8:30 jazz podcast #75 Ahmad Jamal Essentials

8:30 jazz podcast #75 Ahmad Jamal Essentials

Author: Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman March 22, 2026 Duration: 1:02:24
We celebrate Ahmad Jamal by following his sound from a 1958 Chicago club recording to later-era gems and a 2012 “Ponciana” performance in Paris. We focus on his signature use of space, the trio’s feel, and why his touch influenced generations of jazz musicians. • the backstory of “Ponciana” and the Pershing Hotel recording • how Jamal uses space and why Miles Davis admired it • “New Rumba” and Jamal’s connection to the Miles repertoire • a jump to later recordings and ...

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 27 - Jazz Guitarists Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:30
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 a…
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 24 - Jazz Vocalists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:41
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 sa…
8:30 A Jazz Podcast - Episode 23 - Return to Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:59
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. Alo…
8:30 Episode #22  Elvin Jones vs Tony Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:33
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.…
8:30 Episode #21- Sonny Rollins aka Saxaphone Colossus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:58
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 m…
8:30 Episode #20 - Digital Masters of GRP Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:44
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 Ch…
8:30 Episode #19 -  Taking Great Pleasure In Presenting CTI Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:30
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…
8:30 Episode #17 - A Look At Columbia Records - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
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 Han…