My Life in Jazz

A lifetime of Jazz by Danny Silverstone

Jazz is a unique art form – the main contribution to American music in the 20th century played in obscure clubs by under-paid and disregarded musicians, some of whom rank as virtuosi in any era or context.

After many years spent on the listening and observing side of bandstands, I can now draw on my experience as a practitioner, playing alto sax with a couple of modern jazz bands playing music drawn from the great modern jazz repertoire stretching from early bebop through to the 1970’s around London. From Monk & Bird through to Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, & Herbie Hancock. Plus many less well-known jazz composers – Mal Waldron, Benny Golson, Tadd Dameron.

Jazz has been a significant feature and factor in my life since my mid-teens. I am deeply immersed in its music, culture, social history, politics, urban myths and influences. I realise how much jazz has invigorated my life.

This is an opportunity to share some of that enthusiasm with you…

 

Introduction

Playlists

Gallery

All Episodes

For most of my career I’ve been singing for snacks : Sheila Jordan

Jazz is for those who want to be in attendance when the miracle happens : Ted Gioa

Would you die for me? I’d die for you? : Charlie Parker to Charles Mingus

The loudest noise in the world is silence : Thelonious Monk

Jazz is the expression of fleeting emotions : Ronnie Scott

This cat got up and started playing a tune, I don’t think Beethoven would have been able to figure out the changes : James Brown on Sonny Rollins

I never want not to be practicing. I want to be there when the angel comes & gives me the message : Sonny Rollins

Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life : Art Blakey

Jazz happens in real time, once : Graham Collier

I didn’t know there were two 10 o’clocks in the same day : Bud Freeman

Round Midnight. Monk is in the room and you can solo on that for the rest of your life : Pat Metheney

The loudest noise in the world is silence : Thelonious Monk

Jazz musicians are beacons in the storm : Herbie Hancock

Play how you wish the world to be : Wayne Shorter

What do you say after “once upon a time” : Miles Davis