Morgenstern: Artist Portraits

Portrait of Baroness Nica

Dan recalls the Baroness Nica de Koenigswarter. A Patron of Bebop jazz, and devotee of Thelonious Monk, her generosity extended to other musicians, as well, providing food, safe haven and money to get pawned instruments back. Her apartment on Manhattan's ritzy Fifth Avenue was an after-hours place to hang out and jam until she was asked to leave after Charlie Parker died there. Many musicians have paid tribute to her generosity with songs dedicated to her in name or spirit (e.g., Monk's 'Pannonica' and 'Bolivar Blues').
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan on Billie

Billie Holiday, was an American jazz singer with a career spanning nearly thirty years. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz music and pop singing. Dan remembers Billie's magic with her skill in conveying emotion.
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Eddie Durham Celebration

Dan discusses San Marcos' own jazz legend, Eddie Durham, assisted by Phil Schapp, and Loren Schoenberg
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan On Jazz Radio 1947 with Symphony Sid

Dan remembers his first night in NYC in 1947, finding jazz on the radio, and introduces you to Symphony Sid.
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan on "Big" Sid Catlett

Sidney "Big Sid" Catlett (January 17, 1910 – March 25, 1951) was an American jazz drummer. Catlett was one of the most versatile drummers of his era, adapting with the changing music scene as it progressed toward bebop.
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan on Record Collecting

Dan remember Record Collecting in the 1940's and 50's.
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan Recalls Dizzie Gillespie

Dan Recalls Dizzie Gillespie, and all his fellow musicians, including Chano Pozo, Benny Carter, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and many more.
[Closed captioned] [transcript]

Dan on Tadd Dameron

This phenomenal rare documentary of one of the most extraordinary figures in jazz, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell.

- Narrated by NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern