Welcome to the first Hot Box of 2025. Regular listeners will know that we had a rush of obituary type shows at the back end of last year but we start 2025 with some new material as well as a quick nod in the obituary section again, I’m sorry to say, to remember the great saxophone player Lou Donaldson. Track list for The Hot Box #135 – Some New Stuff Musicians: Yonathon Avishai: Shapes & Sounds; Jazz & People JPCD824005 The Signalman: Sue Rynhart: Say Pluto; mrsuesue records Here ’Tis: Lou Donaldson: Blue Note 5099 5 14371 2 1 Blue in Green; Pat Leary (Live at Midnight Tea When You’re ..read more

(The Ghost of Christmas Past) Celebrating Christmas and also celebrating the 90th anniversary of the campaign to ban jazz in Ireland, which seems to have failed. Track list for The Christmas Box 2024 Gin for Christmas: Lionel Hampton Swingin’ Them Jingle Bells: Fats Waller Jingle Bells: Benny Carter When Winter Comes: Artie Shaw Christmas Night in Harlem: Paul Whiteman Santa’s Secret: Johnny Guarneri & Slam Stewart Bounce of the Sugar Plum Fairy: John Kirby Wild Party 1934: Fletcher Henderson I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm:Billie Holliday Santa Claus is coming to Town: Bing Crosby & ..read more

The celebrated composer, orchestrator and arranger, and sometime trumpet player, Quincy Jones, died November 3rd aged 91. The Hot Box looks at the jazz contribution he made in the latter part of the 20th century, with tracks from Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole and the man himself. Track list for The Hot Box #133 – Remembering Quincy Jones Rat Race: Count Basie Orchestra Muttnik: Count Basie Orchestra Hicky Burr: Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones Eubie Walkin’: Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones No More Blues: Quincy Jones Big Band Birth of the Band: Quincy Jones Big Band Let the ..read more

As the title suggests, this is a new record for the hot box. Five fantastic tracks, one hour show! Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim) kicking things off with 13 minutes of magic ..read more

A cornucopia of delights from new recordings makes up the 66-odd minutes of this edition, starting out with a track from one of the new jazz superstars ..read more

The Hot Box #132, an hour-long exploration of fresh and exciting sounds in jazz. This episode dives into new material from remarkable artists, blending the vibrancy of contemporary jazz with the timeless artistry of legends. Featuring tracks from John Donegan’s Irish Sextet, Shuteen Erdenebaatar, and the Jihye Lee Orchestra, the episode showcases dynamic compositions and inventive storytelling. Listeners will also revisit the brilliance of guitar virtuosos Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor, alongside a stirring collaboration from Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel. It’s a rich, varied playlist that ..read more

This special episode pays tribute to the remarkable life and music of the late Benny Golson — a saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose profound influence on jazz endures through both his compositions and recordings. Golson’s legacy is woven into jazz history, known for iconic pieces that have become standards in the jazz repertoire. In today’s episode, we’ll hear selections from Golson’s esteemed career, including his own performances and interpretations of his work by legends like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Quincy Jones. We’ll journey through classics like “Along Came Betty,” “Whispe ..read more

In this episode of The Hot Box, we revisit a theme from episode #128 where we took a deep dive into the piano files, looking for the slightly less obviously famous musicians but still among the very best in the world. The Hot Box #129 Track Listing 1. Blues in Baxters Pad: Gene Harris Quartet (from the album “At Ste.Chapelle Winery”) 2. Japanese Brunch: David Budway (from the album “A New Kiss”) 3. Ask Me Now: Russell Malone & Benny Green (from the album “Jazz at the Bistro”) 4. Tale of the Fingers: Russell Malone& Benny Green (from the album “Jazz at the Bistro”) 5. Alligator Crawl: R ..read more

The 92nd Hot Box is hot with guitars all the way. And there’s a reason. The new album from Chicago-based guitarist Tim Fitzgerald. Better still, you could become the lucky owner of a copy. An album that has been Album of the Month in Downbeat with a four and a half star review! So check in to the Box and see how you could get lucky ..read more

(Note HB 129 is in production but has not been posted yet so will follow 130) In this special episode of The Hot Box, we pay tribute to the remarkable Russell Malone, a virtuoso guitarist known for his versatility, impeccable swing, and soulful sound. Throughout his distinguished career, Malone collaborated with legends like Diana Krall and Ron Carter, while also shining as a solo artist. Join us as we journey through a selection of tracks that highlight his incredible artistry. From his unforgettable performances on classics like “Sweet Georgia Peach” to his original compositions like “Malone ..read more