Traditions In Swing: Sidney Bechet Needs To Be Heard
Listening is emphasized in this program on legendary Sidney Bechet recordings made in the 1920s and 1930s.
Phil Schaap (1951-2021) was a prominent voice in New York radio since 1970. He taught in the Graduate Division at Juilliard and was the academic head of Swing University for Jazz at Lincoln Center. For 14 years, Phil taught in the American Studies Department at Princeton University. He has been profiled in the New Yorker magazine for his seminal role in the preservation of Jazz music, and is widely regarded as one of its foremost scholars. The knowledge and radio broadcasts on this website are the result of his lifelong immersion in America's finest original art form, and represent the highest possible quality of information available in modern Jazz scholarship. This site is maintained by Phil's students to honor his legacy by providing accurate and explanatory Jazz information through his archival radio broadcasts and writings.
The Phil Schaap Jazz Collection at Vanderbilt University's Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries encompasses Schaap's recordings of his radio broadcasts, interviews and other live events, as well as physical materials such as personal papers, writing drafts, correspondence, ephemera, archival reels and tapes, and other published media. The collection, which is currently being processed, will be made available for educational, research and exhibit purposes in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. For those interested in supporting Phil Schaap's legacy, please donate to the Phil Schaap Jazz Collection Preservation Fund at Vanderbilt University, PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7727, or the Phil Schaap Jazz Foundation, Inc., 140 Cabrini Boulevard, Apt. 88, New York, NY 10033.
Recently Added
Traditions In Swing: Joe Robichaux
Phil explores the obscure 1933 recordings of New Orleans pianist Joe Robichaux.
Bird Flight: Early 1951 Overview Part 1
Disc 1/2Part 1 of an overview of Bird’s activities in early 1951.
Bird Flight: Early 1951 Overview Part 2
Disc 2/2Part 2 of an overview of Bird’s activities in early 1951.
Bird Flight: 1950-1951 Quintet Part 1
Disc 1/2Part 1 in a series acknowledges an overlooked quintet that Bird led from late 1950 to early 1951 on a hiatus from Charlie Parker with Strings.
Bird Flight: 1950-1951 Quintet Part 2
Disc 2/2Part 2 in a series acknowledges an overlooked quintet that Bird led from late 1950 to early 1951 on a hiatus from Charlie Parker with Strings.
Bird Flight: William Henry Apartments Jam Session
Phil investigates the jam session recording of January 7, 1951 at Jimmy Knepper and Joe Maini’s apartment.
Bird Flight: "Star Eyes"
Phil plays the recordings of Bird’s January 17, 1951 studio session and examines the repertory choice of “Star Eyes”.
Bird Flight: Great BeBop by Bird
After a successful fundraiser, Phil takes a break from the chronology to play a selection of great BeBop by Bird.
Out To Lunch: Frankie Newton Part 1
Disc 1/5Part 1 of 5 in a comprehensive examination of the lost master of the trumpet, Frankie Newton.
Out To Lunch: Frankie Newton Part 2
Disc 2/5Part 2 of 5 in a comprehensive examination of the lost master of the trumpet, Frankie Newton.
Out To Lunch: Frankie Newton Part 3
Disc 3/5Part 3 of 5 in a comprehensive examination of the lost master of the trumpet, Frankie Newton.
Out To Lunch: Frankie Newton Part 4
Disc 4/5Part 4 of 5 in a comprehensive examination of the lost master of the trumpet, Frankie Newton.
Out To Lunch: Frankie Newton Part 5
Disc 5/5Part 5 of 5 in a comprehensive examination of the lost master of the trumpet, Frankie Newton.
Traditions In Swing: Chick Webb Instrumentals
Phil concentrates on the recorded instrumental tracks to emphasize the greatness of Chick Webb’s orchestra.
Out To Lunch: Roy Eldridge with Gene Krupa for Black History Month
For the closing show in his annual Black History Month series, Phil presents the music that came from Roy Eldridge integrating the Gene Krupa Orchestra.
Bird Flight: Cherokees
With the 1943 demo disc recording as a framework, Phil plays every recording of Parker playing the song “Cherokee”.
Bird Flight: Bird on Tenor Saxophone
Phil plays the almost complete recordings of Bird on tenor saxophone.
Bird Flight: 1943 Demo Disc
Phil reviews the significant 1943 demo disc session done by Bird in Kansas City.
Bird Flight: Noble Sissle
Phil examines the possibility that Bird is present on a May of 1944 recording of the Noble Sissle Orchestra.
Bird Flight: Tiny Grimes 1944
Phil plates the September 15, 1944 Savoy recording date of Tiny Grimes, which featured Bird.
Kalaparusha Memorial Broadcast
Phil offers some brief recollections of saxophonist Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre for the opening of a memorial program.
Traditions In Swing: Count Basie for Black History Month
Phil brings forth the overlooked actions of Count Basie that justify his place in Black History Month celebrations.
Out To Lunch: Larger Ensemble Brownie
Phil plays the recordings made by Clifford Brown in ensembles larger than his familiar combos.
Bird Flight: Benny Goodman Overdubs Part 1
Disc 1/2Phil investigates the dating of the Charlie Parker overdubs of Benny Goodman small group recordings, and offers some thoughts on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Bird Flight: Benny Goodman Overdubs Part 2
Disc 2/2Phil investigates the dating of the Charlie Parker overdubs of Benny Goodman small group recordings.
Bird Flight: Tiny Grimes 1944 Part 1
Disc 1/2Putting the September of 1944 Savoy session of Tiny Grimes into focus, Phil discusses the practices of the era related to composition and Bird’s original, “Red Cross”
Bird Flight: Tiny Grimes 1944 Part 2
Disc 2/2Putting the September of 1944 Savoy session of Tiny Grimes into focus, Phil discusses the composition “I’ll Always Love You Just The Same” and Grimes’ earlier band, The Cats and the Fiddle.
Bird Flight: Clyde Hart 1945 Part 1
Disc 1/2Phil tells the story of Bird’s involvement in two vocal dates on the Continental label organized by pianist Clyde Hart in January of 1945.
Bird Flight: Clyde Hart 1945 Part 2
Disc 2/2Phil tells the story of Bird’s involvement in two vocal dates on the Continental label organized by pianist Clyde Hart in January of 1945.
Bird Flight: Bird with Lennie Tristano and Allen Eager
Phil takes a break from the chronology, playing Bird’s recordings with Allen Eager and Lennie Tristano.
Bird Flight: Red Norvo 1945 Part 1
Disc 1/2Phil delves into one of the first BeBop recording sessions, Red Norvo’s June 6, 1945 date for Comet.
Bird Flight: Red Norvo 1945 Part 2
Disc 2/2Phil delves into one of the first BeBop recording sessions, Red Norvo’s June 6, 1945 date for Comet.
Traditions In Swing: Louie Bellson Memorial Broadcast
Phil remembers legendary drummer Louie Bellson.
Traditions In Swing: Leonard Gaskin Memorial Broadcast
Phil remembers bassist Leonard Gaskin, the patriarch of Brooklyn BeBop.
Out To Lunch: Tommy Flanagan 79th Birthday Broadcast
Phil celebrates the birthday of Detroit pianist Tommy Flanagan, who made music with John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Out To Lunch: Territory Bands
Phil explores the concept of territory bands, featuring obscure music from the 1920s by Lloyd Scott, Cecil Scott, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, Walter Anderson, George Osborne, Arnold Frank, The Marigold Entertainers, Wally Erickson, Slatz Randall, Charlie Creath, Oscar Celestin, and Fate Marable.
Bird Flight: Spring 1945 Concerts Part 1
Disc 1/2Phil discusses a Sarah Vaughan record date and two concerts, all recorded in the spring of 1945.
Bird Flight: Spring 1945 Concerts Part 2
Disc 2/2Phil discusses two concerts and a Red Norvo record date, all recorded in the spring of 1945.
Bird Flight: June 22, 1945 Town Hall Concert Part 1
Disc 1/4Phil presents the music of the Town Hall concert given on June 22, 1945 by Dizzy Gillespie’s working quintet.
Bird Flight: June 22, 1945 Town Hall Concert Part 2
Disc 2/4Phil presents the music of the Town Hall concert given on June 22, 1945 by Dizzy Gillespie’s working quintet.
Bird Flight: June 22, 1945 Town Hall Concert Part 3
Disc 3/4Phil presents the music of the Town Hall concert given on June 22, 1945 by Dizzy Gillespie’s working quintet.
Bird Flight: June 22, 1945 Town Hall Concert Part 4
Disc 4/4Phil presents the music of the Town Hall concert given on June 22, 1945 by Dizzy Gillespie’s working quintet.
Max Roach Birthday Broadcast (85th)
After examining some miscellaneous Max Roach items, Phil jumps into a presentation on the drummer’s 1949 recordings done after leaving Charlie Parker’s group.
Out To Lunch: 39 Records for Phil's 39th Broadcast Anniversary
On the 39th anniversary of his first WKCR broadcast, Phil plays a selection of 39 different legendary to obscure Jazz records.
Traditions In Swing: Benny Morton 102nd Birthday Broadcast
Phil Provides a brief biography of trombonist Benny Morton, and plays his recordings with Billie Holiday.
Out To Lunch: New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Phil plays the early and pioneering recordings of the legendary New Orleans Rhythm Kings from 1922 and 1923.
Traditions In Swing: Coleman Hawkins on Keynote
Phil plays the complete recordings as a leader by Coleman Hawkins done for the Keynote label in 1944.
Bird Flight: Joe Albany Birthday Broadcast
Phil takes a break from the examination of unidentified 1951 material to celebrate the 80th birthday of pianist Joe Albany.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 1
Disc 1/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 2
Disc 2/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 3
Disc 3/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 4
Disc 4/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 5
Disc 5/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird's Issued Records Part 6
Disc 6/6Phil explores the recordings of Charlie Parker that were released and widely available in his lifetime.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 1
Disc 1/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 2
Disc 2/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 3
Disc 3/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 4
Disc 4/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 5
Disc 5/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Onyx Part 6
Disc 6/6As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Onyx Club made by Dean Benedetti in July of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Deuces
As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings from the Three Deuces made in March of 1948.
Traditions In Swing: Sidney Bechet on Victor
Phil presents the recordings made by the legendary Sidney Bechet for the prestigious Victor record label.
Traditions In Swing: Sidney Bechet and the Trumpeters
Phil explores the multiple approaches taken by Sidney Bechet while playing with trumpeters in the New Orleans tradition.
Jazz Alternatives: Trane and Bird
Phil fills in for Sharif Abdus-Salaam with a program of John Coltrane music and interviews, tagged with some Charlie Parker.
Traditions In Swing: Herman Chittison in Europe
Phil presents the recordings of pianist Herman Chittison, with a particular focus on his 1930s European Period.
Traditions In Swing: Early Jack Teagarden
Phil explores the early recordings of trombonist Jack Teagarden, with a particular focus on his sessions as a leader made before 1934.
Mary Lou Williams Second Century Part 1
Disc 1/2Part 1 in a series following the centennial of pianist, composer, and arranger Mary Lou Williams, featuring an overview of her multifaceted greatness.
Mary Lou Williams Second Century Part 2
Disc 2/2Part 2 in a series following the centennial of pianist, composer, and arranger Mary Lou Williams, featuring an overview of her early recordings with Andy Kirk.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 1
Disc 1/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings done at the Royal Roost and in the studio in September of 1948.
Hank Jones Memorial Broadcast Part 1
Disc 1/4Part 1 in a series of memorial programs for pianist Hank Jones, concentrating here on his recordings with Charlie Parker.
Hank Jones Memorial Broadcast Part 2
Disc 2/4Part 2 in a series of memorial programs for pianist Hank Jones, featuring here some brief personal recollections by Phil.
Hank Jones Memorial Broadcast Part 3
Disc 3/4Part 3 in a series of memorial programs for pianist Hank Jones, featuring Jones’ records as a leader.
Hank Jones Memorial Broadcast Part 4
Disc 4/4Part 4 in a series of memorial programs for pianist Hank Jones, featuring Jones’ earliest recordings.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 2
Disc 2/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in December of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 3
Disc 3/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in December of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 4
Disc 4/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in December of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 5
Disc 5/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in December of 1948.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 6
Disc 6/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in early 1949.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 7
Disc 7/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in early 1949.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 8
Disc 8/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in early 1949.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 9
Disc 9/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in early 1949.
Bird Flight: Bird and Max at the Roost Part 10
Disc 10/10As part of a continued series on Charlie Parker & Max Roach, Phil plays recordings of broadcasts from the Royal Roost in early 1949.
Traditions In Swing: Alex Hill
Phil explores the music of short-lived arranger, composer, and pianist Alex Hill from the late 1920s and mid-1930s.