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Jazz is a multi hour multi episode documentary about the genesis and progression of Jazz in America by Ken Burns

Kenneth Lauren Burns is an American filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. His work is often produced in association with WETA-TV or the National Endowment for the Humanities and distributed by PBS

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One of our practical episodes, Simon and Nick discuss the Montuno. a rhythmic ostinato common in Mambo and Salsa. Check our website as we sometimes make blog Posts about the subjects we cover in episodes

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Pedro Jústiz was born in Banes, Holguín, on January 31, 1913 into a family of local musicians. Taught by his mother since 1923, he soon learned to play the piano and joined the family band La Rechiva del Son, directed by his uncles. In 1928 he moved to Antilla to study piano and saxophone under the supervision of his grandfather, Emilio Rodríguez.

In Havana, Peruchín worked occasionally with Orquesta Casino de la Playa and Mariano Mercerón's orchestra. In 1942 he joined Los Swing Boys, a big band directed by saxophonist Emilio Peñalver and featuring José "Chombo" Silva. He then became a member of the Conjunto Matamoros, an expanded version of the Trio Matamoros. In 1943 he joined Armando Romeu's Tropicana Club orchestra. He rejected an offer by Mario Bauzá to replace Joe Loco in his band, The Afrocubans, and instead recommended René Hernández

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The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Oscar Hijuelos, published in 1989. It tells the story of two Cuban brothers, Cesar and Nestor Castillo, who immigrate to New York City in the 1950s and become successful musicians known as the Mambo Kings. The novel explores themes of family, love, loss, and the immigrant experience in America, focusing on the brothers' journey through fame, relationships, and ultimately, the passage of time.

The story follows the Castillo brothers' rise to fame in the mambo scene of New York City. By day, they work ordinary jobs, but by night, they pack dance halls and clubs with their sensuous, pulsing Latin music. Cesar, the charming womanizer, and Nestor, the quiet romantic, experience both the highs and lows of their musical career and personal lives. The story also delves into Cesar's later life, filled with memories of his brother, past loves, and the music they created together.

The book is known for its evocative portrayal of the mambo era, its vibrant characters, and its exploration of the immigrant experience and a lot of steamy sex. It's a story that resonates with readers through its themes of passion, loss, and the enduring power of music. The novel was later adapted into a 1992 film of the same name and a stage show in 2005.

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To round off this Series we talk about Ours and endings. The way jazz players stop a tune. thanks for Listening and look out for series 3!

Perhaps you will hear the ending and intro of our podcast in a new light.

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In this episode Simon and Nick talk about the common conception and mis conceptions- of how jazz happens. We actually made this episode up of the cuff....How very meta!

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This is one of our more technical episodes where we try to demystify the way jazz musicians make the music by the end of this episode you may even know what Cm7b5 means in musical terms.

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Jazz has always taken popular tunes as a starting point. Some of the most famous jazz originals like Ornithology are new tunes on old chords sometimes called contrafacts. In this episode Nick and Simon discuss the subject of modern songs done in a jazz way.

Jazz versions of Beatles tunes playlist here

Rock Swings here

Herbie Hancock The New Standard here

When Love Breaks down Dominic Howles Septet here

Post Modern Jukebox here

All above are Apple Music Links you will find them on other streaming sever ices too

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