Show Notes
Peter Bernstein is widely regarded as one of the premier jazz guitarists of his generation, celebrated for his warm tone, lyrical improvisations, and deep mastery of the bebop and straight-ahead jazz traditions. Born in New York City, Bernstein began on piano before switching to guitar at age thirteen, learning largely by ear. He later studied at Rutgers University with legendary educators Ted Dunbar and Kenny Barron, refining the musical vocabulary that would become the hallmark of his style. While attending The New School in New York, Bernstein attracted the attention of guitar icon Jim Hall, who invited him to perform at the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. Since then, he has built an impressive career performing and recording with artists including Lou Donaldson, Diana Krall, Joshua Redman, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb, Tom Harrell, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Larry Goldings. His long-running trio with organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart has become one of the most admired small groups in modern jazz, known for its telepathic interplay, swinging grooves, and inventive improvisation. Now, Goldings, Bernstein, and Stewart reunite for Rhombus, their first trio recording in more than two decades, scheduled for release on August 7, 2026, on Smoke Sessions Records. The album showcases the group's remarkable chemistry and enduring musical connection while reaffirming why they remain one of jazz's most beloved and influential ensembles. Bernstein continues to balance tradition and innovation, making him an ideal guest for The Jazz Real Book as he discusses the creation of Rhombus, his celebrated career, and the enduring legacy of this extraordinary trio.
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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.