The Friday Riff

On this post-Thanksgiving show we give thanks for improvisation! Drawing on the continuing debates regarding the definition of “jazz,” and in a broader sense, the definition of music itself, Rob and Bryan explore the origins and influences of the genres known as free jazz and free improvisation. We also look at the connections between the American Civil Rights Movement and free-dom music (such as Max Roach’s “Freedom Now! Suite”). Musical selections include Jelly Roll Morton, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Giuffre, Lennie Tristano, Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln. Includes readings from Derek Bailey’s book on improvisation.

The improvisational streams of American music flow into jazz from many sources, and one of those sources is the rich tradition of “Old Time” folk music, which itself is a combination of European, African, and Native American cultures. American Classical composers like Charles Ives and Aaron Copeland have explored these roots, and jazz musicians and composers have also explored those composers’ explorations! We sample the resulting music from Bill Frisell, Marc Johnson, and others. We also highlight the Old Time roots of bassist Charlie Haden, and how “Americana” influenced the free jazz revolution of during his tenure with the Ornette Coleman quartet.

This show is mainly about KCSB and raising money for the station. Still some good converation and tunes, but our priorities were fiscal.

KCSB is having its annual on-air fund drive from Nov. 6th to Nov. 15th. It’s a once a year event, so if you like The Friday Riff, please call up KCSB an pledge your support. A $45 non-student donation or a $20 student donation qualifies you for one of KCSB’s many “thank you” gifts. To pledge your support to KCSB, call (805) 893-2424.

We were informed that our upcoming show on Nov. 3rd will be preempted for Gaucho Men’s Soccer, as they have made it to the Big West Conference. I have no idea what that means.

But still – good luck to the Gaucho’s, and we’ll see you again on November 10th.