KRTU Jazz Break at Noon with Kory Cook logo. Kory cook puts up a record on a shelf.
Jazz Break at Noon - January 2020
Join KRTU Music Director Kory Cook every weekday at 12 p.m. as he delves into the work, influence and inspiration of a major figure, group or movement in the world of jazz.

The Jazz Break at Noon is KRTU’s weekly, mid-day program. Hosted by Music Director Kory Cook, the program is an educational listening session highlighting major artists, styles, and themes from jazz music’s rich history. From rare recordings of the 1930s to today’s most progressive sounds, the Jazz Break at Noon takes you on an educational sonic journey through jazz history.

January 6 - January 10:
William Parker: The High Priest of New York's Lower East Side

Born in the Bronx, NY, bassist Wiliiam Parker plays many different stringed and percussion instruments native to Africa, but his primary instrument is the double bass. He is also known for his work as a writer and poet, with elements of his prose incorporated into songs and improvisations. Parker's recordings as a leader in free and progressive jazz date back to the early eighties, and we'll hear from a variety of those sides this week.

January 13 - January 17:
Jazz Masters of New Orleans: Yesterday and Today

The list of natives responsible for shaping the identity of New Orleans music and heritage is extensive and ongoing. From Buddy Bolden, Joe "King" Oliver, Thomas "Mutt" Carey. Kid Ory, Louis Armstrong, Lil Hardin Amrstrong, Bunk Johnson, Johnny and Baby Dodds, and Jelly Roll Morton to today's Marsalis family, Terence Blanchard, Christian Scott and Jon Batiste, numerous jazz artists from the Crescent City have contributed to the city's distinct sound and culture in music since the early twentieth century. Tune in this week for a variety of tunes from artists born in the region commonly referred to as "The Birthplace of Jazz."

January 20 - January 24:
Protest and Hope in Jazz

In tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr, we'll hear music this week that speaks to protest, perseverance, compassion and hope from a variety of modern jazz leaders. Master composers Charles Mingus, Max Roach, and John Coltrane to today's luminaries Christian McBride and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others, provide a musical portrait of icons in freedom and tolerance in America from history to the present. 

January 27 - January 31: 
Inventions from Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson

Percussionist and vibraphone master Bobby Hutcherson provided us with a multi-faceted, advanced, and challenging selection of compositions and recordings from the early sixties to his final recording in 2014. Although often listed among top vibraphonists in jazz like Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson, Hutcherson brought a more abstract version of the instrument to the many recordings we'll hear this week.  

KRTU is a leader in commercial-free, listener-supported radio specializing in diverse music programming that is locally-curated and showcases regional musicians, with a focus on community outreach and education.

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