Stride Revolution: Willie 'the Lion' Smith and Jazz's Musical Transformation
The History of Jazz Music PodcastShow Notes
This episode traces how Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith’s stride piano technique reshaped the role of the piano in jazz, influencing swing, bebop, and modern improvisation. We explore how his dual‑hand approach created a new harmonic language that rippled through ensembles, recordings, and generations of musicians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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From the smoky clubs of New York to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Stan Getz’s tenor sax carved a path between artistic integrity and commercial success. This episode explores how his embrace of bossa nova, Latin grooves, and the label‑led “cool” marketing sparked a national debate over what jazz could be—revealing the politics of taste, race, and economics that still echo in today’s music economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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