BROADWAY — first recorded in 1940 by the Count Basie band — was composed by Henri Woode (the real author of ROSETTA, I am told), Teddy McRae (tenor saxophonist) and the little-known Bill Bird. An irresistible riff tune, it had lyrics put to it — probably by Dave Lambert and Jon Hendricks.
It’s a familiar jazz song, one that most people would identify as exemplifying a certain kind of cool swing — and it’s durable, as this 2015 performance shows — part of the common language for a core of sympathetic well-versed players.
Such a group concluded the Thursday-night informal session that began the 2015 Allegheny Jazz Party — a loose, expert group with a Woody Herman feel, perhaps because of the double saxophones of Harry Allen and Dan Block. They were joined by Dan Barrett, trombone; Ehud Asherie, piano; Frank Tate, string bass; Ricky Malichi, drums. . . . for a nice leisurely exploration of BROADWAY:
I am told that Hot Lips Page would say — about jazz repertoire — “The material is immaterial.” True enough, and he would have opened his case, taken out his horn, and joined this session.
May your happiness increase!
Wonderful stuff! I hope my comments are getting through,I’m not getting any feedback,Michael.
Now,it’s coming through.I could listen to this forever.Today is Al Cohn’s birthday.I don’t know where you are,Al,but wherever it is,It’s sure to swing out madly and gladly with puns galore.