Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com
In October 2014, Ross Porter and I met at New York's High Line Hotel in Chelsea, where he was staying while in town. I've known Ross since I started JazzWax in 2007. Ross is the president and CEO of Toronto's JAZZ.FM91, Canada's leading jazz radio station, and a dear friend. Ross has been an ardent supporter of JazzWax from the start, so whenever he's is in town, we get together. This time, Ross asked if he could interview me on a handful of my favorite jazz tracks for a lovely segment he hosts called Stranded.
Even though Ross is the boss, he keeps his hand in when it comes to radio and music journalism. Ross has a wonderful radio voice and has worked in radio and television for decades. He's passionate about music—all kinds. You may recall that I posted on Ross's terrific May 1979 interview with Bill Evans (go here). Ross also has conducted many TV interviews with jazz and rock legends, so it was an honor to chat with Ross. [Photo above of the High Line Hotel]
Picking desert-island tracks was tough. I wanted to select off-beat stuff that JAZZ.FM91 listeners might not be aware of or wouldn't expect. When I arrived at the hotel, we started talking and I realized I probably should have been better prepared with details about songs (particularly Caroline, No), since I now hear I got a few things wrong. But I did speak from the heart about the music, hoping that my feelings and love for the art would make up for any rambling or errors.
Here are the songs I chose at the time, largely because they touch my spirit (link below to our interview)...
- You Better Go Now—Red Garland
- Two Different Worlds—Sonny Rollins with Earl Colman
- OK Fred—John Holt
- Fox Hunt—Maynard Ferguson
- Estamos Solos—Rey Ruiz
- Caroline, No—Beach Boys
- Ecaroh—Horace Silver
- Who Can I Turn To—Bill Evans
- Any Other Time—Paul Desmond and Jim Hall
- Even More Beautiful—Eumir Deodato
Last week, JAZZ.FM91 aired our conversation and embedded it at the JAZZ.FM91 site. Unfortunately, the first three songs on my list didn't make it into the final cut, but that was my fault since I had chosen too much stuff. I hope you enjoy, and apologies in advance for the errors (go here).
Used with permission by Marc Myers
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