Freddie Hubbard was a blazing jazz trumpeter whose power, precision, and range helped define hard bop and post-bop. From his early Blue Note classics like Open Sesame and Ready for Freddie to his genre-crossing CTI years, Hubbard fused virtuosic fire with deep, soulful lyricism. His collaborations with Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter cemented his reputation as both a fearless soloist and an essential sideman. Tune in at 8:30 to the Weekly Jazz Podcast as host Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman celebrate the sound, stories, and lasting influence of legendary Freddie Hubbard. 🎺

Songs Include:

Freddie Hubbard, "Red Clay"

Freddie Hubbard, "Birdlike"

Freddie Hubbard, "Liquid Love"

Herbie Hancock, "Maiden Voyage"

Freddie Hubbard, "The Black Angel"

Freddie Hubbard, "Little Sunflower"

Jazz has always thrived on collaboration, where sparks fly when different voices meet in the same groove. On the weekly 8:30 Jazz Podcast, host Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman dig into those legendary partnerships that turned late-night jam sessions into timeless records. From horn battles to rhythm-section chemistry, we break down how trust, risk, and listening shape the sound. Tune in and feel how collaboration keeps jazz alive, unpredictable, and endlessly cool. 🎷

Songs Include:

Miles Davis & John Coltrane, So What ( Live From Paris 1960).

Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery, Call Me.

Chick Corea & Herbie Hancock, Homecoming.

Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Dat Dere (Live In Toyko Japan 1961).

Chick Corea & Gary Burton, Hot House.

Les McCann & Eddie Harris, You Got It In Your Soulness (Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival).

Big Band Jazz emerged in the early 20th century and is known for its powerful sound created by large ensembles of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments. It became especially popular during the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s, when bands led by musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie filled dance halls across the United States. The music features strong rhythms, arranged sections, and opportunities for improvised solos that showcase individual performers. Big band jazz played a major role in shaping American music and continues to influence jazz and popular styles today.

Songs Include:

Count Basie, April In Paris

Bob Mintzer Big Band, Moonlight Serenade.

Christian Mcbride Big Band, Bother Mister.

Bob Mintzer Big Band, Christopher Columbus.

Roy Hargrove Big Band, Mombo For Roy.

Duke Ellington Big Band, Satin Doll.

Duke Ellington Big Band, Hello Little Girl.

This week on the 8:30 podcast, Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman dive into the smooth, melodic world of legendary guitarist Earl Klugh. They explore how Klugh’s signature blend of jazz, pop, and classical influences reshaped contemporary guitar music and continues to inspire players today. Tune in as the duo shares stories, insights, and timeless tracks that showcase Klugh’s unmatched artistry.

Songs Include :

1. Twinkle

2. Dr. Macumba

3. The Afterglow

4. Heart String

5. The Traveler

6. It’s So Easy Loving You - Hubert Laws - Earl Klugh

7. Master Of Suspense

8. Wind And The Sea

Charles Mingus was a visionary bassist and composer whose music fused fiery emotion with intricate, unexpected structures. His work pushed jazz forward by blending hard-driving swing, blues, classical influences, and fearless improvisation into something unmistakably his own. Mingus’s genius lies in how boldly he challenged tradition while creating music that still feels alive, urgent, and essential today.Songs Include :

1. II B.S.
2. Theme For Lester Young (Goodbye Pork Pie Hat)
3. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird
4. Fables Of Faubus
5. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines - Joni Mitchell
6. Carolyn Kiki Mingus

This week on the 8:30 A Jazz Podcast, we’re shining the spotlight on legendary jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Known for his warm tone and signature thumb-picking style, Montgomery redefined jazz guitar with hits like “Four on Six” and “West Coast Blues.” His soulful phrasing and innovative approach continue to inspire generations of musicians, proving that his sound is as timeless as ever.Songs Include :

1. Bumpin’ On Sunset
2. Airegin
3. Windy
4. Four On Six
5. Full House
6. James And Wes - Jimmy Smith
7. Goin On To Detroit

Jazz-Rock Fusion emerged in the late 1960s and early '70s, blending the improvisational elements of jazz with the energy and rhythms of rock music. Pioneered by artists like Miles Davis with Bitches Brew and bands such as Weather

Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra, it introduced complex time signatures, electric instruments, and experimental soundscapes. This genre created a dynamic and evolving musical landscape that pushed the boundaries of both jazz and rock, influencing generations of musicians across diverse genres.

Songs Include:

1. Birds Of Fire - Mahavishnu Orchestra

2. Captain Fingers - Lee Ritenour

3. Hot Fun - Stanley Clarke

4. Quadrant 4 - Billy Cobham

5. The Magician - Return To Forever

6. In A Trance - Hiromi, Anthony Jackson, Simon Phillips

7. Herandu - Weather Report

8. Ice Cakes - Dixie Dregs

9. Five G - Bruford