The New Jazz Archive
Music
About
The New Jazz Archive (TNJA) is more than just a podcast—it’s an invitation to step into the heart of jazz, a uniquely American art form. Hosted by jazz composer and musician Jeff Haas, each episode takes you on a journey through the stories, sounds, and people that have shaped jazz, from its earliest moments to its lasting influence today. With vivid anecdotes and interviews, TNJA uncovers the untold stories behind the music, bringing to life the voices and experiences that define the genre. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering jazz, TNJA offers a front-row seat to the...
Episodes
- Jazz and Spirituality - S02E07
This episode of The New Jazz Archive discusses the connection between jazz and spirituality, covering John Coltrane, Duke Ellington's sacred music, and the tradition of jazz funerals in New Orleans with a member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Ba…
- Charles Mingus - S02E06
This episode celebrates the life and music of Charles Mingus, known as "The Angry Man of Jazz." Featuring interviews with his widow, Sue Mingus, it delves into his compositional genius, virtuosic bass playing, collaboration with Joni Mitch…
- Jazz, R&B, and Social Protest - S02E05
This episode of The New Jazz Archive examines the history of protest in jazz and R&B. It covers the political activism of musical pioneers, the use of American swing music by underground youth movements in Nazi Germany, and the evolution o…
- Building a Jazz Library - S02E04
This episode of The New Jazz Archive, titled "Building a Jazz Library," features music from essential jazz recordings and provides tips for listeners, whether new to jazz or experienced. Insights are shared by jazz historians, fans, and in…
- Jazz and Literature - S02E03
This episode of The New Jazz Archive examines the connections between jazz and literature, discussing how jazz influenced poetry and vice versa. It features insights from poet Sascha Feinstein and historian Michael Borshuk on figures like…
- Thelonious (Sphere) Monk - S02E02
This episode celebrates jazz great Thelonious Monk, covering his bebop innovations, family life, and struggles with mental illness. It features discussions with his son, T. S. Monk, and biographer Robin Kelley, and explores the significanc…
- Great Jazz Cities: St. Louis - S02E01
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores the jazz and blues history of St. Louis, Missouri. It delves into the city's rich blues heritage, its connection to the Mississippi River economy, and its influence on legendary musicians like…
- Blue Note Records - S01E20
This episode of The New Jazz Archive delves into the history of Blue Note Records, discussing its origins, the development of the "Blue Note sound," its commercial challenges, and the influence of Francis Wolff's photography. Guest Michael…
- Halloween - S01E19
The New Jazz Archive episode 'Halloween' explores jazz's connection to spooky themes, featuring music, discussions on jazz legends' resting places, and the myth of Robert Johnson. Mystery writer Bill Moody joins to discuss real-life jazz m…
- Jazz and Psychology - S01E18
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores the intersection of jazz and psychology, discussing music therapy and how jazz aids recovery. Guests include jazz pianist Kenny Werner, psychologist Judith Schlesinger, and Dr. Kenneth Aigen.
- Big Bands - S01E17
This episode of The New Jazz Archive discusses the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of big bands, tracing their origins in 1930s dance culture, their connection to racial politics, and their continued presence in American music. Music histo…
- John Coltrane - S01E16
This episode celebrates John Coltrane, detailing his journey from rural North Carolina, overcoming addiction to become a spiritual icon. It features jazz historian Lewis Porter and a conversation with his son, Ravi Coltrane, about his musi…
- Jazz Abroad - S01E15
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores jazz history outside the US, including its use by the State Department during the Cold War, its long history in Japan and Europe, and the current flourishing jazz scene in Israel, featuring ins…
- Les Paul - S01E14
This episode of The New Jazz Archive celebrates Les Paul, featuring rock icon Steve Miller sharing memories of his godfather and discussing Les Paul's transformative musical inventions. Sue Baker of the Les Paul Foundation also joins to ta…
- Jazz and Country - S01E13
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores the fusion of jazz and country music, featuring discussions with music historian Cary Ginell and composer Andrew Bishop on topics ranging from Hank Garland's influence on the Nashville scene to…
- Billie Holiday - S01E12
This episode of The New Jazz Archive celebrates Billie Holiday’s life and musical genius, featuring discussions with biographer Robert O’Meally and curator Phil Schaap about her influences and enduring legacy.
- Weird Instruments - S01E11
This episode of The New Jazz Archive, titled "Weird Instruments," discusses the integration of instruments like harmonica, accordion, flute, banjo, and bagpipes into jazz. It features conversations with jazz tuba pioneer Howard Johnson and…
- Dave Brubeck - S01E10
This episode celebrates Dave Brubeck's musical journey, covering his experimental jazz beginnings, transition to religious music, and rise to fame. It includes reflections from his son Chris Brubeck and jazz historian Lewis Porter.
- Great Jazz Cities: Kansas City - S01E09
This episode of The New Jazz Archive focuses on the history of jazz in Kansas City, exploring the origins of its unique sound and highlighting key figures like Count Basie and Mary Lou Williams. Jazz historian Chuck Haddix discusses the in…
- Jazz Comeback Stories - S01E08
This episode of The New Jazz Archive focuses on notable comeback stories within jazz, highlighting Duke Ellington's 1956 Newport Jazz Festival performance and guitarist Pat Martino's return after surviving a brain aneurysm. The episode inc…
- Great Jazz Cities: New Orleans - S01E07
This episode of The New Jazz Archive delves into the history of jazz in New Orleans, covering its early 20th-century origins, the Second Line parade tradition, and the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Guests include jazz historian Bruce Raebur…
- Tito Puente - S01E06
This episode celebrates Tito Puente, the King of Latin Jazz, exploring his rise during the 1950s mambo craze and his lasting impact. Guests Bobby Sanabria and Joe Conzo discuss his significance and famous compositions.
- Jazz and Comedy - S01E05
This episode of The New Jazz Archive, "Jazz and Comedy," features comedian Jeff Cesario and historian Lewis Porter discussing the relationship between jazz and humor, its vaudeville origins, and its evolution.
- E04 Alan Lomax - S01E04
This episode celebrates Alan Lomax, an American folklorist whose extensive recordings preserved global traditional music. It features insights from historian Don Fleming and archivist Todd Harvey on Lomax's work and legacy.
- Great Jazz Cities: Chicago - S01E03
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores Chicago's jazz history, focusing on its rise as a jazz capital in the 1920s and its vibrant avant-garde scene. It features discussions on the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge's restoration and the un…
- Nina Simone - S01E02
This episode of The New Jazz Archive focuses on Nina Simone, tracing her musical journey from gospel and classical beginnings to her emergence as a powerful civil rights advocate. The episode includes discussions with biographer Nadine Coh…
- Jazz and the Visual Arts - S01E01
This episode of The New Jazz Archive explores the intersection of jazz and the visual arts, discussing its connections during the Harlem Renaissance and featuring artists Romare Bearden and William Gottlieb.