Rapp on Jazz

Charleston native George Kenny, born in 1932, may not have been a household name, but his influence ran deep in jazz. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jabbo Smith was born in 1908 in Pembroke, Georgia. At just six years old, he entered the Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston, SC, where he discovered his passion for music. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

To hear how three instruments can truly breathe, listen to the Bill Evans Trio, especially with Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums. This ensemble wasn’t just a typical piano-led group; each musician contributed equally.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

In jazz, speed impresses—but it’s the ballad that reveals the soul. Slow tunes like “Body and Soul” or “My Funny Valentine” aren’t just romantic standards, they’re emotional X-rays. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jazz history isn’t just a man’s story—it’s been shaped, driven, and revolutionized by women from the beginning. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

There’s something magical about a jazz trio—just three instruments, yet a world of sound. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jazz is thriving in South Carolina, especially on college campuses. The University of South Carolina has become a major player in jazz education, with programs that combine performance, theory, and history to prepare versatile musicians.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

South Carolina has long been a crossroads for jazz, and some of its most potent moments happened in venues that may not even exist today, but their echoes still swing. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Grammy-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington’s career bridges generations, from touring with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter to founding the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Elvin Jones revolutionized the use of polyrhythms. As the drummer for John Coltrane’s classic quartet, he brought a cyclonic energy, layering rhythm over rhythm, creating a powerful swirl beneath Coltrane’s soaring sax. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

When it comes to polyrhythms in jazz, one name stands out—Max Roach. This pioneer of bebop and beyond used the drum kit like a full orchestra. He played multiple rhythms simultaneously, often inverting time signatures. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Polyrhythms are multiple rhythms played simultaneously and are the heartbeat of much jazz music. They add complexity, surprise, and an irresistible groove that keeps listeners hooked. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

The Charleston Jazz Foundation is a gateway to a vibrant music, education, and community world. Founded in 2008, the Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Charleston’s rich history in jazz. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

South Carolina’s jazz scene shines brightly in Greenville, thanks to the Greenville Jazz Collective. Formed by passionate local musicians, this group is dedicated to nurturing jazz talent and bringing live jazz to the community. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

The Harlem Hellfighters were more than just a legendary infantry regiment in World War I—they were pioneers in bringing jazz to the world stage. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jazz doesn’t just live in music—it lives in words. And nowhere is that more true than in Southern literature, where jazz becomes both soundtrack and symbol. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

From the pixelated arcades of the ’80s to modern consoles, jazz has been laying down grooves in game soundtracks that surprise, swing, and set the mood. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Have you ever noticed how jazz sneaks into commercials? That’s no accident—jazz sells. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

From the Harlem Renaissance to modern runways, jazz artists have been fashion icons, influencing everything from streetwear to high fashion. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Say the name Chano Pozo, and you’re calling up the spirit of a revolution in jazz. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

If jazz has a heartbeat, Afro-Cuban jazz has a pulse—and it’s called the clave. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Before New Orleans became the center of jazz, Charleston, South Carolina, had already planted deep musical roots—thanks in large part to the Jenkins Orphanage Band. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Charleston, South Carolina, holds a rich yet often overlooked place in jazz history. The Charleston Jazz Initiative, co-founded by Dr. Karen Chandler and the late Jack McCray, is dedicated to uncovering and celebrating this legacy. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Dr. Karen Chandler is a classically trained pianist, scholar, and cultural visionary.  Now Associate Professor Emerita at the College of Charleston, she has shaped the landscape of arts management and jazz history for over two decades.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

The guitar wasn’t always front and center in jazz, but when it found its voice, it never looked back. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.