The first 12 minutes of this podcast takes you to Sweden. Three tracks with Swedish jazz musicians playing folk music from Russia, U,S,A,, and Hungary.That’s followed by Django Reinhardt playing a traditional Russian tune.

Then we have more jazz interpretations of Spirituals by Nina Simone, Bevely-Glenn Copeland, Ramsay Lewis, Don Shirley, and Albert Ayler.

I think the most exciting track in this episode is Clifford Jordan’s jazz interpretation of Goodnight Irene. Although Shelly Manne playing Hava Nagila is also pretty wild. I also like Oscar Peterson’s version of Greensleeves.

I also play one recording that I don’t particularly like…..but it’s by an excellent and much heralded jazz saxophonist and the album (that tries to ‘swing’ tunes that to me just aren’t swingable) and it did get some great reviews and high ratings. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear what it is….and I’m curious if you agree with me.

One more episode of jazzified folk music to go!

-Larry