Dave Holland on tonight’s Jazz Library

BBC Radio 3 has dropped Jazz Legends, its must-listen Friday afternoon series, but - let’s face it - the well was running dry. When a reasonably well-versed jazz fan could no longer recognize half the “Legends”’ names, the series was clearly running out of ideas.

But Radio 3’s jazz missionary activity continues, with an equally strong new series at a more sensible time. Jazz Library, at 2230 on Fridays, is a one-hour series of beginners’ guides. It’s already covered the artistry of: Louis Armstrong, Jan Garbarek, Charlie Parker, Bill Evans and Wayne Shorter.

It continues tonight with the great bassist Dave Holland, and continues in April with:

6 Sarah Vaughan
13 Bessie Smith
20 Miles Davis
21 Bud Powell.

Jazz Library is highly recommended for grown-ups seeking to sample the top names in jazz. I’m recording the lot – it’s that good.

www.bbc.co.uk/radio3


Gerry Smith