Author Archives: The Independent Ear

Ain’t But a Few of Us: #13

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Independent Ear

This latest installment in our ongoing series of black music writers telling their story comes from Bill Francis.  Brooklyn-based Bill Francis is a music and jazz journalist whose byline has appeared on countless stories and profiles ranging from bebop to … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion | 1 Comment

Songs That Made the Phones Ring

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Songs that made the phones ring — an idea inspired by the late record man Joel Dorn — is our quarterly Ancient Future radio listing of selections that made the telephones ring at WPFW.  At WPFW we have an open … Continue reading →

Posted in Songs | Leave a comment

Ancient Future radio 1/14/09

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Ancient Future is produced & hosted by Willard Jenkins over WPFW 89.3 FM (www.wpfw.org), Pacifica Radio in the Washington, DC metro area.   January 14, 2009   Ben Webster & Harry "Sweets" Edison Did You Call Her Today Ben & … Continue reading →

Posted in Playlists | Leave a comment

An omission from Civil Rights legacy?

Posted on January 8, 2010 by The Independent Ear

As we approach the January 18 observance of MLK Day and all that the legacy of Dr. King means, including his brilliant remarks at the opening of the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival (see below), I’m reminded of a very successful event … Continue reading →

Posted in That's What They Heard, Wondering Aloud | 8 Comments

Seeing Jazz: Jazz Icons

Posted on January 8, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Jazz has always been a visual as well as an aural medium.  From the intense levels of concentration and ultimately controlled abandon of musicians deep in the throes of improvisation, to the near-telepathic modes of communication between an ensemble that is … Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Leave a comment