The First Jazz Feature tonight is "An Introduction to Jazz" narrated by Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. It is a tradition on The Jazz Show every year paying tribute to this time of year..."back to school, back to work" etc. with this educational and entertaining overview of the history of Jazz. Although it was recorded in 1960 it has significance and relevance to today's Jazz of 2024. The second Jazz Feature is a significant album by one of the most distinctive voices of the alto saxophone, the late Arthur Blythe. Mr. Blythe was well known in Los Angeles as a member of that city's Jazz underground and when he emigrated to New York in the mid 70's and recorded for small labels. Blythe to the surprise of many was signed by Columbia Records and recorded his first album called "Lenox Avenue Breakdown" . It was edgy, energetic and consisted of only four long compositions by Arthur Blythe. His band was unique as well with Arthur's fulsome alto saxophone paired with flute, guitar, tuba bass and drums. Blythe is accompanied by James Newton on flute, James "Blood" Ulmer on guitar, Bob Stewart on tuba, Cecil McBee on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Guilherme Franco on percussion. This date began a four album run for Columbia and strangely they all soon became collectors items as they were not kept in the catalogue. Perhaps they were too adventurous for the lay Jazz public. Tonight The Jazz Show presents the first and best on "Lenox Avenue Breakdown". Head's up!!!

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