Some of the popular Big Band Classics from the 1940s get a 21st-century makeover on Big Band Jazz - this Sunday, November 24 at 7 pm. You'll hear a brilliant reworking of Duke Ellington's "Take The A Train" by the 2013 One O'Clock Lab Band from North Texas State University, Jeff Hamilton and the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble with an update on Woody Herman's theme "Blue Flame," and lots more. Join us!
Duke Ellington played piano, but it was his intertwined roles as bandleader and composer that propelled him to greatness. He wrote over 1,700 songs, as well as longer orchestral suites and film scores. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, a new book explores the man behind the music.
With the help of Duke Ellington, Gerald Wilson, Christian McBride, and others, it's nothing but the sounds of summer on Big Band Jazz, Sunday June 23rd at 7 pm. Bob Craig dials up songs about the birds, songs about the bees, and maybe even songs about the flowers and the trees!
Happy Summer from Bob Craig and all of us at WRTI on Big Band Jazz with Bob Craig, every Sunday night at 7 pm.
We're throwing an Ellington Birthday Bash on Monday, April 29th from 7 to 10 pm to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of The Duke! There will be special Spring Member Drive thank-you gifts that will only be available during this three-hour period, and Duke’s music will be heard the entire time. We can’t think of a better way to cap off Jazz Appreciation Month! Join us!
Join us on the next two Sunday evenings, March 3rd and 10th from 7 to 8 pm, as Big Band Jazz has got the blues! You'll hear Big Band Blues from Count Basie, Gil Evans, Duke Ellington and many others. Wes Montgomery and Jimmy Smith will be adding their blues licks against big band arrangements.
Big Band Jazz with Bob Craig, Sunday, March 3rd and 10th, 7 to 8 pm.
This Sunday evening we'll prove that good things come in pairs - like two leaders putting together one great band. Like Thad Jones and Mel Lewis...like Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
It's a 2-for-1 special on December 9th, 7 to 8 pm. Join us!
