Now Hear This

Looking for a good listen? Wondering what your jazz peers are listening to? Well, rest easy, we’ve got you covered. As a regular feature on berkleejazz.org, we’re going to share our playlists with you!
We regularly ask Berklee faculty, visiting artists, and other members of the Berklee community, “what are you listening to?” We want your recommendations too! So the next time someone tells you “you have GOT to listen to this”… remember to tell your friends on berkleejazz.org.

1. Charlie Parker, Newly Discovered Early Recordings
We’ve read about how he shedded all the classic recordings, but it’s a revelation to hear Lester Young so directly in Bird’s playing on these early recordings, some of which are duos with guitar!

2. Wes Montgomery, Jazz 625 (1965 UK DVD)
Wes transcends ‘guitar playing’ and plays ‘complete music’- lines that would be at home on any instrument. Unparalleled melodic invention; a round, warm but never wooly tone; and he smiles when he plays, making it look as easy as having a snack.

3. Django Reinhardt (Audio Archives - 20 double CD sets)
Forget the fact he only could use two fingers on his left hand for lines- he plays more music than the average player could play with 8 hands. His varied approach to phrasing and dynamics, let alone his knack for true spontaneous composition, sets him apart from the hundreds of chops-driven imitators across the globe. True elegance.

Larry Bethune
Berklee Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students:

I am listening to Chamber Music Society by BCM alumna/teacher and Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding (also has Terri Lynne Carrington on there another alum/teacher and former music director for the Arsenio hall Show).

I am listening simply because her winning the Grammy this week piqued my interest. I already knew her playing/singing/composing, but had not heard the new CD Yet. I think others should give it a listen because she combines her compositions and improvisation with her voice so well. I love the mix of jazz, Latin, pop sounds… all in one tune. Her music flows so well. When I listen to her music, I can hear she stays true to the music she has absorbed and synthesizes it all into a new sound yet with homage to the music that precedes her. Of course, I am always impressed when such musical maturity comes from one so young. That, alone, is inspiring.