830 - A Jazz Podcast

This week on the Jazz Podcast 8:30, with your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray “The Jazzman,” we celebrate the extraordinary pianist McCoy Tyner, one of the most influential voices in modern jazz. Best known for his powerful work with the John Coltrane Quartet, Tyner developed a bold, percussive piano style that helped redefine the sound of jazz in the 1960s. His dynamic chords, driving rhythms, and ...

On the Weekly Jazz Podcast 8:30, your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman take a look at the remarkable career and music of keyboardist Jeff Lorber. From his pioneering work in jazz fusion to his smooth, sophisticated keyboard style, Lorber has helped shape the sound of contemporary jazz for decades. We’ll explore some of his most memorable recordings, collaborations, and the signature grooves tha...

Brazilian jazz brings together the infectious rhythms of samba and bossa nova with the improvisational spirit of jazz. This week on 8:30, your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman explore the soulful grooves, beautiful melodies, and rich cultural sounds that make Brazilian jazz so distinctive. From intimate bossa nova ballads to vibrant samba-infused performances, we’ll take a musical journey throu...

Art Blakey was one of the most influential drummers in jazz history, celebrated for his explosive style, powerful swing, and unwavering dedication to the music. As the leader of the legendary Jazz Messengers, Blakey helped launch the careers of generations of jazz greats while shaping the sound of modern hard bop. His dynamic performances, thunderous press rolls, and infectious energy made every recording and live appearance an unf...

Tune in each week to 8:30 -A Jazz Podcast, where your hosts Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman bring listeners engaging conversations and insights from the world of jazz. This week's featured guest is legendary jazz drummer Billy Cobham, whose groundbreaking career has influenced generations of musicians. The episode explores his remarkable musical journey, creative process, and lasting impact on jazz and fusion music.<...

Tune in to this week's episode of 8:30 -A Jazz Podcast with your hosts, Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman, as they celebrate the timeless artistry of jazz legend Lonnie Liston Smith. Known for his innovative fusion of jazz, soul, and cosmic sounds, Lonnie Liston Smith has inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. Hollywood and Ray explore his remarkable career, unforgettable recordings, and lasting influen...

Tune in to 8:30, the weekly jazz podcast hosted by Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray "The Jazzman," where great conversations and timeless music come together. Episode #84 shines a spotlight on legendary jazz musician Cal Tjader, celebrating his groundbreaking contributions to Latin jazz and vibraphone performance. Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering the genre for the first time, this episode offers engaging s...

This week on 8:30...A Jazz Podcast, hosts Herman "Hollywood" Dawkins and Ray "The Jazzman" spotlight the legendary group Chicago, a band that successfully fused rock, jazz, and powerful horn arrangements into a signature sound that has endured for decades. Formed in the late 1960s, Chicago became known for chart-topping hits and sophisticated musicianship that brought jazz influences to mainstream audiences around the world. Their ...

Welcome to this week’s episode of 8:30 A Jazz Podcast with your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray “The Jazzman.” Women have been at the heart of jazz since its earliest days, shaping the music as groundbreaking vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, and bandleaders. From the timeless artistry of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to today’s innovative performers, their contributions conti...

On this week’s episode of “8:30,” podcast hosts Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman take a deep dive into Miles Davis’ groundbreaking albumBitches Brew, a record that forever changed the direction of jazz fusion. Released in 1970, the album blended electric instruments, rock rhythms, and fearless improvisation into a bold and revolutionary sound that challenged traditional jazz audiences. Hollywood ...

This week on8:30...A Jazz Podcast, Host Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray “The Jazzman” shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individual talents that powered the Chick Corea Elektric Band. From Chick Corea’s visionary keys and compositional genius to John Patitucci’s masterful bass lines, each member brought a distinct voice that shaped the band’s signature fusion sound. The hosts dive in...

Jazz has produced a remarkable run of chart-topping moments, from the swing era’s dominance to the crossover successes that brought the genre into mainstream popularity. Legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and later Herbie Hancock helped push jazz recordings to #1 status, blending innovation with broad appeal. These milestones reflect not just commercial success, but pivotal shifts in style—from big ...

Steely Dan’s sophisticated blend of jazz harmony, rock grooves, and sharp lyrical storytelling makes them a perfect spotlight for the 8:30 Weekly Jazz Podcast. Hosts Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman can dive into the band’s meticulous studio craftsmanship and the musical chemistry behind their timeless sound. From intricate chord progressions to smooth, groove-driven rhythms, their music bridges jazz and pop...

On this week’s episode of 8:30, your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray the Jazzman shine a spotlight on the legendary Blue Note vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, whose shimmering tone and harmonic daring helped redefine modern jazz. From his groundbreaking sessions in the 1960s to his collaborations with forward-thinking composers, Hutcherson brought both lyricism and edge to every recording. His work balanced...

This week on Podcast 8:30, your hosts Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray “The Jazzman” shine a spotlight on Blue Note trumpet legend Donald Byrd, whose sound bridged hard bop sophistication with a forward-looking groove. From his early collaborations with jazz greats to his evolution into a pioneer of jazz-funk, Byrd’s artistry never stood still. The hosts dive into how his Blue Note recordings capture...

We celebrate Ahmad Jamal by following his sound from a 1958 Chicago club recording to later-era gems and a 2012 “Ponciana” performance in Paris. We focus on his signature use of space, the trio’s feel, and why his touch influenced generations of jazz musicians. 
• the backstory of “Ponciana” and the Pershing Hotel recording 
• how Jamal uses space and why Miles Davis admired it 

Pianist Ahmad Jamal brought a refined elegance to jazz that reshaped the way musicians approached space, rhythm, and dynamics. On this week’s episode of *8:30 with your host Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman*, we celebrate his signature minimalist touch and the profound influence it had on generations of players. From his groundbreaking trio recordings to his subtle yet powerful phrasing, Jamal proved...

On this week’s 8:30 Jazz Podcast, host Herman Hollywood Dawkins and Ray The Jazzman dive deep into the brilliant Wayne Shorter compositions that helped define the sound of Weather Report. They explore how Shorter blended jazz improvisation with cinematic textures and global influences. The conversation highlights his masterful use of space, harmony, and abstraction, showing how his writing pushed the boundaries of jazz fusion...

Grover Washington Jr. was a trailblazing saxophonist who helped shape the sound of smooth jazz while staying deeply rooted in soul, funk, and R&B. Rising to fame in the 1970s, he delivered timeless classics like “Mister Magic” and the Grammy-winning “Just the Two of Us,” blending sophistication with street-level groove. His warm tone and lyrical phrasing made jazz accessible to wider audiences without ev...