This year marks the 50th anniversary of Donald Byrd’s classic jazz-funk album Places & Spaces. Taking a cue from that title, our jazz team at WRTI will spend the Fourth of July weekend highlighting songs about cities, states and communities across America.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday with Evening Jazz and running up to Jazz Through the Night, which stretches into Monday morning, WRTI hosts will feature music throughout their programs that showcase the art form's considerable representation of, and contribution to, the United States. Here are some highlights to listen for.
Ray Charles, “Georgia On My Mind”
Featured on Evening Jazz with Nicole Sweeney is Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind,” a sweet, sentimental song that makes even those who’ve never visited the state miss it. Written by Hoagy Carmichael in 1930, it was made the state song of Georgia in 1979.
Donald Byrd, “Night Whistler”
As always, Late Evening Jazz will enlist the right songs as the sun comes down. Featured is “Night Whistler” by Donald Byrd, a tune with funk in its foundation that’s designed to invigorate tired spirits. This track is from Byrd’s 1975 record Places & Spaces, which will be spotlighted several times throughout the weekend.
Jason Moran, “Arizona Landscape”
For your jazz fix past midnight, you might not want anything flashy or exuberant – and that’s OK, because Jazz Through the Night will feature music that meets the needs of the hour. Just take “Arizona Landscape,” a piano track from Jason Moran’s 2006 album Artist In Residence. Its pace feels like a worriless walk, and one can imagine how that might feel along the vistas of the southwest.
Nina Simone, “Baltimore”
Josh Jackson’s crate-digging expertise is laid out in the Friday Mixtape, kicking off the weekend. Featured is “Baltimore,” the titular track to Nina Simone’s 1978 album. It’s her cover of a Randy Newman song, and beneath its laid-back and bouncy instrumental is a deep social commentary.
Roy Ayers Ubiquity, “We Live In Brooklyn, Baby”
What’s rare here is the coincidence of First Fridays and July 4th; what’s not is Nicole Sweeney’s high-quality selection of tunes. Songs like Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s “We Live In Brooklyn, Baby” will be heard throughout the broadcast, which are sure to power your July 4 weekend.
Bobbi Humphrey, “Harlem River Drive”
As we push into Saturday night, Julian Booker will have you covered on The Get Down. Take Bobbi Humphrey’s “Harlem River Drive,” which sets the standard for what’ll be heard during this segment. Listen for its versatility in presentation, from the calm vocals to the funk-focused flute, and you’ll see why this is the segment’s featured track.
Wes Montgomery, “West Coast Blues”
If you’re a jazz lover, there might not actually be a better way to begin your Sunday than with Sunday Jazz Brunch, hosted by Bob Craig. Featured is “West Coast Blues” by Wes Montgomery, whose expertise is on full display throughout The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. There’s also a sense of Philly pride here, as brothers Percy and Albert “Tootie” Heath are on the album playing bass and drums, respectively.
Art Tatum, “Stars Fell on Alabama”
Some use the term “Sunday scaries” to refer to the anxious feeling of the weekend’s close. If you’re feeling those scaries, perhaps Maurice Browne can help with The Standard on Sunday night. Only the classics are played here — for example, Art Tatum’s “Stars Fell on Alabama,” one of his solo masterpieces that plays right into the feeling of a comfortable night.
Join us as we celebrate our country's many unique and diverse places and spaces on WRTI!
