Episode 314: Why'd They Call It That? Part 1

Discovering Jazz

Ever wonder how (and why) jazz composers decide on a particular title for their compositions? I try to answer that question. Sometimes I just have to guess. And other times I'll get some hints from the composers or from jazz scholars. At times the title is a pretty good reflection of the music. And at other times it just seems random.

In this episode I play 11 compositions, and speculate as to why it is called what it is called.

In one instance the title was changed. I'm referring to a Thelonious Monk composition that was originally called "Fly Rite". And I also talk about the origin of another Thelonious Monk tune...called Evidence.

Then there are some really weird titles like "The Devil is On the Loose and Dancin' With a Monkey", and "Hello Dali". The latter title is from an album by Allen Lowe and The Constant Sorrow Orchestra called Louis Armstrong's America. That four cd set is what inspired this series of programs, so you'll hear a few tracks from that ensemble.