KLOI- Gary Alexander - Classic Jazz

Joy Spring w/Gary Alexander

This Week: We open by profiling a new (to us) CD by dueling clarinetists Ken Peplowski and Australian Adrian Cunningham, then we continue our month-long tribute to the centennials of two east-coast-born composers who defined West Coast Jazz, first Milton “Shorty” Rogers ( born April 14, 1924) with his small groups in 1955-56, and then a full hour of five magical movie scores composed in three years, 1961-64 ,by Henry Mancini (born April 16, 1924). The 5:00 hour begins with a tribute to three artists whom we lost recently, Seattle saxophonist Bill Ramsay, who died March 3rd at age 95, then drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, who died April 3rd at age 88. We’ll cap this segment with Orcas Island’s beloved vocalist Susan Osborn, who died March 14th at age 74, accompanied by pianist Kentaro Kintana. The last half hour will feature an LP recored by the Bill Evans Trio, “Waltz for Debby,” on June 25, 1961, just 10 days before Evans’ bassist that night, Scott LaFaro, was killed an automobile accident, leaving the pianist in a state of shock for a long while.