Jazz Break at Noon - August 2024

July 29 - August 2

Bob Weinstock’s Prestige Records
Founded by Bob Weinstock in 1949, Prestige Records is a cornerstone of jazz history. The label's early years (1950-1961) produced seminal recordings by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz, among countless others. However, Prestige's legacy extends beyond bebop and hard bop. The label's embrace of soul jazz in the 1960s, spearheaded by organ virtuosos like Shirley Scott and Brother Jack McDuff, and saxophonists Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and the 'Boss Tenor' Gene Ammons, not only defined the genre but also ensured the label's commercial viability. This week on the Jazz Break at Noon, we celebrate and delve deep into Prestige's rich catalog, showcasing the label's mastery of both hard bop and soul jazz and the artists who made Prestige a household name.

August 5 - 9

Impulse Records
Founded in 1960 by Creed Taylor for ABC/Paramount Records, Impulse! Records quickly established itself as a groundbreaking force in the jazz world. Dynamic, exploratory, free, and expressive, Impulse! Record’s impact on jazz  is undeniable. Under Taylor’s direction, the label became a platform for artistic experimentation and innovation, pushing the boundaries of jazz and embracing a wider range of musical influences. From its inception, the label showcased a roster of legendary and visionary artists including Oliver Nelson, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Max Roach, Alice Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Keith Jarrett, and it’s soaring star, John Coltrane who redefined the Impulse! sound, creating a legacy that resonates to this day - bound by its signature orange and black label design.

August 12 - 16

Manfred Eicher's Edition of Contemporary Music - ECM Records
This week, we embark on a deep dive into the world of ECM Records, the visionary label founded by Manfred Eicher in Munich, Germany in 1969. Renowned for its commitment to sonic purity and artistic integrity, ECM has steadfastly pursued a mission to capture music's deepest sensitivities, cultivating a catalog characterized by cerebral and emotive qualities. For over five decades, the label has released some of the most influential jazz and classical recordings, shaping the sound of contemporary music. Our exploration will feature pianist Keith Jarrett, guitarist Pat Metheny, vibraphonist Gary Burton with pianist Chick Corea, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, bassist Charlie Haden, saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and pianist Vijay Iyer, among many others. Join us as we uncover the ECM legacy, one song at a time.

August 19 -  23 

Modern Masters: 21st Century Labels in Jazz
"Jazz on Wax" continues with part of its five-part series on the greatest record labels of jazz past and present. This week, we turn our focus to the present with our series "Modern Masters". We'll spotlight five cutting-edge labels driving today’s jazz scene. Our listening sessions will highlight the music of Vancouver's Cellar Music, Highnote Records, Chicago's eclectic International Anthem Record Company, Mack Avenue, and New York’s independent label, Smoke Sessions. These imprints are keeping jazz alive, pushing boundaries, and honoring tradition. Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of the Modern Master of 21st-century jazz.  

August 26 - 30

85 Years of Blue Note Records
For over 85 years, Blue Note Records has been synonymous with jazz excellence. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion, Francis Wolff, and Max Margulis, Blue Note has been a cornerstone of the music’s evolution, capturing and archiving the essence of every era from bebop to hard bop, the avant-garde to post-bop and beyond. To experience Blue Note Records is to witness the unfolding story of jazz over eight decades. Join us for the final chapter of our "Jazz on Wax" series as we explore the rich history of Blue Note Records.