Brian Bromberg, a virtuoso bassist, honors the legacy of Scott LaFaro with his latest album, LaFaro, and a series of live performances. LaFaro, who tragically died at 25, was a groundbreaking bassist with the Bill Evans Trio, inspiring Bromberg's tribute. Initially reluctant to take on the project due to the pressures of honoring a jazz legend, Bromberg eventually embraced it after realizing LaFaro's profound influence on his playing. Bromberg also shares personal connections to jazz greats like Stan Getz, with whom he played, and Bill Evans, a missed opportunity from his youth. His career spans collaborations with top artists and an eclectic solo catalog ranging from traditional jazz to contemporary styles. Known for his versatility on upright and electric bass, Bromberg defies genre boundaries, seeking to deliver heartfelt, high-quality musicianship in every project. His performances and music continue to celebrate innovation and jazz's rich history. https://njjs.org/magazine/

41- "Bluesette" -Toots Thielemans

Standards Rating of 8- Difficulty Rating 7

"Bluesette," composed by Toots Thielemans in 1964, is a celebrated jazz standard recognized for its memorable melody and intricate harmonic structure. This 24-bar jazz waltz features wide intervallic leaps and recurring rhythmic motifs, creating a captivating listening experience. Thielemans, a renowned Belgian harmonica player and guitarist showcased his unique talent by whistling and playing guitar in unison, particularly in his album The Whistler and His Guitar. His collaborations with jazz legends and contributions to popular music, including soundtracks and sessions with artists like Paul Simon and Ella Fitzgerald, solidified his legacy. Sarah Vaughan’s interpretation, produced by Quincy Jones, adds a soulful vocal dimension, further enriching this timeless classic.

Toots Thielemans -https://youtu.be/Oi4G6UmYK9U?si=VcrHN8f5FzC2ttIA

Sarah Vaughan https://youtu.be/0cUoDcjovHA?si=1dh_QFZrj8vWMDGw

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/show/0nS4HH56YVpefoQiaESjqQ?si=6d2a840dc20841de

40- “Blues for Alice” and Red Rodney

Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6

Charlie Parker's "Blues for Alice" is a landmark bebop composition that reimagines the 12-bar blues with angular melodies and intricate syncopation. Parker introduces harmonic complexity by incorporating II-V progressions and other substitutions, creating a sophisticated yet grounded piece. Trumpeter Red Rodney, often underappreciated, made his mark on Parker’s original 1951 recording, solidifying his place in bebop history. Despite battling addiction, which disrupted his career, Rodney displayed remarkable skill and adaptability, returning to the jazz scene in his later years. His later performances of "Blues for Alice" and other standards reflected his enduring mastery of the bebop style.

Curated Spotify Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=2jjeQR9SSP6HMcUeaoba5w

Charlie Parker https://youtu.be/G7USMqAH8qk?si=0KdAcMrBRAfpsmop

Red Rodney https://youtu.be/fxj_CunPkww?si=_mdJwJfXY50MxU34