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, […]

Willie “The Lion” Smith (11.23.14)

Rabbi Neil Blumofe examines jazz greats and history in this week’s Liner Notes.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Music

Documentary

Music History

On this edition of Liner Notes, Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe remembers the legendary patriarch of New Orleans Jazz, Ellis Marsalis.

Ellis Marsalis

Rabbi 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.

Ralph Towner

Rabbi and jazz historian Neil Blumofe talks about jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon.

Dexter Gordon

Rabbi Neil Blumofe explores the life and work of pianist, improviser and composer Myra Melford.

Myra Melford

Rabbi Neil Blumofe talks about the life of Jack Sheldon following his passing on Dec 27, 2019.

Willie “The Lion” Smith (11.23.14)

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