Best Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman Podcasts (2025)

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8:30 Jazz Podcast Episode #55 Carlos Santana 1:18:57

1d ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Send us a text Carlos Santana is a legendary Mexican-American guitarist known for blending rock, Latin music, blues, and jazz into a unique and influential sound. He founded the Santana band in the late 1960s, gaining fame with their electrifying performance at Woodstock and hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va.” The band has seen various…

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8:30 Jazz Podcast #54 organist Jimmy Smith 1:27:50

15d ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Send us a text Jimmy Smith was a pioneering American jazz organist, widely regarded for his mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ. He played a crucial role in popularizing the instrument in jazz, blending elements of blues, bebop, and gospel into a unique and soulful sound. With an innovative approach to rhythm and improvisation, Smith's influential rec…

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8:30 Episode #53 Charlie Parker / Dizzy Gillespie 1:14:32

28d ago1:14:32

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Send us a text Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were pioneers of bebop, a jazz movement that revolutionized the genre in the 1940s. Parker's virtuosic saxophone playing, combined with Gillespie's innovative trumpet techniques, pushed the boundaries of harmony, rhythm, and improvisation, creating complex, fast-paced compositions that required a de…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast Episode #52 Rudy Van Gelder 1:18:51

1M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Send us a text Rudy Van Gelder was a renowned American recording engineer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. Born on November 2, 1924, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he developed a passion for sound engineering at a young age, eventually leading him to set up his own recording studio in Hackensack, Ne…

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8:30 Episode #51 Season 2 "R&B Groups With Jazzy Instrumentals" 1:19:35

2M ago1:19:35

1:19:35

Send us a text In this episode your 8:30 Crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman explore the R&B side of Jazz with songs that are typically known as associated with R&B groups or acts. You will be able to hear how the music genres of Gospel, the Blues, and Rhythm and Blues all share something in common. Songs include : The Sound Table - C…

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8:30 Episode #50 "A Super Special 50th Episode Celebration - Songs For Our Fathers" 2:02:02

3M ago2:02:02

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Send us a text In this Exciting Super Special 2 hour 50th Episode from your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman, we are honoring our Dads. They are the ones who got us into Jazz, and in this Amazing Episode you will hear stories of Hollywood and The Jazzman growing up and listening to Jazz music! Songs include: Compared To What -…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast, episode #49 Smooth Jazz. 1:28:24

3M ago1:28:24

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Send us a text On the next jazz podcast, the 8:30 crew will dive into the music of smooth jazz artists who created the sounds that played on radio stations throughout the country. Smooth jazz is a mellow, melodic genre that blends elements of jazz, r&b and pop music. Known for its soothing rhythms and polished instrumentation, it often features sax…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast Episode: Jean-Luc Ponty 1:07:45

3M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Send us a text Legendary Jean-Luc Ponty is a French jazz violinist and composer, renowned for his pioneering work in blending jazz improvisation with electronic music. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a wide range of influential artists, including Frank Zappa, and has released numerous albums as a bandleader, pushing the boundaries o…

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8:30 Episode The Yellowjackets vs Spyro Gyra Pt.1 1:02:08

4M ago1:02:08

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Send us a text The Yellowjackets and Spyro Gyra are both iconic jazz fusion bands that emerged in the late 1970s, but they represent distinct approaches to the genre. The Yellowjackets tend to blend complex harmonies and intricate rhythms with a more contemporary, experimental sound, often incorporating elements of funk and R&B into their music. In…

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8:30 Episode #5 "The Lost Episode" (Off The Cuff) 1:18:28

5M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

Send us a text In this Amazing 8:30 Episode, The 8:30 crew are literally going right off the cuff, picking songs to play and listen to as we are recording the episode. This would have been 8:30 episode # 5, but we never released it, so we are calling this one…"THE LOST EPISODE”. It features Dexter Gordon, John Serry, Quincy Jones, Jacob Collier, He…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #43 - Thelonious Monk 1:09:30

5M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Send us a text In this episode of our jazz podcast, we dive deep into the genius of Thelonious Monk, one of the most innovative and influential pianists in jazz history. We explore Monk's unique approach to rhythm, melody, and improvisation, highlighting his groundbreaking compositions and the lasting impact they've had on the genre. Through engagi…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #42 - George Duke 1:09:32

6M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Send us a text George Duke was a pioneering keyboardist, composer, and producer whose career spanned jazz, funk, and fusion, blending complex improvisation with accessible melodies. Known for his virtuosic skill on both electric and acoustic keyboards, Duke played with notable artists like Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Stanley Clarke, shaping the s…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #41 - Quincy Jones 57:52

6M ago57:52

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Send us a text Quincy Jones was a legendary American music producer, conductor, and composer, whose career spans over seven decades and has left an indelible mark on jazz, pop, and film music. He is perhaps best known for producing Michael Jackson's iconic albums Thriller and Bad, as well as his innovative work on the soundtrack for the film The Co…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #40 - Cannonball Adderley 1:06:30

7M ago1:06:30

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Send us a text Cannonball Adderley was a celebrated American alto saxophonist known for his vibrant sound and engaging improvisational style. Rising to prominence in the late 1950s, he became a key figure in the hard bop jazz movement, collaborating with legends like Miles Davis and his brother Nat Adderley. His influential recordings, including "M…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 39 - Atlantic Records 1:07:37

7M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

Send us a text Atlantic Recording Corporation (simply known as Atlantic Records) is an American record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. Over the course of two decades, starting from the release of its first recordings in January 1948,[3] Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most important American labels, spec…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 38 - John Coltrane 1:31:09

7M ago1:31:09

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Send us a text John William Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazzsaxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. Born and raised in North Carolina, Coltrane moved to Philadelphia after graduating from high school, where he studie…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 37 - Lee Morgan 1:45:03

7M ago1:45:03

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Send us a text Lee Morgan, a formidable talent in the world of jazz, is best remembered for his groundbreaking work as a trumpet player on the Blue Note label. Born in Philadelphia in 1938, Morgan emerged as a prodigy in the jazz scene, joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers at a young age. His distinctive, fiery tone and sophisticated improvisationa…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #36 - Joe Zawinul 1:00:18

7M ago1:00:18

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Send us a text Josef Erich Zawinul (July 7 1932 - September 11, 2007) was an Austrian Jazz and Jazz Fusion keyboardist and Composer. First coming to prominence with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, Zawinul went on to play with Miles Davis and to become one of the creators of Jazz Fusion, a musical genre that combined Jazz with Jazz Rock. He co-foun…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #35 - Hank Mobley 1:09:07

7M ago1:09:07

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Send us a text In this exciting episode, your 8:30 crew Herman “Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman explore the sounds of the Blue Note Artist Hank Mobley. Henry Mobley (July 7, 1930 – May 30, 1986) was an American tenor saxophonist and composer.[1] Mobley was described by Leonard Feather as the "middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone",[2]…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #34 - Herbie Hancock Headhunters 1:13:39

7M ago1:13:39

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Send us a text Head Hunters is the twelfth studio album by American pianist, keyboardist and composer Herbie Hancock, released October 26, 1973, on Columbia Records. The album was a commercial and artistic breakthrough for Hancock, crossing over to funk and rock audiences and bringing jazz-funk fusion to mainstream attention, peaking at number 13 o…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 33 - Horace Silver 1:17:35

8M ago1:17:35

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Send us a text In this episode of 8:30, your 8:30 crew take a deep dive into the artistry of the one and only Horace Silver. Born September 2nd 1928, Horace became a one of a kind soulful and unique pianist and adventurous composer with classic jazz standards like Song For My Father and Sister Sadie. Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man in…

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830 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 32 - Jaco Pastorius 1:03:35

8M ago1:03:35

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Send us a text In this exciting new episode your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man take a look at the self proclaimed “World Greatest Bass Player” Jaco Pastorius. We listen to different phases of Jaco’s one of a kind talent. Hollywood has always said that “Jaco is my favorite Jazz musician of all time”. Ray The Jazz Man said t…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 31 - David Sanborn 1:03:51

8M ago1:03:51

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Send us a text In this Amazing Episode, your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man give it up and dedicate this episode to the Late Great American Alto Saxophonist David Sanborn…who passed away recently on May 12 (July 30, 1945 - May 12, 2024) Sanborn worked in many musical genres; his solo recordings typically blended Jazz with I…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 30 - Verve Records 57:46

8M ago57:46

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Send us a text In this Exciting Episode, your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man dive into the Incredible History of Verve Records. The Roster of Iconic Jazz Artist that have appeared on and/or recorded for Verve Records is Astounding. Today we look at some of the greatest Jazz Artist in the history of Jazz including: 1. Stan G…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 29 - The Bass Players 1:08:23

8M ago1:08:23

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Send us a text In This Amazing Episode your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man explore the Down and Dirty Low End Of Jazz, The men who are responsible for holding down the foundation of the groove, in other words The Bass Players...Your host talk about and marvel at some of the greatest bass players of all time in jazz: 1. Paul…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 28 - Jazz Guitarists Part 2 1:21:43

8M ago1:21:43

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Send us a text In this outstanding episode Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The jazz Man continue the amazing journey into the fabulous contributions of Jazz Guitarist in Jazz...we cover it all from Grant Green to Scott Henderson and everything in between. Enjoy this episode, it is for all the guitar players out there as well as all the music lover…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 27 - Jazz Guitarists Part 1 1:05:30

8M ago1:05:30

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Send us a text In this amazing episode the 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins & Ray The Jazz Man explore the inexhaustible rabbit hole of all manner of tasty and unique Jazz Guitar Jazz guitarists are guitarists who play ⁠jazz⁠ using an approach to chords, melodies, and improvised solo lines which is called ⁠jazz guitar⁠ playing. The guitar has ful…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 26 - The Straight Fire Latin Jazz Episode 1:10:03

8M ago1:10:03

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Send us a text In this Tantalizing Spectacular Episode, your 8:30 crew Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man are cooking up some serious R&B (Rice and Beans), with some Soul Sauce including Latin Jazz Legends including Dizzy Gilespie-Manteca Bob Mintzer Big Band-Aye Como Va Mongo Santamaria-Watermelon Man Cal Tjader-Morning Poncho Sanchez-E…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 25 - Decoding The Mystery Of ECM Records 1:11:48

9M ago1:11:48

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Send us a text ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music) is an independent record label founded by Karl Egger, Manfred Eicher and Manfred Scheffner in Munich in 1969. While ECM is best known for jazz music, the label has released a variety of recordings, and ECM's artists often refuse to acknowledge boundaries between genres. ECM's motto is "the most bea…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 24 - Jazz Vocalists 1:07:41

9M ago1:07:41

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Send us a text In this exciting new episode, your 8:30 crew takes you on a expedition of the vocal variety, we listening to the smooth sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, the lonely haunting voice of the one and only Billie Holiday, also the sassy Sarah Vaughn, the sultry Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Al Jarreau and many others. Enjoy this special amazing ep…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 23 - Return to Forever 1:02:59

9M ago1:02:59

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Send us a text Return to Forever was an American ⁠jazz fusion⁠ band that was founded by pianist ⁠Chick Corea⁠ in 1972.⁠[2]⁠ The band has had many members, with the only consistent bandmate of Corea's being bassist ⁠Stanley Clarke⁠. Along with ⁠Weather Report⁠, ⁠The Headhunters⁠, and ⁠Mahavishnu Orchestra⁠, Return to Forever is often cited as one of…

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8:30 Episode #22 Elvin Jones vs Tony Williams 1:09:33

10M ago1:09:33

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Send us a text In this exciting new episode the 8:30 crew discuss the classic Jazz drummers Elvin Jones and Tony Williams. 1. Dear John C. - Elvin Jones 2. Nerfertiti - Miles Davis 3. Geo Rose - Tony Williams 4. JuJu - Wayne Shorter 5. A Love Supreme - John Coltrane 6. Tony - Tony Williams https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562078744228…

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8:30 Episode #21- Sonny Rollins aka Saxaphone Colossus 59:58

10M ago59:58

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Send us a text In this episode Hollywood and The Jazz Man take a look at the Saxophone Colossus himself, the one and only Sonny Rollins, an American Jazz Tenor Saxophonist born September 7th 1930.He is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians, as The Jazz Man states “The Last Of The Beboppers”. A number of his c…

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8:30 Episode #20 - Digital Masters of GRP Records 1:03:44

10M ago1:03:44

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Send us a text Hollywood and Ray The Jazz Man take us on a trip into GRP Records (Grusin-Rosen Productions) The first Jazz Record Label dedicated to digitally recorded masters, founded by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. We fly off with Chick Corea Elektric Band and then dive into tracks by Dave Grusin & Lee Ritenour, Michael Brecker, Dave Valentin, Jo…

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8:30 Episode #19 - Taking Great Pleasure In Presenting CTI Records 1:18:30

10M ago1:18:30

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Send us a text In This Great New Episode Of 8:30 A Jazz Podcast Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man offer up some of their favorite classic CTI (Creed Taylor Incorporated) Records selections. CTI had a sound and groove all of their own. CTI was a subsidiary of A&M Records before becoming independent in 1970. We take a look at and listen t…

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8:30 Episode #17 - A Look At Columbia Records - Part 1 49:58

11M ago49:58

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Send us a text In This Exciting Episode we continue our look at Columbia Records Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man listen to and discuss Columbia Records Artist such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Steve Khan, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter 1. Duke Ellington - Malletoba Spank 2. Billie Holiday - What A Little Moonlight Can Do 3. St…

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8:30 Episode #18 - A Look At Columbia Records Part 2 53:56

11M ago53:56

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Send us a text In This Exciting Episode we continue our look at Columbia Records Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man listen to and discuss Columbia Records Artist such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Steve Khan, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter 1. Duke Ellington - Malletoba Spank 2. Billie Holiday - What A Little Moonlight Can Do 3. St…

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8:30 Jazz - Herbie Hancock - Part 2 1:08:47

11M ago1:08:47

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Send us a text In Episode #16 Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man investigates the Monstrous Grooves of The Headhunters period with Tracks like: "Palm Grease" "Hang Up Your Hangups" The Jazz Man shares the beautiful Song "Butterfly" and a Prince cover from Herbie's "The New Standard". The 8:30 Crew was in attendance at The Hollywood Bow…

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8:30 Jazz - Herbie Hancock - Part 1 1:00:02

11M ago1:00:02

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Send us a text Going On A Maiden Voyage with Herbie Hancock - In this Amazing Episode Master Keyboardist/Composer Herbie Hancock dazzles us with his timeless compositions and musical artistry. You will hear his classic tunes like "Maiden Voyage" "Dolphin Dance" and more, with a special appearance from Herbie on Jaco Pastorius Debut album from Epic …

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8:30 Jazz Podcast - Episode 13 - Pat Metheny Part 1 1:11:42

11M ago1:11:42

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Send us a text In this Fantastic Episode we take a look at The Amazing Guitarist Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group. We listen to "Are You Going With Me" from the classic album "Offramp" and "Here To Stay" from the Groovin' album "We Live Here" as well as 4 other awesome compositions. If smooth, engaging, intelligent music is your thing, or you …

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #14 - Pat Metheny - Part 2 1:04:17

11M ago1:04:17

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Send us a text In this episode we continue to explore the music of guitarist Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group as we listen to and sink our teeth into the mind blowing compositions of this Incredible Musician and Band. Songs Include: Phase Dance - Pat Metheny Group Minuano (Six Eight) - Still Life Talking Have You Heard - Letter From Home The W…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #12 "Chick Corea Part 2" 1:14:23

12M ago1:14:23

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Send us a text The conversation continues with the exploration of the legendary jazz musician Chick Corea. Hollywood Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman discuss his fusion period with his group Return To Forever, Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, post-bop groups, solo piano work, dual projects with Herbie Hancock and a fascinating retrospective of the genius ja…

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8:30 Jazz Podcast - Episode #11 "Chick Corea Part 1" 1:05:19

1y ago1:05:19

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Send us a text In this episode Hollywood Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman discuss the musical legacy of jazz keyboardist Composer and Bandleader, Armando Anthony Corea better known as Chick Corea who passed away on February 9, 2021. He was the winner of 27 Grammy Awards of 71 Grammy nominations that speaks to his timeless body of work. One of the things…

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8:30 Jazz Podcast - Episode 10 "Miles Davis Electric Period" 1:01:01

1y ago1:01:01

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Send us a text In this conversation Hollywood Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman share insights into the genius of the music of Miles Davis. They share tidbits of knowledge that is truly fascinating, all the while putting it into a perspective that keeps the extraordinary love of jazz alive. In this episode Hollywood and Ray the Jazzman explore how influe…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #9 - "Miles Davis Acoustic Period" 1:03:27

1y ago1:03:27

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Send us a text In this conversation Hollywood Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman share insights into the genius of the music of Miles Davis. They share tidbits of knowledge that is truly fascinating, all the while putting it into a perspective that keeps the extraordinary love of jazz alive. Songs include: Miles Davis – Miles Ahead Miles Davis – My Funny …

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #6 - "The House That Impulse Built-Part 1" 1:00:29

1y ago1:00:29

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Send us a text In this conversation with Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman, we talk about the 60 plus years of musical integrity that Impulse Records is known for. Also known as "The House That Trane Built” in honor of it’s number one artist John Coltrane. It is considered home of the new Vanguard of Creative Musicians, while keeping in step wi…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #7 - "The House That Impulse Built - Part 2" 1:04:55

1y ago1:04:55

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Send us a text In this conversation we talk about the collaborations forged at Impulse. Charles Mingus mixes it up with John Coltrane and the very talented instrumentalist Eric Dolphy. Shirley Scott, Queen of the Organ wailing on the keys with Oliver Nelson arranging the horns to a fever pitch ending. Jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo a Hungarian American…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #8 - "Spotify Playlist" 55:32

1y ago55:32

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Send us a text This episode of 8:30 is a special sample of songs from Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazz Man's personal Spotify playlist put together especially for you. The Brecker Brothers – Slang Miles Davis – So What Jeff Lorber – He Had A Hat Billie Holiday – Lady Always Sings the Blues Jeff Lorber - Always There Freddie Hubbard – Red Clay htt…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #1 - "Wayne Shorter Tribute - Part 1" 58:10

1y ago58:10

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Send us a text On March 2, 2023, Wayne Shorter passed away at the age of 89. Another one of the Jazz Masters gone and never to be forgotten. In this conversation Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman will discuss Wayne Shorter’s contribution to the Arts. He was an Arranger, Composer, Saxophonist and Genius. As we hand pick our favorites, w…

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8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #2 - "Wayne Shorter Tribute - Part 2" 1:04:49

1y ago1:04:49

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Send us a text In this conversation Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman continue the flow with Wayne Shorter’s odyssey into Jazz Fusion collaborating with other Jazz greats, such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Joe Zawinul, Peter Erskine and Jaco Pastorious just to name a few. As we hand pick some of our favorite songs,…

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