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The Music of Russell Webster - Part 1
November 5, 2023
The first episode in our two-part series exploring the music of the late Russell Webster – a legendary Indianapolis saxophonist and composer. We’ll be joined by Webster’s daughter, Bonita Webster-Coleman, and his wife, Lexie Webster. Russell Webster is best known for his self-produced 1983 double LP “Uncle Funkenstein," called a “holy grail of jazz.” Webster was born in Indianapolis in 1928. He studied music at the Jordan Conservatory and began playing on the Avenue as a teenager. Over the years, Webster played with the biggest stars on the Avenue — from Wes Montgomery to Jimmy Coe.
Dawn Hampton - The "Queen of Cabaret"
October 29, 2023
Dawn Hampton was best known for her work as a jazz and cabaret singer. She was a member of Indianapolis’ legendary Hampton family and performed extensively on the Avenue during the 1940s, and ‘50s. During the 1960s, and ‘70s Dawn became a popular singer in New York City, where she was known as the “queen of cabaret.”
The complete Guitar Pete Franklin - Part 2
October 22, 2023
This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll share the final episode of our two-part series exploring the complete recordings of Guitar Pete Franklin – a legendary Naptown blues musician. On this episode, hear Franklin’s final recordings – made in Indianapolis during the early 1960s.
The complete Guitar Pete Franklin - Part 1
October 15, 2023
This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue listen to the first episode of our two-part series exploring the complete recordings of Guitar Pete Franklin – a legendary Naptown blues musician. Franklin was born in Indianapolis in 1928. His style was influenced by the early Naptown blues duo of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell - but Franklin developed his own unique sound. On this edition, hear Franklin’s early recordings with blues greats including Sunnlyand Slim and Tampa Red.
The Blakey Specials
October 8, 2023
The Blakey Specials were a legendary Indianapolis gospel band founded in 1967 by the pianist, composer, and vocalist Eugene Blakey. Listen to rare recordings from the band and interviews with two original members: vocalist Henry Hinch and bassist/vocalist Hubert “Skeet” Canady.
Remembering bassist Richard Davis
October 1, 2023
The life and music of the Chicago-born bass player Richard Davis who passed away last month. Davis was ranked among the top bassists in jazz history. He performed often with the genre’s top stars, including Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. He also performed with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue – including Freddie Hubbard, Virgil Jones, David Young, James Spaulding, Wes Montgomery, and J.J. Johnson.
The Latin sound of J.J. Johnson
September 24, 2023
September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and throughout the month, we’ll be spotlighting the contributions Avenue musicians made to Latin Music. On this week’s show, we’ll share Latin-inspired music from the iconic Naptown trombonist J.J. Johnson. Throughout his career, Johnson recorded with prominent Latin percussionists, including Sabu Martinez, Mongo Santamaria, Patato Valdes, and Ray Barretto. Johnson also appeared on landmark Latin jazz recordings, including Dizzy Gillespie’s “Afro”, and Kenny Dorham’s “Afro-Cuban”.
The Latin sound of Billy Wooten and Virgil Jones
September 17, 2023
September is Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the month, Echoes of Indiana Avenue will spotlight the contributions Avenue musicians have made to Latin Music. On this week’s show we’ll share music from vibraphonist Billy Wooten and trumpeter Virgil Jones.
The Latin sound of Claude Bartee and Slide Hampton
September 10, 2023
September is Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the month we’ll be spotlighting the contributions Avenue musicians have made to Latin Music. On this week’s show we’ll share music from saxophonist Claude Bartee and trombonist Slide Hampton.
The Latin sound of Wes Montgomery
September 3, 2023
This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we’ll celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring the Latin sound of Wes Montgomery. Throughout his career, Wes incorporated Latin music into his sound — performing music by Latin American composers and recording with legendary Latin percussionists, including Willie Bobo, Ray Barretto, and Candido.
Looking back at the Indiana Avenue Jazz Festival – Part 2
August 27, 2023
This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll continue our look back at the Indiana Avenue Jazz Festival — an annual concert series that flourished on the Avenue from 1983 to 1997. Join us as we take a year-by-year look back at the Indiana Avenue Jazz Festival. We’ll listen to music from artists who performed at the festival, with a focus on local musicians - including David Young, Keni Washington and OmniVerse, The Hampton Sisters, Billy Wooten, Cherryl Hayes, Terence Blanchard and more.
Looking back at the Indiana Avenue Jazz Festival – Part 1
August 20, 2023
The Indiana Avenue Jazz Festival was an annual concert series that flourished on the Avenue from 1983 to 1997. We’ll listen to music from artists who performed at the festival, with a focus on local musicians. The festival was established at a time when the Avenue was in decline. The organizers dreamed of celebrating the Avenue’s rich legacy, by bringing world-class music back to the neighborhood – and they succeeded. It started small, featuring a line-up drawn from local talent. But in a few short years, the festival attracted legendary jazz stars – including: Ahmad Jamal, Betty Carter, Ramsey Lewis, Terence Blanchard, Pharoah Sanders, and more.
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