Notes From the Jazz Underground

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Notes from the Jazz Underground is produced by Paul Abella at WDCB in Chicago. A show that focuses on the fringes of Jazz, Notes From the Jazz Underground is where you'll hear avant-garde Jazz, Fusion, Modern Jazz and Jazz that's outside the mainstream.

Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org / Download the FREE KRCB Mobile App from the App Store & Google Play!

Notes from the Jazz Underground

March 05, 2021

Chick Corea Part 3: The Experimental Chick Corea on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we take a look back at Chick Corea's more experimental side, with music from 1969 - 1982, with Circle, Return to Forever and various trios through the years. Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming @…
February 26, 2021

Chick Corea Part 2: Return to Forever on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we continue our look back at Chick Corea's career, and this time, we're cranking up the volume and jamming to Return to Forever. We're covering every version of the band, from their origins as a Brazilian flavored electric Jazz band to their final incarnation that merged Jazz, funk and…
January 29, 2021

Music from Bobby Hutcherson, Weather Report, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, the focus is simply on some really good music, new and old, with music from Bobby Hutcherson, Weather Report, the latest from Jazz is Dead and more! Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org /…
January 22, 2021

All Hail the Almighty Groove on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll celebrate the almighty groove: spiritual grooves, jammy grooves, funky grooves and more! We'll hear from Leon Thomas, Pharoah Sanders, John Scofield and plenty of others Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming @…
January 01, 2021

Notes from the Jazz Underground Features Avant-Garde Saxophones – Saturday at 11pm

This week, you'll take a listen to some of the titans of the avant-garde...Yusef Lateef, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Dewey Redman and a few modern players pushing Jazz's boundaries, too! Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming…
December 18, 2020

Notes from the Jazz Underground Christmas Special – Saturday at 11pm

Let's get in the holiday spirit with music from Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe, John Zorn, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, and more! Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs Saturday nights at 11:00 pm on KRCB-FM / streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org / Download the FREE…
Nov 20, 2020

Julian Lage, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, The Nels Cline Singers, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a listen to a handful of Nels Cline's albums with Julian Lage, Medeski, Martin and Wood, The Nels Cline Singers and more! Notes…
Nov 13, 2020

Frank Zappa, Dave Holland, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a listen to music from Frank Zappa, Dave Holland, Fred Anderson, Herbie Hancock, and more! Notes from the Jazz Underground with…
Nov 06, 2020

New Music From Coast to Coast to Coast on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we're checking out brand new music from London, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella…
Oct 30, 2020

Keith Jarrett and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, I wanted to pay tribute to one of my favorite Jazz artists from my favorite period of his career. Keith Jarrett in the 70's created…
Oct 23, 2020

Highlights from John Zorn's Masada, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we're heading back to the '90s for some highlights from John Zorn's Masada, Craig Taborn, John Scofield, and more! Notes from the Jazz…
Oct 16, 2020

Sonny Sharrock, David S. Ware, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll listen to Sonny Sharrock, David S. Ware, Anthony Pirog, Bill Frisell, Anthony Pirog again and Sonny Sharrock again. In other words,…
Oct 09, 2020

The Fusion Side of Cannonball Adderley on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

Cannonball Adderley recorded some smokin' albums that we could roughly call fusion in the late 60's and early 70's, and we'll listen to some of the…
Oct 02, 2020

Music From Cindy Blackman Santana's New Album and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll throw the spotlight on Cindy Blackman Santana's new album, Give the Drummer Some, plus jams from Carlos Santana, Miles Davis,…
Sep 25, 2020

Hear Some Christian Scott, Chien Chien Lu, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we're focusing mainly on new music from the last couple of months, with some stellar jams from Christian Scott, Chien Chien Lu, Josh…
Sep 18, 2020

Grant Green, Eric Dolphy, Archie Shepp, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, let's listen to titans of the Avant-Garde, titans of funk, and some more great stuff to boot. Grant Green, Eric Dolphy, Archie Shepp,…
Sep 11, 2020

Jazz From Nigeria, Mali, London, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear some great Jazz from Nigeria, Mali, London, and Chicago. We'll hear some great pairings, including George Benson and Tony…
Sep 04, 2020

Enjoy Jazz Versions of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll bookend the shows with Jazz versions of music from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, with a gooey middle filled with Keith Jarrett,…
Aug 21, 2020

It’s All About Brass Bands on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll party in New Orleans, New York, New Delhi, Chicago and London as we get down to the sounds of the modern-day brass bands. Notes from…
Aug 14, 2020

John Scofield, Charlie Hunter, Fareed Haque, and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear some well-traversed pathways in the Notes from the Jazz Underground universe: music from John Scofield, Charlie Hunter (with…
Aug 07, 2020

Celebrating Jerry Garcia on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we spend some time celebrating Jerry Garcia. He dipped his toes in the Jazz waters a handful of times, and we'll hear him with Ornette…
Jul 31, 2020

Dweezil, Zony, and Astroturf Noise on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll get weird with Dweezil Zappa, we'll get funky with Zony Mash and the Sugarman 3, we'll go Honky-Tonkin' with Astroturf Noise, and…
Jul 24, 2020

New Music from Avishai Cohen, and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear electrified ragas, raging guitars, new music from Avishai Cohen and Derrick Hodge, and more! Support KRCB FM during our Summer…
Jul 10, 2020

Latin Jazz World Tour This Week on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear Latin Jazz from the Underground, with stops in San Juan, Havana, Chicago, Sing-Sing Prison, Yankee Stadium and more! Notes from…
Jul 03, 2020

Electronic, Electric, and Eclectic on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll get electronic with Mark Guiliana's Beat Music, electric with Keith Emerson, and eclectic with Brownout, Russell Gunn, and Gil…
Jun 26, 2020

Thick and Meaty Slabs of 1970's Jazz Funk, Along with Some Modern Experimental on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

You’re in for some fantastic 1970's Jazz Funk from Grover Washington, Jr, Bob James, Eddie Harris, Ramsey Lewis, and more. Plus, you’ll hear some…
Jun 19, 2020

Free Jazz, Freer Jazz, and Some Fusey Jazz on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a listen to some excellent Jazz-Funk, some free jazz, some freer jazz, and a set of music that fuses Jazz, Post-Rock and House…
Jun 12, 2020

New Music from Ambrose Akinmusire, Butcher Brown, and More on Notes Form the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear Jazz from the 50's, Jazz from today, Jazz/Hip-Hop Fusion, a big band, and more. New music from Ambrose Akinmusire and Butcher…
Jun 05, 2020

Snarky Puppy, Frank Zappa, and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll go in a few directions, from Jazz interpretations of classical music, to energetic shows of chops galore. Join me for an hour filled…
May 29, 2020

From Miles Davis to Off the Wall Cello Music, it’s Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, a little of everything, from Miles Davis to off the wall cello music. We'll hear from pianist Kris Davis, new music from Enzo Carniel &…
May 22, 2020

A Jazz History Lesson with Alice Coltrane on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a look at one of the most unique keyboardists and harpists in the last 50 plus years of Jazz history, Alice Coltrane. We'll…
May 01, 2020

A Bit of Guitar Hero Worship on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we spend some time with a few guitar heroes. Chris Poland, Will Bernard, Jake and Brendan from Umphrey's McGee and Jeff Beck, too. And a…
Apr 24, 2020

Get Down, Get Funky on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll listen to some funky music. We'll listen to some funky music on the edge, and we'll check out some great collaborative efforts from…
Apr 17, 2020

This Week You’ll Hear Jazz with a Twang on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

Jazz renditions of Country and Folk tunes by John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Bryan and the Haggards, Sara Gazarek and more. So, get on those boots, and…
Apr 10, 2020

Music From Donald Byrd, Eddie Harris, and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we're jamming to the music in the space between straight ahead Jazz and fusion, heading back to the late 60's and early 70's for music…
Apr 03, 2020

Jazz Is Dead on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a listen to new music from Gilfema, Avishai Cohen and Jazz is Dead, plus some older jams from Weather Report and a completely…
Mar 27, 2020

We're Going Heavy on the Guitars for This Week’s Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

Acoustic guitars from Rodrigo Y Gabriela and John McLaughlin, electric guitars with Bill Frisell and Grant Green, and some downright electrifying…
Mar 20, 2020

From a Brass Band to Modern Jazz on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear a brass band from New York, modern Jazz from New Orleans, and a new generation of musicians re-imagines A Love Supreme. Notes…
Mar 13, 2020

Remembering McCoy Tyner on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we celebrate one of the finest pianists in the history of Jazz, with a look at some of his most fiery and exploratory moments, from his…
Mar 06, 2020

Vintage Zappa and Some Tower of Power on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, I'll throw the spotlight on two epic jams: Frank Zappa and the Mothers, from back in 1968, and Tower of Power, recorded live in 1976.…
Feb 14, 2020

It’s a Wide Range of Artists on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we cover a lot of ground, from Cecil Taylor to Shabaka and the Ancestors. Notes from the Jazz Underground with host Paul Abella airs…
Feb 07, 2020

You’ll hear From Jeff Parker’s Latest Album on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll take a look at Jeff Parker's latest album, Suite for Max Brown. We'll hear a couple of songs from it, plus music from Herbie…
Jan 31, 2020

A Fusion Journey From the Giants of the 70’s to Chicago Prog-Rokers of Today on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

A look back at the Fusion giants of the 70's: Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, The Brecker Bros, The Dixie Dregs and more, and a look to the…
Jan 24, 2020

Lennie Tristano, Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we go back...way back, and take a look at the roots of the Jazz Underground with phenomenal music from Lennie Tristano, Ornette Coleman,…
Jan 17, 2020

Herbie Hancock and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we unplug and listen to some acoustic jams from Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman and a full set from the DKV Trio, too! Notes from the Jazz…
Jan 10, 2020

Notes from the Jazz Underground: The Best of the Rest, 2019 – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we take a final look back at the music of 2019... and play some of the fantastically good stuff that I didn't get a chance to play…
Jan 03, 2020

2019 Year in Review, Part Two on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, I continue my look back at some of the best left-of-center Jazz released in 2019, and we'll hear from Snarky Puppy, Brad Mehldau, The…
Dec 27, 2019

Some of the Best New Releases of 2019 on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll spend some time looking back at the best new releases that came out in 2019, and we'll just scratch the surface. We'll hear from…
Dec 21, 2019

Frank Zappa on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll spend an hour with Frank Zappa, the guitarist, composer and bandleader who brought prog-rock and fusion to the masses throughout the…
Dec 13, 2019

This Week, Get Funky, Weird, and Heady on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll get funky with Eddie Harris, weird with two featuring Marc Ribot, we'll get heady with Earth, Wind and Fire, and we'll check out two…
Nov 29, 2019

The NFTJU Mix Tape on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, a little of everything that is good, for no other reason than, well, it's good. New music from Theo Croker and Snarky Puppy, Back to the…
Nov 22, 2019

Hear Blazing Chops and Amazing Songcraft from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll listen to some new music from Nicholas Payton, Hiromi and Darren Barrett, along with a gem from James Carter, an amazing jam from…
Nov 15, 2019

The Curtis Mayfield Songbook on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

On this edition of Notes from the Jazz Underground, we take a listen to Jazz renditions of one of the masters of R&B, Curtis Mayfield, with Lou…
Nov 01, 2019

Jazz in Chicago, 2019 on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

With all of the internationally lauded Jazz coming out of Chicago these days, Notes from the Jazz Underground takes a look - and a listen - to some…
Oct 18, 2019

Notes from the Jazz Underground Features Miles Davis Rubberband – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll dive deep into the Miles Davis archival release of the Rubberband sessions from 1985-86, and while we're there, we'll hear other…
Oct 04, 2019

This Week, Collaborations Between Punk and Jazz on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll listen to collaborations between punk rockers and Jazz artists, so get ready to hear the latest from The Messthetics, Charles…
Sep 20, 2019

Great Guitarists and Legendary Horn Players on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear some great guitarists, like George Benson and Nels Cline, some legendary horn players like Eric Dolphy and Wynton Marsalis,…
Sep 13, 2019

Notes From the Jazz Underground - New and Old Masters – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll listen to some great new music from The New Masters, Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire fame, and the new album from Resavoir,…
Sep 06, 2019

From Jazz-Funk to Jazz-Pop to the Avant-Garde on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, inspiration comes in multiple flavors, from Jazz-Funk to Jazz-Pop to the Avant-Garde. Henry Threadgill, Cecil Taylor, Herbie Hancock, and…
Aug 30, 2019

A Little Bit Country, A little bit Rock and Roll on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, let's listen to a little bit of everything. A brass band. A couple of electrified saxophones, and a bunch of guitars, playing jammy Jazz,…
Aug 23, 2019

Give it Up for the Trumpets on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week on Notes from the Jazz Underground, it's all about great trumpeters, old and new - Freddie Hubbard, Dave Douglas, Marquis Hill, Miles…
Aug 16, 2019

Modern Jazz Fusion Flavors From Trilok Gurtu to Snarky Puppy on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear modern Jazz fusion. Some with a distinctly American accent, and some with an Indian one. Trilok Gurtu, Tabla Beat Science,…
Aug 09, 2019

From Black Sabbath to Brad Mehldau on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

On this edition of Notes from the Jazz Underground, let's take a listen to a few examples of Jazz folks exploring the music of Black Sabbath, plus…
Aug 02, 2019

This Week it’s the Annual Jerry Garcia Special on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

The annual Notes from the Jazz Underground Jerry Garcia episode. We'll hear Jerry with Ornette Coleman, Jerry with Merl Saunders, and of course,…
Jul 26, 2019

Jazz Underground Explores the Jazzy Side of Prog-Rock – Saturday at 11pm

This week, Notes from the Jazz Underground explores the Jazzy side of prog-rock with jams from Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Rush, King Crimson,…
Jul 19, 2019

Music of Johannesburg and India, Plus New Jams from Theo Croker and More on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week, we'll hear Jazz fused with hip-hop, the music of Johannesburg and the music of India, too. New jams from Theo Croker, Ryan Keberle and…
Jul 12, 2019

Sonny Rollins Stretches Out on Notes from the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week on Notes from the Jazz Underground, Sonny Rollins stretches out, we'll take a listen to Jazz versions of a couple of epic Grateful Dead…
Jun 28, 2019

Phish's Trey Anastasio, Plus New Stuff from Snarky Puppy on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11pm

This week on Notes From the Jazz Underground, we will get funky with Grant Green, Dr. Lonnie Smith and DJ Greyboy, we'll get jammy with Phish's Trey…
Jun 06, 2019

Coltrane and Two Coleman on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we'll hear John Coltrane in the 60's, Ornette Coleman in the 80's, Steve Coleman in the 90's, and the latest from Linda May Han Oh! All…
May 23, 2019

Notes From the Jazz Underground Presents the Miles Davis Legacy – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we take a look back at Miles Davis, post 1969, plugged in and on fire.
Apr 25, 2019

Notes from the Jazz Underground Gets Wild and Woolly – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, Notes from the Jazz Underground gets wild and woolly, with jams from Dave King's Happy Apple, Tim Berne's Science Friction, and a musical…
Apr 11, 2019

We Go Intergalactic with Sun Ra, Coltranes, and More on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, Notes from the Jazz Underground goes on an intergalactic journey with music from Sun Ra, multiple Coltranes, John McLaughlin, Bjork and…
Apr 04, 2019

We Get Out of This World and Down to Earth on Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we'll listen to some chicken-pickin', some out of this world music, some down to earth funk, and a whole set of some of the new guys…
Mar 28, 2019

Jazz Gets Re-Mixed and Re-Imagined on Notes From The Jazz Undergound – Saturday at 11 pm

This week on Notes From the Jazz Underground, Jazz gets re-mixed with Bill Laswell, Jazz gets re-imagined with Dave Liebman, and GangStarr gives us a…
Mar 21, 2019

Notes From The Jazz Underground Drops the "F" Bomb – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, Paul drops the "F" bomb. FUSION! Music from Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Frank Zappa, The Tony Williams Lifetime, Dixie Dregs,…
Mar 14, 2019

Notes From the Jazz Underground Gets Saxy – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, it's a bonanza of off-kilter saxophones, with superb music from Albert Ayler, Eddie Harris, Tim Berne, Seamus Blake and more! Notes from…
Mar 07, 2019

The Big Bands Rock Out on Notes From The Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week on Notes from the Jazz Underground, the big bands are coming back, and this time, they're gonna rock.
Feb 28, 2019

Nik Bartsh, Chris Greene, and New York United on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we'll hear new music from Nik Bartsh, Chris Greene and New York United, classics from Santana and Elis Regina, and some off the wall stuff…
Feb 21, 2019

It’s Back to the ‘90s with Medeski and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we head back to the 90's with jams from Medeski, Martin and Wood, Zony Mash, we get weird with Joel Harrison and Jim Black's AlasNoAxis…
Feb 14, 2019

New Music from Greg Ward and More on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

New music from Greg Ward and the Gil Evans Orchestra, plus Miles from the '90s, Maceo from the '70s, and more! Notes from the Jazz Underground airs…
Feb 07, 2019

The Fun Side of Avant-Garde From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

This week, we take a look at the fun side of the avant-garde, with songs from Colin Stetson, John Zorn, Bill Frisell, DJ Logic and more! Notes from…
Jan 31, 2019

It’s an Evening of Heavy and Heady Jazz on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

Heavy Jazz and Heady Jazz: music from Dave Holland, Frank Zappa, The Aristocrats and brand new music from Angel Bat Dawid, Ben Lamar Gay and Dayramir…
Jan 24, 2019

It's the Wonderful World of Weirdness on Notes From the Jazz Underground – Saturday at 11 pm

When the going gets weird, the weird end up on Notes From the Jazz Underground.
Jan 10, 2019

Donny McCaslin, Jeff Parker, and More on Notes from the Jazz Underground - Saturday at 11 pm

This week on Notes from the Jazz Underground, it's a show heavy on modern fusion, with songs from Donny McCaslin, Jeff Parker, Marcus Strickland, and…
Jan 03, 2019

Notes From the Jazz Underground Explores the Beatles and Classic '70s Jazz - Saturday at 11 pm

This week on Notes From the Jazz Underground, your host, Paul Abella explores the music of the Beatles, classic Jazz from the '70s with Keith Jarrett…

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