NOW, A JAZZ MOMENT...

MUSIC:

Blues For M.
CD: Afrisong
Originally released 1975, 2009 Candid Productions LTD

Muhal Richard Abrams: You had to learn the blues, rhythm and blues, to really qualify in a jazz setting. Because the blues is basic to the feeling that they need to express jazz music.

THE BLUES IS AN OBVIOUS THREAD THROUGH MUCH OF THE MUSIC OF NEA JAZZ MASTER MUHAL RICHARD ABRAMS, WHO GOT HIS MUSICAL FOOTING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO IN THE 1950S.

Jazz music wasn't in schools then. You know, you learned it from recordings and being on the scene playing with other musicians. We played blues gigs and regular jazz gigs, dance gigs. We never had to leave the neighborhood to access the public and show our wares or perform.

MUSIC: up and fades

THIS JAZZ MOMENT WITH PIANIST AND COMPOSER MUHAL RICHARD ABRAMS WAS CREATED BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.