The Jazz Jam

Two seasoned musicians and long-time friends discuss the most prominent classic jazz albums in addition to reviewing new and modern albums and artists. Join KC-based saxophonist Max Levy and Organist Dwain Gunnels as they take a deep dive into jazz albums of all different shapes and sizes.
Podcast Description
Two seasoned musicians and long-time friends discuss the most prominent classic jazz albums in addition to reviewing new and modern albums and artists. Join KC-based saxophonist Max Levy and Organist Dwain Gunnels as they take a deep dive into jazz albums of all different shapes and sizes.
Episodes
Episodes



Jul 12, 2024
Portrait In Jazz by Bill Evans Trio
Jul 12, 2024
Jul 12, 2024
1hr 32 min
On this week's episode we take a pit stop in the world of Bill Evans with his album "Portrait In Jazz". This is the first studio album of his trio with Scott LaFaro on bass and features some incredible piano trio playing that has been influential to many. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.5/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



May 31, 2024
May 31, 2024
1hr 32 min
On this week's episode we get back to Braxton Cook with our review of his 2023 album "Who Are You When No One is Watching?" It was truly an honor to get to review and fully delve into this personal work from Braxton after getting to interview him on the podcast. Our overall combined rating for the album is 8.8/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Apr 26, 2024
Blue Train by John Coltrane
Apr 26, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
1hr 33 min
On this week's episode we take a dive into a Blue Note masterpiece in John Coltrane's Blue Train. It was his only Blue Note recording as a leader and is a landmark album in the history of jazz music. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.6/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Mar 15, 2024
Mar 15, 2024
1hr 16 min
On this week's episode we get to talk to award winning saxophonist and singer Braxton Cook about his journey as a musician and about his 2023 album "Who Are You When No One Is Watching?". We get lots of insight into his different influences as well as his creative process while creating an album.
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Mar 5, 2024
Momentum by Joshua Redman Elastic Band
Mar 5, 2024
Mar 5, 2024
1hr 28 min
On this week's episode we go through a listener suggestion Momentum by Joshua Redman Elastic Band. This album brings a lot of funk and some intriguing different covers. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.1/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Feb 3, 2024
Feb 3, 2024
1hr 11 min
On this week's episode we take a quick dive into the 2024 Jazz Grammy Nominations. We go through the nominations for Best Jazz Performance, Best Vocal Jazz Album, and Best Instrumental Jazz albums and make our picks for each category to get us ready for the Grammy selections on February 4th. Take a listen to what we thought about each nomination and let us know your thoughts!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Jan 26, 2024
Jan 26, 2024
1hr 46 min
On this week's episode we are captivated by one our personal favorite albums Groovin' With Jug by Richard "Groove" Holmes and Gene "Jug" Ammons. This live recording brings so much energy and is heavy-swingin'. Our overall combined rating for the album is 9.3/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Check out Max and Dwain playing the tune Morris The Minor from the album live: Morris The Minor YouTube Link
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).



Jan 12, 2024
In Real Time by Artemis
Jan 12, 2024
Jan 12, 2024
1hr 28 min
On this week's episode we explore the sophomore album by all female group Artemis entitled "In Real Time". This album features many great compositions and some great musicianship throughout. Our overall combined rating for the album is 7.4/10, make sure to take a listen to our thoughts and how we came up with that score!
Feel free to reach out to us with any listener questions or album recommendations at thejazzjampodcast@gmail.com
Website: Click here!
Instagram: @thejazzjampodcast
Spotify Playlist: Top 3 Playlist
This episode may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in this podcast is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. This should constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law).









