Episode 184: Amazing Women in Jazz

Discovering Jazz

I played some records by some great female instrumental jazz artists last week….and this week I have some more (plus a vocalist or two).

I remember only a few years ago when people so often spoke about the dearth of women in the jazz world. And just within five years there numbers have blossomed. Just look at the critics and jazz fans polls in the various jazz magazines.

One highlight of this week’s episode is a Vancouver based singer who was recently honoured by Canada Post by having her picture on a new stamp. Her name is Eleanor Collins, and she never put out a commercial recording. With one exception! A single track on an album by a Vancouver B.C. based jazz combo honouring compositions by Canadian women.

Another highlight is the great Alice Coltrane—before she became Alice Coltrane.

Actually they are all highlights. You’ll hear Toronto saxophonist Allison Au, pianists Renee Rosnes, Marian McPartland, Helen Sung, and Geri Allen. There’s a jazz cellist named Tomeika Reid who plays on a recording with award winning guitarist Mary Halvorson. Trumpeter Bria Skonberg does a great combination of Duke Ellington and Paul McCartney.

Then there is pianist/arranger/writer/orchestrator Toshiko Akiyoshi. And have you heard Esperanza Spaulding’s new album? You’ll hear a track here.