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Art Neville.2019-08-0503 minLiner NotesMental HealthRabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about jazz and the art of mental health.2019-06-1703 minLiner NotesConspiracyRethink conspiracy through the appreciation of art, hard work, and beautiful music with Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe.2019-06-0104 minLiner NotesSummertimeThere is something unique about the vibe and feel of summer. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about how jazz can help us open up and connect as we move through this season.2019-05-2604 minLiner NotesGene AmmonsEugene “Jug” Ammons AKA “The Boss” was a tenor saxophonist known for his bold, R&B-soul sound. His vast discography as a bandleader and occasional sideman stretch from the 1950s to the 1970s. In this episode of Liner Notes, Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the legacy of Gene Ammons.2019-04-2605 minLiner NotesKing PleasureClarence “King Pleasure” Beeks was a fronting vocalist and early innovator of the “vocalese” style, whose discography spanned two decades in the mid twentieth century. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the career and influence of King Pleasure.2019-04-2604 minLiner NotesGeorge BensonGuitarist George Benson recorded his first album at the age of 21 and continues to be a tremendous influence in the guitar world. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe discusses the ongoing life and career of George Benson.2019-04-2605 minLiner NotesMal WaldronArranger, composer and pianist Malcolm “Mal” Waldron played in a number of big bands and fronted his own before a drug overdose left him unable to play or remember music. As he regained his technique through listening to his own records, Waldron began a second leg of his career with a decidedly different sound than […]2019-04-2607 minLiner NotesPat MartinoThrough his innovative post-bop, fusion and soul jazz, guitarist Pat Martino overcame a memory crisis and focused on the present to rediscover his technique. In this edition of Liner Notes, jazz historian and Rabbi Neil Blumofe recollects Pat Martino, his struggle with amnesia, and how he re-learned his iconic technique.2019-03-0505 minLiner NotesBobby HutchersonThis past week commemorated the 77th anniversary of Bobby Hutcherson‘s birthday, the “world’s best vibist” who passed away in 2016. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz Historian Neil Blumofe guides us through the life, contributions and influence of Bobby Hutcherson. Music: “Little Angel”, “Montara”, “Catta” – Bobby Hutcherson “Groovin Blue” – Curtis Amy, “Blue […]2019-01-2905 minLiner NotesWynton KellyWynton Kelly was a piano prodigy who accompanied legendary performers across hundreds of songs but failed to make it big as a bandleader. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz Historian Neil Blumofe walks us through Kelly’s upbringing, aspirations, and why he was often viewed simply as a “first rate sideman”. Music: “Freddie […]2019-01-2305 minLiner NotesMelba ListonMelba Liston was a master arranger and a trombonist with an incredible but often overlooked talent. On this episode of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe discusses life and legacy. Music: Melba Liston – “Insomnia” [1959] Dizzy Gillespie – “Annie’s Dance” [1957] Randy Weston – “Caban Bamboo Highlife” [1963] Melba Liston – “Very […]2019-01-2305 minLiner NotesThe History Of Blue NoteCelebrating its 80th anniversary in 2019, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe walks us through the origins of Blue Note Records and how genres like bebop helped to understand the turbulence of the times. Music: Horace Silver – “Silver’s Serenade”Sidney Bechet – “Early In The Morning”Thelonious Monk – “Thelonious”.2019-01-0705 minLiner NotesThe New Year & ResponsibilityReflecting on 2018 and welcoming 2019, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe connects jazz and reinvention, then recites “New Year’s Recipe” by Carlos Drummond de Andrade. Music: Art Tatum – “Prisoner of Love”2019-01-0304 minLiner NotesLeonard Bernstein and What Is Jazz?“Jazz is the ultimate common denominator of the American musical style.” –Leonard Bernstein In the 1950s Leonard Bernstein made a series of educational recordings on jazz with the goal of bringing jazz to a generation of listeners who were entering the world of rock n’ roll. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz […]2018-07-1504 minLiner NotesHenry Butler (7.8.18)Henry Butler was a jazz pianist and singer who embodied the New Orleans musical tradition in his style. Butler passed July 2, 2018, and in this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe pays tribute to this musical master.2018-07-0605 minLiner NotesSummertime (6.23.18)“Summertime” is an aria composed in 1934 by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what unique lessons we can learn listening to “Summertime” today.2018-06-2404 minLiner NotesAustin (2.25.18)In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of jazz in the “Live Music Capital of The World.”2018-02-2703 minLiner NotesJazz and The Art of LoveIn this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about love and its discontents.2018-02-1104 minLiner NotesT-Bone Walker (5.28.17)T-Bone Walker was an American Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who’s sound and technique influenced generations of blues artists and helped create the foundation for what would become rock and roll. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe talks about how the life and legacy of T-Bone Walker can […]2017-05-2804 minLiner NotesSidney BechetSidney Bechet was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. He was one of the first important soloists in jazz and was perhaps the first notable jazz saxophonist. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, discusses the transitional music stylings of Sidney Bechet, using his legacy as a model for […]2017-05-1804 minLiner NotesLarry CoryellLarry Coryell was an American jazz guitarist known as the “Godfather of Fusion”. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, uses the complex fusion of Larry Coryell’s music to reflect on our own sense of contradicting feeling and give us the courage to face and exist in these many worlds […]2017-05-1803 minLiner NotesJason MarsalisJason Marsalis is an American jazz drummer and member of the Marsalis family of musicians. He worked as a sideman in mainstream jazz, funk, and jazz fusion groups, as well as with esteemed pianist, Marcus Roberts. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, uses Jason Marsalis’ freedom in self-expression to […]2017-05-1803 minLiner NotesJames MoodyJames Moody was an American jazz saxophone and flute player, playing predominantly in the bebop and hard bop styles. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, talks about how the versatility of James Moody can teach us to embrace the complexity of human nature.2017-05-1804 minLiner NotesHerbie MannHerbie Mann was an American jazz player, most noted for being among the first jazz musicians to specialize on the flute as an important early practitioner of world music. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, uses the life and music of Herbie Mann to emphasize the need for sharing […]2017-05-1803 minLiner NotesBooker Little, Jr.Booker Little, Jr., was an American Jazz trumpeter and composer, performing with John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy until his early death at the age of 23. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, uses the music and legacy of Booker Little to remind us of the fragility of life and […]2017-05-1804 minLiner NotesOrnette ColemanOrnette Coleman was an American jazz saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter, and composer, and was one of the major innovators of the free jazz movement of the 1960s, a term he invented with the name of his 1961 album. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe, uses the improvisatory style of Ornette […]2017-05-1703 minLiner NotesAllen Toussaint (1.15.17)Allen Toussaint was an American musician, songwriter and record producer who’s legacy largely defined our imagined connection to the story of New Orleans. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian, Neil Blumofe talks about what the music of Toussaint can teach us today about the value of human connection and the power […]2017-01-1603 minLiner NotesCassandra Wilson (12.4.16)Cassandra Wilson is an American jazz vocalist, composer and songwriter who remains one of the most prominent American voices on the jazz scene. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what we can learn from Wilson’s life and work.2016-12-0504 minLiner NotesRoy Hargrove (10.16.16)Roy Hargrove is an American jazz trumpeter who made a name for himself in the early 90s with his first solo record Diamond in The Rough and went on to record with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine and others. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe […]2016-10-1603 minLiner NotesJazz & the Art of the Other [Part One]Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling […]2016-09-2756 minLiner NotesJazz & the Art of the Other [Part Two]Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling […]2016-09-2738 minLiner NotesSam Rivers (9.25.16)Samuel Carthorne Rivers was an America jazz musician and composer who’s approach to jazz in the 50s and 60s added to the depth of voices coming out of the free jazz movement. Specifically River’s was known for his “inside-outside” style that moved away from and then toward predicted patterns and melody’s. In this edition of […]2016-09-2603 minLiner NotesJazz and the Art of the Other (9.18.16)Sigmund Freud wrote: “every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. One’s ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.” How are we complicit in dehumanizing others, and how are we in turn, dehumanized? How do we cope with the unsettling […]2016-09-1804 minLiner NotesBranford Marsalis (8.28.16)Branford Marsalis is an American jazz instrumentalist and composer whose work expands spaces and understandings of the role of jazz in almost every musical genre. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what the life and work of Branford Marsalis can teach us today.2016-08-3003 minLiner NotesRahsaan Roland Kirk (8.7.16)Rahsaan Roland Kirk was an American jazz tenor saxophone player who was known for his ability to play multiple instruments at once. He was an outspoken activist and was known also for his sense of humor on stage. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the lessons we […]2016-08-0504 minLiner NotesHank Jones (7.31.16)Hank Jones was a American jazz piano player who’s long career spanned over half a century. He played with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe and gained a reputation as an adaptive and supportive musician. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of […]2016-08-0503 minLiner NotesJon Faddis (7.24.16)Jon Faddis is an American jazz trumpeter who is known, in part, for his collaborations with Charles Mingus, early in his career, and later with Dizzy Gillespie. Faddis, not only continues to re-imagine their works, but also to educate musicians on the importance of using jazz as a tool to communicate in our time. In […]2016-07-2403 minLiner NotesGeri Allen (7.17.16)Geri Allen is an American jazz pianist, composer and educator who continues to bridge the divides of time and space between the jazz of mid century America and today. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of the life and work of Geri Allen.2016-07-1603 minLiner NotesMiles Davis’ Second Quintet (6.18.16)In addition to his prowess as a musician, Mikes Davis was a master teacher. Inspiring generations of instrumentalists, he is perhaps best known for encouraging a young group that became known as his Second Quintet. Along with Miles – Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams together contributed to the great furthering of […]2016-06-1904 minLiner NotesSun Ra (5.22.16)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Sun Ra.2016-05-2203 minLiner NotesHerby Hancock & Wayne Shorter (4.17.16)Collaborations are special gifts in life connect us, not only to the present moment with another, but also to a shared sense of the past. In the latest installment of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the partnership between Herby Hancock and Wayne Shorter, and what their work together can teach […]2016-04-1804 minLiner NotesChick Corea (4.10.16)Chick Corea is an American jazz composer and pianist, known for his ability to smoothly glide between jazz standards, avant-garde jazz and fusion. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and work of Chick Corea, and what his approach to music can teach us today.2016-04-0904 minLiner NotesTerell Stafford (4.3.16)Terell Stafford is an American jazz trumpeter and current Director of Jazz Studies at the at the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Stafford’s music and perspective brings to discussions about jazz and American identity today.2016-04-0103 minLiner NotesBen Webster (3.27.16)Ben Webster was an American jazz saxophonist who helped to shape the musical landscape of the 20th century. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Ben Webster.2016-03-2904 minLiner NotesTerrance Blanchard (3.13.16)Terrance Blanchard is an American jazz trumpet player, composer, and bandleader whose music has helped to shape the sound of distress and anguish, but ultimately hope in the 21st century. His sound continues to evolve as he creates more moving and poignant pieces and soundtracks that speak to the discontent in America due to racial […]2016-03-1204 minLiner NotesSonny Clark (2.28.16)What can we learn from the life and legacy of Sonny Clark? He was instrumental to the development of bebop and American music in the mid 20th century, not only as one who created and recorded his own tunes, but one who supported the dreams and visions of others as well. In this edition of […]2016-02-2703 minLiner NotesOscar Pettiford (1.31.16)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of bassist, cellist, and composer Oscar Pettiford.2016-01-3104 minLiner NotesPaul Bley (1.10.16)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of the late jazz pianist Paul Bley.2016-01-1004 minLiner NotesHerbie Nichols (1.3.16)In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Herbie Nichols.2016-01-0203 minLiner NotesEarl Hines (12.27.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and legacy of American jazz pianist and bandleader Earl “Fatha” Hines.2015-12-2603 minLiner NotesJazz and ApocalypseIn this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe discusses how jazz can help us to prevail against notions of an appending apocalypse in our time.2015-12-0604 minLiner NotesBilly Strayhorn (11.29.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and legacy of jazz legend Billy Strayhorn.2015-11-2903 minLiner NotesHoagy Carmichael (11.22.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Hoagy Carmichael.2015-11-2304 minLiner NotesJazz and the Art of Psychoanalysis (11.8.15)In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the relationship between jazz and psychoanalysis. These early 20th century emerging ways of life have had a profound effect on our individual spiritual development as well as our identity as a larger civilization, as we consider our dreams, desires, loves, and […]2015-11-0804 minLiner NotesLou Donaldson (11.01.15)In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talk about the life and work of American jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson.2015-11-0304 minLiner NotesEddie Henderson (10.25.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the life and work of jazz trumpeter and medical doctor Eddie Henderson.2015-10-2404 minLiner NotesPhil Woods (10.11.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life, work, and legacy of jazz saxophonist Phil Woods.2015-10-1104 minLiner NotesSteve Coleman (9.20.15)Steve Coleman is an American saxophonist, composer, and band leader who’s work bridges the gaps between spirituality, culture, and time. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of Coleman’s work in our lives today. He suggests that through the music of Steve Coleman we can understand […]2015-09-1804 minLiner NotesOliver Lake (9.13.15)Oliver Lake is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and poet who co-founded The World Saxophone Quartet in 1977. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the way in which Lake’s music offered a portal for us to understand the civil rights movement and social justice through art. When […]2015-09-1704 minLiner NotesJazz: Freedom and Liberty (7.5.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about the relationship between jazz and the idea of freedom in America. He quotes how Duke Ellington describes jazz as, “a good barometer of freedom.” Ellington said, “In its beginnings, the United States of America spawned certain ideals of freedom and independence […]2015-07-0404 minLiner NotesAndrew Hill (6.28.15)Andrew Hill was an American jazz pianist and performer, who’s innovative approach to composition, was not only shared on his records and in the clubs, but also in the classroom. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life, legacy and perspective of Andrew Hill can teach […]2015-06-2704 minLiner NotesWes Montgomery (6.14.15)Wes Montgomery was born “John Leslie Montgomery” in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1923. From humble beginnings in the Midwest, he went on to become one of the all time leading jazz guitar players, taking after luminaries like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about […]2015-06-1504 minLiner NotesRudresh Mahanthappa (5.10.15)Rudresh Mahanthappa is an American jazz alto saxophonist and composer. Much of his music fuses the western improvisational approach to jazz, with sacred music from India, to expand the understanding of what it means to be in a present moment intercontinentally. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about […]2015-05-0804 minLiner NotesHerbie Hancock (4.12.15)Herbie Hancock is an American pianist, and composer who’s musical collaborations span the breadth of everyone from Clark Terry and Miles Davis, to Joni Mitchell and Kanye West. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what the life and work of Herbie Hancock can teach us about dedication, […]2015-04-1103 minLiner NotesDexter Gordon (3.29.15)Dexter Gordon was an American jazz saxophone player, who helped to cement the bebop style post Charlie Parker and others. He spent most of his career playing, composing and recording in Europe, as it was a more, “harmonious” place to live and create. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, […]2015-03-2704 minLiner NotesKing Curtis (2.15.15)King Curtis was an American saxophonist, who played not only jazz, but R&B, rock n’ roll, and funk as well. His style was powerful and poignant, allowing moments to fully expand and develop. Unfortunately Curtis died young, murdered at the age of 37. In this installment of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe […]2015-02-1403 minLiner NotesTina Marsh (1.18.15)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and legacy of Austin-based composer and artist Tina Marsh.2015-01-1704 minLiner NotesDave Brubeck (12.7.14)Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer who helped to bring jazz to a mainstream audience, during very turbulent days in America’s history. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe discusses how listening to Brubeck’s music provides us with an opportunity to make change and fight injustices by […]2014-12-0403 minLiner NotesWillie “The Lion” Smith (11.23.14)Willie “The Lion” Smith defined what it meant to be a stride, jazz piano player in 20th century America. As an and African-American Jew, Smith approached the magnitude of WWI, and the early 1900s with a kaleidoscope of perspectives. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, explores what the life, […]2014-11-2203 minLiner NotesJohn Hendricks (11.16.14)Jon Hendricks is an American jazz singer who is considered to be the poet laureate of jazz. He inspired, and continues to speak to, greats like Bobby McFerrin and even Thelonious Monk. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Bulmofe, explores the way in which, as a singer, Hendricks’ discipline and […]2014-11-1503 minLiner NotesDon Byron (11.9.14)Don Byron is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist, rooted in jazz. However, his stylistic influences range from heavy metal to klezmer and more. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe explores what it means to go beyond the idea of “avant-garde” and remain inspired and open to all elements of […]2014-11-0903 minLiner NotesAlice Coltrane (10.26.14)In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the life and music of the great Alice Coltrane.2014-10-2804 minLiner NotesPharoah Sanders (10.12.14)Pharoah Sanders is an American jazz saxophonist who came up along side John Coltrane to experiment with “sheets of sound”, and went on to become one of the most inventive composers and musicians in the Avant-garde movement. In this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe, talks about what we can learn […]2014-10-1303 minLiner NotesJohnny Hodges (7.27.14)Johnny Hodges was an American jazz alto saxophonist best known for his work with Duke Ellington’s big band and Billy Strayhorn. His sound was so smooth and melodic that Duke Ellington said, just his tone could bring a tear to your eye. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks […]2014-07-2603 minLiner NotesLee Morgan (7.20.14)Lee Morgan was an American jazz trumpeter who continued in the wake of Clifford Brown to develop the hard-bop style. He was a prolific recording artist as well, and in his short 33 years of life, recorded over 20 albums. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what […]2014-07-1903 minLiner NotesEric Dolphy (6.29.14)Eric Dolphy was an American born jazz saxophonist, composer and bass clarinetist who worked with many jazz greats including Charles Mingus to shape a new direction forward for jazz in the 1960s. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about what Dolphy’s approach to his music and his life […]2014-06-2703 minLiner NotesGeorge Gershwin (6.22.14)George Gershwin was an American musician, composer and visionary whose work at the beginning of the 20th century helped to shaped a collective understanding of the American experience. In this installment of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe explores the life and legacy George Gershwin.2014-06-2204 minLiner NotesJaki Byard (6.15.14)Jaki Byard was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer who collaborated with many artists, significantly Charles Mingus. He incorporated a range of styles in his approach, from ragtime to bebop, and swing to stride. He spanned years of musical tradition, bringing history into one moment–an eternal now. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi Neil […]2014-06-1403 minLiner NotesYusef Lateef (6.8.14)Yusef Lateef was an American jazz mufti-instrumentalist, composer and educator who extended the possibilities of what it meant to understand and expand in the jazz genera with a universal sensibility. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe illustrates what the music and legacy of Lateef and his music can teach […]2014-06-0703 minLiner NotesMiles Davis (5.25.14)Miles Davis is considered one of the most innovative and influential musicians of the 20th century. He added his voice to the narratives of our culture at significant points, and offered a perspective which considered the sanctity of silence in each moment. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi Neil Blumofe acknowledges what Miles Davis […]2014-05-2404 minLiner NotesArchie Shepp (5.18.14)Archie Shepp is a jazz saxophonist whose compositions and rhythms added a political and powerful voice to conversations about race, inequality, power and justice in America, especially in the 1970s. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the what it means to be a unique voice in a […]2014-05-1803 minLiner NotesCharlie Rouse (4.13.14)Charlie Rouse was an American hard bop tenor saxophonist and much sought-after sideman. He is known primarily for his collaboration with Thelonious Monk. In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of the role of the “sidemen” and “associates” in our lives, and why it is important […]2014-04-1403 minLiner NotesBill Frisell (3.23.14)Bill Frisell is not only an innovator on jazz guitar, but has worked in many genres to develop a sound-rich landscape. He fuses many cultures and sensibilities together, which can help us navigate our way through the modern American experience, both tangibly and metaphysically. Rabbi Neil Blumofe describes his sound as post-post-modern.2014-04-0903 minLiner NotesTadd Dameron (Sunday 7.21.13)Rabbi Neil Blumofe examines American jazz musician in this week’s Liner Notes short. The composer, arranger and pianist is most well known for his involvement in the bebop era, but also in the swing and hard bop genres. The Cleveland native collaborated with other Liner Notes artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny […]2013-07-1903 min