8:30 Jazz Episode #70 Big Band Jazz.

8:30 Jazz Episode #70 Big Band Jazz.

Author: Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman January 8, 2026 Duration: 57:44
Big Band Jazz emerged in the early 20th century and is known for its powerful sound created by large ensembles of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments. It became especially popular during the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s, when bands led by musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie filled dance halls across the United States. The music features strong rhythms, arranged sections, and opportunities for improvised solos that showcase individual performers. Big band jazz played a major ...

The title 830-A Jazz Podcast is a direct nod to Weather Report's landmark album, an anchor point for the entire conversation. Hosts Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman use that iconic fusion record as a launching pad, but their dialogue covers far more ground. This isn't a dry history lesson; it's a lived-in discussion between two enthusiasts who have spent years with this music. You'll hear them trace lineages, from the pioneers who built the foundations to the contemporary artists pushing the boundaries now. The podcast naturally blends music, commentary, and history, treating them as inseparable parts of the same story. Episodes might delve into the technical brilliance of a particular rhythm section one week and unpack the cultural moment that birthed a classic album the next. The feel is conversational and deep, like pulling up a chair in a late-night record shop after hours. Herman and Ray's passion is evident, whether they're breaking down a complex solo or sharing a personal memory tied to a song. For anyone who wants to move beyond a simple playlist and understand the context, personalities, and innovations behind the notes, this podcast offers a rich and engaging path forward. The legacy of figures like Zawinul, Shorter, Pastorius, and Erskine is a frequent touchstone, a reminder of the high standard they set, which the hosts use to explore the entire jazz world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 78

830 - A Jazz Podcast
Podcast Episodes
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #8 - "Spotify Playlist" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:32
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 – SlangMiles Davis – So What Jeff Lorber – H…
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #1 - "Wayne Shorter Tribute - Part 1" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:10
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…
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #2 - "Wayne Shorter Tribute - Part 2" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:49
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 Willi…
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode #3 - "Weather Report" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
In this episode Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman get down with the topic of Jazz Fusion Supergroup Weather Report, one of the Pioneers of this artform. There are insights from Hollywood about the musical production…