The Best New Releases of 2011

The Best New Releases of 2011

Author: BBC Radio 3 December 25, 2011 Duration: 33:38

Alyn Shipton is joined by a group of the country's leading jazz critics, broadcasters and writers to select the best new releases of 2011.


Curated by BBC Radio 3, Jazz Library is more than a simple listening guide; it’s an invitation to explore the vast and varied landscape of jazz history through its most essential recordings. Each episode focuses on a single, pivotal artist, from the foundational giants to the pioneering innovators, offering a deep and contextual dive into their work. You’ll hear insightful commentary alongside carefully selected musical excerpts that trace artistic development and highlight landmark albums. This approach provides a rich, narrative framework, transforming a collection of songs into a coherent story. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the genre's breadth or simply looking to deepen their appreciation, this podcast serves as a trusted companion. It helps in building a meaningful and personal archive of jazz, one informed by knowledge and passion rather than chance. Tune in to discover the stories behind the sounds and find a clearer path through one of music's most rewarding traditions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Jazz Library
Podcast Episodes
Max Roach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
Richard Pite joins Alyn Shipton to pick the best discs by the founder of modern jazz drumming, Max Roach. They include pieces by many of Roach's own groups.
Bix Beiderbecke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
Despite a recording career that lasted only from 1924 to 1931, Bix Beiderbecke changed the way jazz soloists played. An influence on a par with Louis Armstrong or Sidney Bechet, his discs had an immediate and long-lastin…
Stan Tracey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:56
Ahead of the launch of his Later Works at this year's Gateshead International Jazz Festival at the Sage, Stan Tracey joined Alyn Shipton to look back at his recording career. As well as work with visiting Americans such…
Tony Coe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:03
Clarinettist, soprano, alto and tenor saxophonist Tony Coe is one of Britain's most brilliant jazz musicians, the first non-American to be awarded the "jazz Oscar" by Denmark's "Jazzpar" prize committee. In this programm…
Christine Tobin on Shirley Horn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
As a vocalist, Shirley Horn was expert at lending subtle treatment to old jazz standards. She was also a fine pianist, and in this week's Jazz Library singer Christine Tobin discusses the American's intimate trio sound a…
Benny Powell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:58
Benny Powell grew up in New Orleans to the sound of marching bands and jazz in the air. He joined Lionel Hampton in the 1940s and went on to be a key member of the 1950s Count Basie Orchestra, staying for several years.…
Arvell Shaw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Bassist Arvell Shaw was the longest-serving member of Louis Armstrong's All Stars. As well as picking his finest discs with Armstrong (including the big band recordings) in an interview recorded in 2001, he guides Alyn S…
Barney Kessel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:08
Barney Kessel is one of the most prolific recording artists in jazz, yet one of the least well-known names. Fellow guitarist John Etheridge delves into Kessel's extensive catalogue to explore his legacy and help Alyn Shi…
Peggy Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
In later life, reclusive and swathed in a jewelled scarf, Peggy Lee had come a long way from her origins as a jazz singer. In this programme, Gwyneth Herbert, herself a fine interpreter of Lee's songs, explores the singe…
Art Pepper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Despite a lifelong battle with narcotics, harrowingly related in his book "Straight Life", Art Pepper was one of the finest alto saxophonists in jazz. In this programme, British saxophonist Alan Barnes joins Alyn Shipton…