“Guilty” and Ray Noble (140)

“Guilty,” written in 1931 by Richard A. Whiting and Harry Akst, with lyrics by Gus Kahn, is a romantic standard that uses criminal guilt as a metaphor for falling deeply in love. The song features a classic 32-bar AABA form, a memorable melody, and sophisticated harmonies that incorporate augmented dominants, diminished chords, and subtle key changes. Ray Noble (1903–1978), the celebrated British composer, arranger, and bandleader, helped define this era's elegant orchestral sound. Known for his sophisticated arrangements and collaborations with vocalist Al Bowlly, Noble also composed enduring standards including “The Very Thought of You” and “Cherokee.” Although Bowlly originally recorded “Guilty” with Roy Fox's orchestra, the song reflects the romantic sophistication associated with Noble's musical legacy.

Ray Noble and Al Bowlly

Billie Holiday

The Jazz Real Book Podcast Playlist

Ryan Keberle – Trombonist, Composer & Educator

Ryan Keberle (born June 16, 1980) is an acclaimed American jazz trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator known for lyrical playing, innovative compositions, and a blend of jazz with diverse musical traditions. A leading voice in contemporary jazz, Keberle has collaborated with David Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, and Alicia Keys. He leads several ensembles, including Catharsis and Collectiv do Brasil, and co-leads the chamber jazz trio Reverso. He also directs the jazz program at Hunter College in New York.

His newest album, Here Is Donato!, scheduled for release October 23, 2026, on Alternate Side Records, features his Brazilian ensemble Collectiv do Brasil. The recording celebrates Brazilian pianist João Donato's compositions, blending modern jazz improvisation with Brazilian rhythms and melodies. Featuring pianist Felipe Silveira, bassist Felipe Brisola, drummer Paulinho Vicente, and percussionist Guegué Medeiros, the album reflects Keberle’s continuing exploration of musical traditions across cultures.

“Grow Your Own” and Sam Brown (139)

Keith Jarrett’s “Grow Your Own,” recorded by Gary Burton’s quintet for the 1971 album Gary Burton & Keith Jarrett, captures the adventurous spirit of early jazz-rock fusion. Featuring Burton on vibraphone, Jarrett on electric piano and soprano saxophone, Sam Brown on guitar, Steve Swallow on bass, and Bill Goodwin on drums, the composition combines intricate rhythms with unconventional harmony. Its unusual structure includes a 15-bar A section, a funky two-bar B section, and a lyrical eight-bar C section. Syncopated melodies, unexpected chord changes, and shifting harmonic rhythms give the piece an exciting, unpredictable character.

Guitarist Sam Brown (1939–1977) was a remarkably versatile musician whose career crossed jazz, rock, and experimental music. Beyond his work with Burton and Jarrett, he recorded with Charlie Haden, Bill Evans, Carla Bley, and Paul Motian. Although largely overlooked today, Brown’s creativity and adaptability made him an important contributor to jazz’s evolving sound during the 1970s.

Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett

Gary Burton -Live

The Jazz Real Book Podcast Playlist

Lawrence Haber — Bassist, Composer & Bandleader

Lawrence Haber is an accomplished electric and upright bassist, composer, and bandleader with over 25 years of experience performing and recording throughout the New York metropolitan area and Jersey Shore. In 2026, Haber released, Subtle Moves In Silence his first album as a bandleader, showcasing his original compositions, sophisticated musicianship, and collaborations with outstanding New York-area musicians. The project highlights his creative vision and versatility as a composer and bassist.

“Groovin High’ and Diz and Bird in 1945 (138)

1945 was a landmark year for bebop, with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie establishing a revolutionary new direction in jazz. Their recording of “Groovin’ High,” based on the chord changes of the 1920 popular song “Whispering,” demonstrated bebop’s harmonic and melodic sophistication. Gillespie’s arrangement featured a six-bar introduction, three key changes, and a half-time coda. The 32-bar composition uses two 16-bar sections with different endings, incorporating syncopated eighth-note runs, melodic leaps, chromatic movement, and unexpected ii–V progressions. Parker and Gillespie’s remarkable unison playing and improvisations highlighted their musical chemistry. Their partnership flourished throughout 1945 but weakened following their California engagement, largely because of professional differences and Parker’s addiction. Although they pursued separate careers, their collaboration helped establish the foundation of modern jazz.

Dizzy Gillespie 1945

Dizzy Gillespie 1947

The Jazz Real Book Playlist Podcast

Russell Gunn Interview

Born in Chicago in 1971 and raised in East St. Louis, trumpeter Russell Gunn developed a musical identity that bridges hard bop, hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Beginning trumpet at age ten, he was influenced by jazz legends and hip-hop artists such as LL Cool J. Encouraged by band director Ron Carter (not the bassist R) Gunn attended Jackson State University before working with Oliver Lake, Wynton Marsalis on Blood on the Fields, and Branford Marsalis’ Buckshot LeFonque.

His solo career began with Young Gunn (1994), while the Grammy-nominated Ethnomusicology series established his innovative fusion of jazz and contemporary Black music. Based in Atlanta, he later formed the Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra.

His latest project, Afrikan-Amerikan Book of the Dead, introduces his sextet Blackhawk and explores cultural identity, historical understanding, and empowerment. Inspired by ancient Egyptian spiritual traditions, the album encourages listeners to embrace their heritage and find fulfillment in the present, combining powerful improvisation with social commentary.

“The Green Mountains” and Roy Haynes (137)

“The Green Mountains,” from Gary Burton’s 1969 album Country Roads & Other Places, features guitarist Jerry Hahn, bassist Steve Swallow, and legendary drummer Roy Haynes. The composition stands out for its open harmonic sound, moving between major seventh and suspended chords, along with syncopated melodies and smooth descending bass lines. Haynes brings his unmistakable rhythmic personality to the recording, using crisp cymbal work, unexpected accents, and constant interaction with the ensemble. A veteran of groups led by Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, and others, Haynes helped connect several generations of jazz while continually adapting his distinctive drumming style.

Gary Burton

Francesco Chiapperini

The Jazz Real Book Playlist Vol.2

Abraham Burton Interview

Saxophonist Abraham Burton has developed a reputation for a powerful and expressive sound rooted in the jazz tradition while maintaining a voice distinctly his own. Growing up in Greenwich Village, Burton was surrounded by music from an early age.

His most important mentors were Jackie McLean and drummer Arthur Taylor taught him one of his most important lessons: technical ability means little if it does not serve the music. Today, Burton carries those experiences into his work as an educator at Rutgers University and with organizations such as Jazz House Kids.