One of the bastards loves holiday music (Mike loves to flex his knowledge-of-obscure-Xmas-tunes-muscles) and so the holiday episode has become an annual tradition.  Luckily, every year at least a few jazz musicians put out a holiday album (if under duress) and archival and historical finds are always there to enjoy as well.  Various Artists – A JAZZ CHRISTMAS; Shorty Rogers – THE SWINGIN’ NUTCRACKER; Louis Armstrong – WISHES YOU A COOL YULE; George Burton – the YULE LOG    Ken Serio – A JAZZY YULETIDE.

Two avante garde guitars two generations apart are the focus this time, as Mike and Pat look at releases from Sonny Sharrock and Mary Halvorson. Plus, Mike unloads on Pat for his Beach Boys obsession. Sonny Sharrock – GUITAR, ASK THE AGES; Mary Halvorson – MELTFRAME; Tomeka Reid Quartet – SELF TITLED.

You can make all sorts of connections among the four selections discussed in this episode, but Pat & Mike aren't about trying too hard. Listen as Ambrose Akinmusire (and Stan Getz) enter the ranks of artists "lucky" enough to be discussed three times on this venerable show. Stan Getz – SWEET RAIN; Ambrose Akinmusire – A RIFT IN DECORUM – LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD; Miles Davis – LIVE AT FILLMORE EAST MARCH 7, 1970; Count Basie / Lester Young – SAVORY COLLECTION VOLUME 2

Peripatetic Pat is in a grumpy mood this episode and can only find a spot of warmth in his cold cold heart for one of the four vocal selections covered. Why can't he not worry and be and/or get happy? Mike has one word for him: Zundoko! Norah Jones – DAY BREAKS; Pink Martini – GET HAPPY; Bobby McFerrin – SPIRITYOUALL; Madeleine Peyroux – SECULAR HYMNS.

Mike and Pat welcome special guest Brent Laidler to discuss his album No Matter Where Noir. Brent plays guitar on the album but he also wrote and arranged the pieces, many of which normal human beings can hum. Brent Laidler - NO MATTER WHERE NOIR; Yuji Ohno – LUPIN THE THIRD JAZZ

Listener suggestions guide the boys this time, with jazz inflected rock and camp infected jazz filling the playlist. Bettye LaVette - INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK; Frank Zappa - MAKE A JAZZ NOISE HERE; Joni Mitchell – MINGUS; Ed Palermo Big Band - THE GREAT UNAMERICAN SONGBOOK

The forecast for this cast is . . . well, we're doing a show about four alto sax players named Sonny. Make your own meteorological joke. Sonny Stitt – REARIN’ BACK/ TRIBUTE TO ELLINGTON; Sonny Fortune – SERENGETI MINSTREL; Sonny Criss – SONNY’S DREAM; Sonny Simmons – BURNING SPIRITS.

What do John Pizzarelli, Sun Ra, Jack DeJohnette and Brandford Marsalis have in common? You tell us. We spread the joy and opprobrium in equal measure this time, with kudos for Marsalis, Elling and . . . Sting? and clipped wings for Pizzarelli's all-McCartney effort. John Pizzarelli – MIDNIGHT MCCARTNEY; Sun Ra – THE SINGLES (Evidence 2D); Jack DeJohnette – IN MOVEMENT; Branford Marsalis / Kurt Elling – UPWARD SPIRAL

Arthur Blythe was Columbia's last major "out" signing, and he gets the full episode treatment now that he's playing with the angels. Horace Tapscott – THE GIANT HAS AWAKENED; Arthur Blythe –LENOX AVENUE BREAKDOWN, LIGHT BLUE; Roots - STABLEMATES. Plus, Pat misses by that much on all four selections of the Mike-citement meter.

After a quick rant / mission statement re: this very podcast to which you're listening, Mike and Pat discuss child prodigies, Bowie sidekicks, french violinists, and a cast of dozens more. Now put that harmonica down and step away from it slowly! Joey Alexander – MY FAVORITE THINGS; Bruno Vansina - THE MORNING FOREST (AKA NOSE UP BOTTOM DOWN); Donny McCaslin – BEYOND NOW; Scott Tixier – COSMIC ADVENTURE.

Mike and Pat let the snark fly as they take on three vocal albums and one hippity-hop effort with Yakuza connections (allegedly). Al Jarreau – LOOK TO THE RAINBOW; Somi – LAGOS MUSIC SALON; Robert Glasper – ART SCIENCE; Toshinori Kondo – KI-OKU. The show begins and ends with a heartfelt request for podcast topics from our listeners, so please chip in!

Lionel Richie got nothing on Sonny Rollins - as we learn from Newk's 15 minutes solos on the incredible (and sometimes exhausting) Complete Village Gate release, he sure can keep it going all night long. Branford M. solo and Dexter Gordon chip in to provide context and Pat rants about the movie Sing. Branford Marsalis – IN MY SOLITUDE; Dexter Gordon – BOTH SIDES OF MIDNIGHT; Sonny Rollins – COMPLETE LIVE AT THE VILLAGE GATE 1962

Mostly new stuff . . . mostly jazz. Like most of our podcasts, mostly great! Theo Croker – ESCAPE VELOCITY; Thundercat - DRUNK; Fred Hersch / Julian Lage – FREE FLYING; John Scofield – PAST PRESENT.

Collaboration is the name of the game, whether small groups mixing it up or big thinkers painting on bigger canvases. Pop matters is more expansive than usual, so any way you slice it, lots of bastardy to enjoy. Jason Moran – ALL RISE; Stanley Clarke – D STRINGS; THE BAD PLUS JOSHUA REDMAN; John Hollenbeck – SONGS I LIKE A LOT.

It's Mike's turn to rant as he complains about the state of ECM - the storied jazz label based in Germany - and then both boys dig into a buffet of recent releases, some more echo-y than others. Kenny Wheeler – SONGS FOR QUINTET; Keith Jarrett – CREATION; Jakob Bro – GEFIEN; Tim Berne – YOU'VE BEEN WATCHING ME.

Mike's picking all the selections tonight and Pat's picking fights with everyone in sight - Lutherans, banjoists, people who don't 'get' Stairway to Heaven . . . Looks like a caffine intervention may be the only way out. David Sanchez – OBSESION; Tord Gustavson – WHAT WAS SAID; David Sanborn – TIME AND THE RIVER; Chick Corea / Bela Fleck – TWO

Pat's been combing through the bins and another episode focusing on the black stuff results. Also, he almost convinces Mike that irreputable is a real word. Stone Alliance – STONE ALLIANCE; Jane Ira Bloom – MIGHTY LIGHTS; Hannibal Marvin Peterson – NAIMA; Jeff Parker – THE NEW BREED; Los Admiradores - BONGOS, FLUTES, GUITARS.

Third time's a charm - we've finally completed and posted the big-band podcast we attempted twice in ancient 2016. Here we discuss the final winners of the 2015 Downbeat critic's poll winners and the etiquette for podcast seances. Darcy James Argue – REAL ENEMIES; Maria Schneider – THE THOMPSON FIELDS; Michael Formanek – THE DISTANCE; Thelonious Monk - BIG BAND AND QUARTET LIVE

Mike and Pat catch up on a couple of quartets missed on the fourth anniversary show and a couple more poll winners from 2015. Their pledge - this year we make up our own stinkin' list of 2016 releases to cover (by stealing from other lists, naturally). Tom Harrell – FIRST IMPRESSIONS; Henry Threadgill – IN FOR A PENNY, IN FOR A POUND; Harold Land – PROMISED LAND; Plotz – EXTRAORDINARY RENDITIONS.

OK, this one's kind of weird. What if a band called Mostly Other People Do the Killing did a note for note remake of Kind of Blue? What if Pat and Mike pondered it for a fairly long time? What if postmodernism is kind of spent at this point? Tune in to find out. Miles David - KIND OF BLUE, Mostly Other People Do the Killing - BLUE.

Christmas cheer is in somewhat short supply as the boys consider five more holiday recordings (check out Ep. 54 for their previous plunge into the holiday well). Does Pat have a record-store masochism problem? You be the judge. Bing Crosby – MERRY CHRISTMAS, Diana Krall – CHRISTMAS SONGS, Kenny Burrell – HAVE YOURSELF A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS, Ramsey Lewis – SOUND OF CHRISTMAS, David Axelrod – ROCK MESSIAH.

Sometimes, when a computer and a piece of software just can't get along anymore, they have what's called a "malfunction." Who gets hurt the most? The podcasters, of course, After two valiant attempts at recording 105, the boys give up. At Mike's suggestion, then, a "make-up" cast starring Pat and only Pat on the joys of jazz and vinyl. Regular service resumes in two weeks - we promise. Artists discussed include John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson and Brad Mehldau.

It's been four years, and Mike and Pat celebrate by discussing some out of the way quartet music - and trying to determine which jazz quartets were the greatest of all time. Throw in some political commentary and missed programming communication, and you've got an anniversary blowout! Hollywood Sax Quartet – JAZZ IN HOLLYWOOD; Bartosz Dworak – POLISHED; Clifford Jordan – GLASS BEAD GAMES; Anthony Braxton – QUARTET (COVENTRY); Rex Stewart and His Feetwarmers; James Blood Ulmer – LIVE AT BIRDLAND.

The boys look at two more poll winners, a recent jazz trio album, and a historic reissue of a white house concert. Fond memories of seventies' odes to automotive cleanliness ensue. Christine McBride – LIVE AT VILLAGE VANGUARD; Eri Yamamoto – LIFE ; Dave Brubeck and Tony Bennett– WHITE HOUSE SESSIONS – LIVE 1962; Steve Coleman – SYNOVIAL JOINTS.

Mike and Pat cover two albums from Down Beat's Critics Poll winners of 2015 and two albums that should win a poll for "most seventies ever." Charles Lloyd – I LONG TO SEE YOU, WILD MAN DANCE; Nat Adderley – SOUL ZODIAC; Cannonball Adderley – LOVE, SEX AND THE ZODIAC

Mike and Pat explore albums from a recent Jazz Times list of forgotten fusion gems. Unfortunately a bad sign influences the proceedings and Nat Adderley's Soul Zodiac has to be put off until next episode. Gary Burton – DUSTER, COUNTRY ROADS AND OTHER PLACES; Larry Coryell – INTRODUCING THE ELEVENTH HOUSE; Dave Liebman – LOOKOUT FARM.

It's all about the loneliness of the solo jazz man this time, as Mike and Pat take a listen to some solo recitals by unlikely instruments. Trombone? Alto Saxophone? Acoustic Bass? Drums (and things)? You get the idea. Anthony Braxton – FOR ALTO; Albert Mangelsdorff – TROMBONELINESS; Han Bennink – NERVE BEATS; Dave Holland – ONES ALL

The boys take a quick trip through the tragically short career of Thomas Chapin, an inside/outside sax and flute player whose flame burned brightly and briefly. Then Mike complains about Kate Bush for a while. Thomas Chapin – NEVER LET ME GO – DISC 2; THIRD FORCE; Peggy Stern – THE FUSCHIA; Holly Hofmann – LIVE AT BIRDLAND.

It's a Naked City Du-fecta as Mike and Pat discuss the work of some downtown New Yawk post-modernists and fondly recall their youth. John Zorn – NAKED CITY; Bill Frisell – TRIO LIVE; Uri Caine – THE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS; Tom Waits – RAIN DOGS.

Peter Gunn sparked a TV-Detective-Show-With-Jazz-Soundtrack craze, and Mike and Pat plunge into the murky depths of late fifties' jazz and existentialist philosophy to find out just what happened. Sometimes the naked city just isn't pretty. Warren Barker – 77 SUNSET STRIP; Henry Mancini – MORE MUSIC FROM PETER GUNN; Johnny Williams – CHECKMATE; Elmer Bernstein – STACCATO; George Duning – THE NAKED CITY.

Back to the origins of jazz guitar we go, checking out some acoustic luminaries and an electric pathfinder. The introduction of the Mike-citement meter makes this a very special episode indeed. Eddie Lang/Joe Venuti – VOLUME ONE; Lonnie Johnson – STEPPIN' ON THE BLUES; Django Reinhardt – THE CLASSIC EARLY SIDES, VOL 2; Charlie Christian – COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS, VOLUME TWO.

Shut yo mouth! We're just talking about Freddie . . . Hubbard that is, whose career stretches from Blue Note hard bop to CTI funk to mainstream jazz and ends on a blue note when the brass-playing Icarus splits his lip. Eric Dolphy - OUT TO LUNCH; Freddie Hubbard - READY FOR FREDDIE, RED CLAY, ABOVE AND BEYOND; Herbie Hancock - VSOP QUINTET.

Pat and Mike discuss some used records Pat picked up, with some familiar faces and some new ones in the mix. Stay tuned for shocking allegations against one of the artists. Art Farmer – SING ME SOFTLY OF THE BLUES; Don Pullen/George Adams – LIVE AT MONTMARTRE; Kenny Wheeler – DOUBLE DOUBLE YOU; Al Haig – PIANO INTERPRETATIONS.

Gato Barbieri is best known for the Last Tango in Paris soundtrack. After this episode, Mike will be best known for his obsession with butter. Gato Barbieri – LAST TANGO IN PARIS; LATIN AMERICA (VOLS 1 & 2); Charlie Haden – LIBERATION MUSIC ORCHESTRA; Paquito D'Rivera - REUNION

The focus is on solo piano recitals (sorry Erroll's rhythm section), and it brings out a dark episode from Pat's past. Erroll Garner – THE COMPLETE CONCERT BY THE SEA; Keith Jarrett – THE KOLN CONCERT; George Winston – AUTUMN; Brad Mehldau – 10 YEARS SOLO LIVE

The boys get topical as they take on the biggest rap album of last year and the longest jazz album of last year - then look back at possible sources of inspiration for both. Kamasi Washington – THE EPIC; Kendrick Lamar – TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY; James Brown – The PAYBACK; Eddie Gale – BLACK RHYTHM HAPPENING

"Tell me about your jazz childhood," the nice man by the couch says, and Mike and Pat reply "It all started with an uptight semi-genius named Wynton Marsalis." This episode is all about the early years - specifically small group recordings - but some day, some year, there'll be so much more. Wynton Marsalis – DEBUT, MARSALIS STANDARD TIME VOL 1; BLACK CODES FROM THE UNDERGROUND; LIVE AT BLUES ALLEY.

The Village People once asked the question: "Young man, who do you want to be?" Three of tonight's artists knew the answer - one's still workin' on it. Avishai Cohen – DEVOTION; Ray Bryant – MONTREUX 77; Scott Hamilton – RADIO CITY; Johnny Griffin – RETURN OF THE GRIFFIN

Hey, punk, you listening to me? Uh, maybe, say Mike and Pat, as they discuss four records that are perfectly fine but can go all recessive on your ass if you're not careful. JJ Johnson and Kai Winding – THE GREAT KAI AND JJ; Michel Petrucciani – PROMENADE WITH DUKE; Barry Guy – ODYSSEY; Ahmad Jamal – CHICAGO REVISITED.

Mike and Pat keep it fresh with this episode on recently released albums. Jazz by young people - who would have thought? David Bowie – BLACKSTAR; Cecile McLorin Salvant – FOR ONE TO LOVE; Go Go Penguin – V 2.0; Snarky Puppy – SYLVA.

Newly discovered live sessions keep escaping from the vaults. Mike and Pat take on plums from Davis and Jarrett, then linger over what may be Jimmy Smith's most . . . memorable two hours on tape. Miles Davis – AT NEWPORT DISCS 1 & 2; Jimmy Smith – GROOVIN' AT SMALLS' PARADISE (2D); Keith Jarrett – SLEEPER (2D): John Hicks – LIVE AT MAYBECK RECITAL HALL.

Manfred Eicher has a recurring nightmare where the Jazz Bastard does an episode devoted to his hugely influential label, ECM - or is the dream REAL?? Also, Pat really hates microtonality. Steve Tibbetts – SAFE JOURNEY; Mette Henriette – TRIO, ENSEMBLE; Mike and Joe Maineri – BLESSED; Edward Vesala - ODE TO THE DEATH OF JAZZ.

One is the loneliest number, but two is awesome. It's time for another show about duets, something Mike will never have with Joanna Newsom, because - well, stay tuned to find out. Charlie Haden – THE GOLDEN NUMBER; Jaki Byard/Tommy Flanagan – THE MAGIC OF TWO; Don Cherry / Ed Blackwell – EL CORAZON; Irene Schweizer / Han Bennink - IRENE SCHWEIZER & HAN BENNINK

In the mystic land of the seventies, Don Schlitten did a stately pleasure dome decree - well, at least a label for recording be-bop artists lost in the fusion haze. Pat and Mike explore four of these treasures from Xanadu and report back. Albert Heath – KWANZA; Al Cohn/Jimmy Rowles – HEAVY LOVE; Barry Harris – PLAYS TADD DAMERON; Joe Farrell – SKATEBOARD PARK.

The boys explore four albums which all feature Fred Hersch in one capacity of another (always piano, sometimes leader or producer). Oh, then Mike starts a beef with Adele you won't believe. Fred Hersch Trio – FLOATING; Toots Thielemans – ONLY TRUST YOUR HEART; Luciana Souza – NORTH AND SOUTH; Billy Harper – QUINTET IN EUROPE

Time for some shameless pandering - at least towards generation X'ers and continuing residents of the Midwest. Pop songs - some of them have sax solos. Mike and Pat discuss - and discuss. Walk on the Wild Side; Shine On You Crazy Diamond; Aja; Waiting on a Friend; Baker Street; Just the Way You Are; Logical Song; Old and Wise; Still Crazy After All These Years; Maneater; Modern Love;Your Latest Trick; Brass Monkey; Edge of Glory; Get It Right; Talk Dirty to Me; Problem.

Mike and Pat take the remaining winners of the Village Voice's best of 2014 to that special place only they have the pass-keys to, ponder the purpose of french horns in jazz, and generally whoop it up in 2015's final blast. Walter Smith III – STILL CASUAL; Yosvany Terry – NEW THRONED KING; Wadada Leo Smith – GREAT LAKES SUITE; Mark Taylor – QUIETLAND.

Mike and Pat pick up the cudgels and readdress themselves to the Village Voice list of the ten best jazz albums from 2014 (see episode 72 for the first part of this hatchet job). Leave it to those bastards to like the non-winning selection on this week's show the best. Myra Melford – SNOWY EGRET; Anne Mette Iversen's Double Life - SO MANY ROADS; Rufus Reid – QUIET PRIDE; Diego Barber/Craig Taborn – TALES.

Three IS a magic number, people, so Mike and Pat discuss jazz trios for their third anniversary special. Plus, brief discussions of each 'caster's favorite 3 albums from this year of shows AND Mike confuses Steely with Pink. E.S.T. - TUESDAY WONDERLAND; Joshua Redman – YAYA3; Clusone Trio – I AM AN INDIAN; Kora Jazz Trio PART II

Can you say "Ibrahim"? If so, you're smarter than Pat. But you knew that already. Lester Young – JUMPIN' AT THE SAVOY; Martin Speake – CHANGE OF HEART; Charlie Byrd – MOMENTS LIKE THIS; Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim) – SOUTH AFRICA

Uber-journeyman Phil Woods passed recently, so the boys devote a podcast to his seventies prime. Musings about set-list construction, strange string interludes, jokes about anorexia - this ep's got it all. Phil Woods – AND HIS EUROPEAN RHYTHM MACHINE, I REMEMBER, LIVE AT THE SHOWBOAT, MUSIQUE DU BOIS.

Pat and Mike get lost in meditation as they consider a significant sliver of Edward Kennedy Ellington's career as bandleader, arranger, composer, pianist and womanizer. Duke Ellington: JUNGLE NIGHTS IN HARLEM, BRAGGIN' IN BRASS, NEVER NO LAMENT, FARGO.

How do we love thee? Let Mike and Pat count the ways they love David Murray (not all 130+ albums, but many) in this very special "things were better back in my day now get off my lawn" episode about the beauties of eighties jazz. Plus, Pat makes new friends discussing Saturday and Sunday shows from the Chicago Jazz Fest. David Murray: HOME, BLACK & BLACK, SOUTH OF THE BORDER; CREOLE.

Mixed bag, tossed salad - call it what you will, this episode ranges far and wide, and Pat's out of his depth for much o' the ranging. Plus, references to ancient TV shows! Candido – THE MASTER; Tony Malaby – APPARITIONS; Bill Russo – SEVEN DEADLY SINS; Laurenzi/Ernst/Green (aka Twin Talk)– SIGHTLINE

This year, the boys check out the Village Voices top ten list of jazz albums and as usual, find hits 'n' misses. Plus, Mike and Pat rant about ECM. Billy Childs – MAP TO THE TREASURE; Steve Lehman – MISE EN ABIME; Tom Harrell – TRIP; David Virelles – MBOTO.

In honor of Billie Holiday's centennial, the boys split the 'cast between examining the master's recordings and two 2015 tributes. Gender trouble ensues. Billie Holiday – VOLUME THREE OF THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA RECORDINGS, LADY SINGS THE BLUES; Cassandra Wilson – COMING FORTH BY DAY; Jose James – YESTERDAY I HAD THE BLUES.

Keep your voices down - Mike's mom is sleeping. Or something like that. The boys record this one while visiting their respective parental units, which wreaks havoc on the audio (but tugs on the heartstrings). Also, in the bonus segment about Jazz Times' top ten combos, Pat has some bad news for Mike about Weather Report. John Butcher – THIRTEEN FRIENDLY NUMBERS: Paul Motian – AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD; Kirk Knuffke – ARMS & HANDS; Stan Getz/Kenny Barron – PEOPLE TIME.

Mike and Pat mourn the passing of avante garde jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman by discussing some of his lesser known recordings. Ornette Coleman – SOMETHING ELSE!!!, LIVE AT THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, VOL 1; NAKED LUNCH; COLORS.

The bastard's first, best and only guest - inimitable tenor saxophonist Sophie Faught - is back after a two year hiatus, and this time the boys are choosing the albums (along with discussing Sophie's latest release - Three Muses). Sophie Faught, Nick Tucker, Ben Lumsdaine - THREE MUSES; Rabbinical School Dropouts - COSMIC TREE; Todd Sickafoose - TINY RESISTORS. Oh yeah- it is ON, Zooey Deschanel.

The boys run the gamut from the straight ahead bop of Hank Mobley to the far-out trip of Richard Davis, then wonder just what a "gamut" is. Plus, the Mike/Austin Powers mashup none of you have been waiting for! Richard Davis - SONG FOR WOUNDED KNEE; Phil Woods – FLORESTA CANTO; Hank Mobley – AND HIS ALL STARS; Max Roach - M'BOOM

The candles blew and then disappeared, the curtains flew and then he appeared, saying "baby, don't be afraid" . . . to discuss the first four releases on powerhouse jazz label Black Saint: Billy Harper – BLACK SAINT; Archie Shepp – SEA OF FACES; Muhal Richard Abrams – SIGHTSONG; Don Pullen – CAPRICORN RISING.

Two vocalists and two big bands make up the bulk of today's show, but stay tuned for record store day confessions, part 1, and marvel as the boys reminisce about disco demolition day. Carmen McRea – SARAH: DEDICATED TO YOU (1990); Count Basie – AT NEWPORT (1957); Natalie Cole – TAKE A LOOK (1993); Toshiko Akiyoshi – ROAD TIME

Pat pulls out some recently picked up vinyl and one chestnut from his high school years and behold - all four are from the bell-bottom decade! What's it all about? Tune in to find out. Dexter Gordon – HOMECOMING; Lee Konitz – SATORI; Chico Freeman – THE OUTSIDE WITHIN; Oscar Peterson – PLAYS TRISTEZA.

What is this thing called Smooth Jazz? This funny thing called Smooth Jazz? Who can solve its mystery? Why does it sound so crappy to me? Brace yourselves, people, as Mike and Pat search for the G spot. Bob James/Earl Klugh – ONE ON ONE; Kenny G – DUOTONES; Chris Botti – WHEN I FALL IN LOVE; Spyro Gyro – A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What's that sound in the sky? Is it a screaming pterodactyl? An air-raid siren? Joan Crawford's ghost? No, it's a big Mac Attack. Enjoy this all-Jackie McLean episode. Mike sure didn't. Jackie McLean – JACKIE'S BAG, LET FREEDOM RING, OLD AND NEW GOSPEL; Grachan Moncur III - EVOLUTION

This podcast explores four albums from three different labels run by producer Orrin Keepnews. Mike hates 70's bass; Ernie Henry gives Pat the willies; other revelations follow. Randy Weston GET HAPPY; Thelonious Monk – BRILLIANT CORNERS; Joe Henderson – THE ELEMENTS; Bobby Hutcherson – GOOD BAIT

Various artists get bastardized tonight, but, really, it's all about the Bradford. Tomasz Stanko – SELECTED RECORDINGS; Brad Mehldau – ART OF THE TRIO, VOL 1; Ernie Watts- REACHING UP; Don Pullan – NEW BEGINNINGS. Stay tuned for an Elling-visceration.

Mike and Pat discuss four new vocal albums at the intersection of jazz, pop, and S&M. Diana Krall – WALLFLOWER; Dr. John - SKE-DAT-DE-DAT - THE SPIRIT OF SATCH; Bob Dylan – SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT; Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga – CHEEK TO CHEEK. Let's see how long it takes Diana Krall to get a restraining order.

Pat and Mike eff the ineffable as they explore the gamut from cocktail lounge tenor to downtown skronking strings. String Trio of New York – GUT REACTION; Andrew Hill – COMPULSION; Branford Marsalis – BLOOMINGTON; Stan Getz - GETZ/GILBERTO.

Four trios push in different directions against the "jazz trio" template, Pat rants about young people, Mike eats bacon - this episode has everything. Plus, it's quiz time! Monocled Man – SOUTHERN DRAWL; Hedvig Mollestad Trio – ENFANT TERRIBLE; Neil Cowley Trio – LOUD LOUDER STOP; Mary Halvorson - THUMBSCREW

Blow cat blow! Mike and Pat discuss three recent and one classic release by jazz trumpeters. Can Orbert Davis turn sketches of pain to vistas of delight? Tune in to find out. Josh Berman – OLD IDEA; Orbert Davis – SKETCHES OF SPAIN; Russ Johnson – SAVE BIG; Howard McGhee – SHADES OF BLUE.

Holidays and travel conspire to make preparing a regular show for this slot well nigh impossible - so Mike and Pat chat about some jazz related winter break activities, including catching a Blue Note tribute band led by Clifford Ratliff at Indianapolis' Jazz Kitchen and watching Whiplash.

Mike and Pat discuss four more Downbeat best album winners, focusing most closely on the vocal entry. As they complete the longest leg of their Porter triathlon, they demonstrate that there's more than one way to skin a hat. Gregory Porter - LIQUID SPIRIT; Jane Ira Bloom – SIXTEEN SUNSETS; Terence Blanchard – MAGNETIC; Pat Metheny – KIN

The boys uncork some holiday cheer as they sleigh-ride through five seasonal selections. Wynton Marsalis – CHRISTMAS ALBUM; Vince Guarldi – CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS; Ella Fitzgerald – WISHES YOU A SWINGING CHRISTMAS; Jimmie Smith – CHRISTMAS COOKING; Ellington – NUTCRACKER SUITE

Downbeat picked the ten best albums of 2013; Mike and Pat pick on the list. Ambrose Akinmusire – THE IMAGINED SAVIOR IS EASIER TO PAINT; Bad Plus – RITE OF SPRING; Frank Wess – MAGIC 101; Kenny Garrett – PUSHING THE WORLD AWAY.

Mike and Pat press their rings together, and a second anniversary episode on jazz duets is the happy result. Ellis Larkins / Ruby Braff - CALLING BERLIN; Anthony Braxton/Max Roach – BIRTH/REBIRTH; Brad Mehldau – Joel Frahm - DON'T EXPLAIN; Marty Ehlrich/Mike Noch – THE WAITING GAME. Wondertwins activate! Form of two middle-aged critics!

The boys discuss music from four decades featuring four different trumpeters and all is well, but when Pat tries to open Mike's doors of perception, nobody gets out of there alive. Charles Fambrough – THE PROPER ANGLE; George Russell – STRATUSPHUNK; Clark Terry – SWAHILI ; Fully Celebrated Orchestra – MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

Not so much Of Montreal as From Toronto, this batch of jazz represents various vinyl temptations Pat succumbed to on an anniversary jaunt. Soprano Summit – CRAZY RHYTHM; Ornette Coleman – OF HUMAN FEELINGS; Bobby Darin – OH LOOK AT ME NOW!; Lee Morgan – CHARISMA

Miles Davis had two "great" quintets (one was so great, half the time it had six people in it). But which was the best? Mike and Pat try to decide. Miles Davis - COOKIN', 1958 MILES, E.S.P., NEFERTITI

The boys explore four of the latest entries in Mike's rotation. It's a kaleidoscope with clown-makeup tinged edges . . . David Sanchez – STREET SCENES; Hal Galper – PORTRAIT; Charles Gayle – TOUCHIN' ON TRANE; Steve Lacy – MONK'S DREAM

Tormented - and tormenting - composer, bandleader, autobiographer and bass player extraordinaire Charles Mingus is the focus and.our moral is a simple one - keep out of knife fights. Charles Mingus - MINGUS AH UM; THE BLACK SAINT AND THE SINNER LADY; TIJUANA MOODS; MINGUS AT ANTIBES

Mike burns Pat's playhouse down with some inflammatory sixties avante garde - and one avuncular avatar of Chicago out. Peter Brotzman – MACHINE GUN; Ken Vandermark – SINGLE PIECE FLOW; Albert Ayler – SPIRITUAL UNITY; Cecil Taylor – CONQUISTIDOR.

To celebrate the passing of Hard Bop pioneer Horace Silver this year, the boys delve into three characteristic albums and one (slight) outlier. Plus, it's quiz time. Horace Silver – BLOWIN' THE BLUES AWAY, SONG FOR MY FATHER, CAPE VERDEAN BLUES, IN PURSUIT OF THE 27th MAN

The gods of Skype try to kill this episode in the cradle, but Mike and Pat turn on their heart-lights and keep on truckin'. Etta Jones – SINGS LADY DAY; Pierre Favre - WINDOWSTEPS; Kevin Eubanks – SPIRIT TALK; Les McCann - SWISS MOVEMENT.

Mike leads Pat through the valley of the shadow of death and Pat whimpers like a little baby the whole way. . Dean Martin- THIS TIME I'M SWINGIN'; Bobby Darin – THAT'S ALL; Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin – TWO OF A KIND; Michael Buble – BUBLE. Also, Michael Buble has a man-crush on Satan you wouldn't believe.

Sometimes saxophone-with-strings records can get a bit saccharine, but they could be worse - they could be the title to this episode. Cuddle up to your Brad Mehldau body-pillow and enjoy! Charlie Parker WITH STRINGS; Art Pepper – WINTER MOON; James Carter - GARDENIAS FOR LADY DAY; Josh Redman – WALKING SHADOWS

The boys keep it short and sweet as they explore the variegated career of bandleader, composer, arranger and keyboardist Carla Bley. Gary Burton – A GENUINE TONG FUNERAL; Carla Bley – SOCIAL STUDIES, NIGHT GLO, FLEUR CARNIVORE

Tenor players can be hard to tell apart, but Dinahs aren't. Ray Brown – DON'T GET SASSY; James Williams Trio – MEETS THE TENOR MASTERS; Dinah Washington – DINAH JAMS; Dinah Shore – DINAH SINGS, PREVIN PLAYS.

It's another near-brush with coherence, as Pat and Mike try to discuss four releases from the hallowed Blue Note label, only to realize that Kenny Drew's album snuck in the back door. Kenny Drew – TALKIN' AND WALKIN'; Tina Brooks – MINOR MOVE; Herbie Hancock – MAIDEN VOYAGE; Wayne Shorter – ALL SEEING EYE. Also, Pat has a man-crush on Wayne Shorter you wouldn't believe.

The boys take on prog music for a one-off Mike won't soon forget - or forgive. Let this one wash over you, like a warm beer down the back, and all will be well. At least until you listen to Swans. Yes – TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS; Be-Bop Deluxe – SUNBURST FINISH; Battles – MIRRORED; Swans – SEER.

Sibling revelry abounds as Mike and Pat discuss the brothers and sisters of four well-known jazzers. The boys give Beevus and Buthead a run for their money as they meditate on the title of Alan Shorter's little known opus and start a beef with Stanley Crouch they are way too wimpy to carry out. Delfeayo Marsalis – PONTIUS PILATE'S DECISION; Christine Jensen -TREELINES; .Nat Adderley – LITTLE BIG HORN; Alan Shorter – ORGASM.

"Double Horace on the show tonight - throw out the Silver, let's do it right." (with apologies to Becker & Fagen.) Pat and Mike COULD have talked about three jazz pianists named Horace on this show, but missed it by that much. Horace Parlan – HEADIN' SOUTH; Horace Tapscott – THOUGHTS OF DAR EL SALAAM; Chico Freeman – DESTINY'S DANCE; Charles Lloyd – VOICE IN THE NIGHT.

Some trios play nicer together than others - Pat and Mike investigate. Duke Ellington – MONEY JUNGLE; Terri Lynn Carrington – MONEY JUNGLE PROVOCATIVE IN BLUE; Jean Michel Pilc – WELCOME HOME; Herbie Nichols – LOVE, GLOOM, CASH, LOVE.

Musical insights? Beat poetry recitals? Leg cramps? They're all in here somewhere, as the boys discuss the early career of dream-collaborator Jim Hall. Jimmy Giuffre/Jim Hall Trio – COMPLETE RECORDINGS, VOL 1; Sonny Rollins – THE BRIDGE; Bill Evans/Jim Hall – UNDERCURRENT; Jim Hall – CONCIERTO

Take a slide ride with Mike and Pat as they explore four albums led by those Rodney Dangerfields of the jazz world, trombone players. Ray Anderson – WISHBONE; Jimmy Knepper – I DREAM TOO MUCH; Josh Roseman – CHERRY; Julian Priester – LOVE, LOVE. Also, Mike has a man-crush on Gene Autry like you wouldn't believe.

Pat and Mike send sharp-edged valentines to two Chi-town progressive heroes, then it's off to the suds . . . Nicole Mitchell – BLACK UNSTOPPABLE, ANAYA; Jason Adasiewicz – SUNROOMS, LIVING BY LANTERNS.

Mike and Pat dive feet first into the dead center of the jazz tradition, with mixed results, at least if you happen to be an organ trio. Art Farmer - PORTRAIT OF ART FARMER; Teddy Edwards - GOOD GRAVY; Larry Young – INTO SOMETHIN'; Bobby Broom – PLAYS FOR MONK.

Or for white girls who've considered cabaret when the rainbow is enuf. Mike and Pat visit the altars of four pale goddesses of song – but which ones get the sacrificial goats? June Christy – SOMETHING COOL; Keely Smith – SPOTLIGHT ON KEELY SMITH; Doris Day and Andre Previn – DUET; Lee Wiley – NIGHT IN MANHATTAN.

Join the Avante-Garde Brothers as they discuss Sam Rivers and Dave Holland. There could be a movie in this . . . Dave Holland – CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS; Sam Rivers / Dave Holland – SAM RIVERS / DAVE HOLLAND VOLUMES 1 & 2; Sam Rivers, Dave Holland, Barry Altschul – REUNION.

The boys analyze music and over-analyze text in this very various episode. Ben Allison – THINK FREE; Jaki Byard – THE JAKI BYARD EXPERIENCE; Brandford Marsalis - FOUR MF'S PLAYING TUNES; Ike Quebec – BOSSA NOVA SOUL SAMBA.

Standards? We don't need your steenking standards! The focus is on jazz albums tackling the new, the exotic, even the Dan. Herbie Hancock – THE NEW STANDARD; Ez-Pour Spout – DON'T SHAVE THE FEELING; Jacky Terrasson – GOUACHE; Mark Masters Ensemble – EVERYTHING YOU DID

The boys wax nostalgic as they discuss a few of the albums that introduced them to jazz, then pick their top three (each) from the past year. Here's making a career of evil . . . Dave Pell Octet – I HAD THE CRAZIEST DREAM; Ornette Coleman – THIS IS OUR MUSIC; Paul Desmond – SUMMERTIME; World Saxophone Quartet – W. S. Q.

Songbirds and Songdudes populate this episode, as the boys discuss three vocalists new to the show and one returning for a second round. Mike says no go on the chapeau; Pat can't resist a cool Canadian. Elizabeth Shepherd – REWIND; Cecile McLorin Salvant – WOMANCHILD; Andy Bey -THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ANDY BEY; Gregory Porter – WATER.

Two artists with French connections and a big band leader who sounds like a refugee from a Jane Austen novel - whatever happened to jazz as an American art form? Thank heavens for Red (White & Blue) Rodney! Red Rodney – QUINTETS; Jacky Terrasson – JACKY TERRASSON; Anour Brahem – KHOMSA; Darcy James Argue – BROOKLYN BABYLON

New standards of filth are contemplated when Mike and Pat ponder the inventor of jazz - and possibly bling - Jelly Roll Morton. It's uphill from there, morally speaking at least. Cab Calloway – CRUSIN' WITH CAB; Lionel Hampton -HOT MALLETS, DISC 2; Jelly Roll Morton – ANAMULE DANCE; Bud Freeman – THE COMPLEAT BUD FREEMAN

Mike and Pat discuss four of Jazz Times' top ten albums of 2012 and like what they hear. Also, Mike has a man-crush on Brad Mehldau you wouldn't believe. Ravi Coltrane - SPIRIT FICTION; Tim Berne - SNAKE OIL; Vijay Iyer - ACCELERANDO; Brad Mehldau - ODE.

The boys take it easy this time out with an all jazz police episode. Pat is revealed to be a beet-hating blasphemer, while Mike explains that Gordon Sumner isn't as bad as all that. King Crimson – RED; Sting – THE DREAM OF THE BLUE TURTLES; The Sea and Cake – EVERYBODY; Norah Jones – LITTLE BROKEN HEARTS; Gregory Porter – BE GOOD (Mike's bad). Oh yeah - it is ON, Norah Jones.

Brace yourselves - the boys take on the biggest jazz release of 2012, along with two crucial precursors, and bastardy abounds. Duke Ellington – BLACK, BROWN AND BEIGE; Max Roach – WE INSIST!; Wadada Leo Smith – TEN FREEDOM SUMMERS.

Tonight the bastard is in the hands of fate, handing itself over on a . . . well you get the idea. The ladies are in charge, and the boys are all over the road. Nicholas Vines – TORRID NATURE SCENES; Gil Scott Heron – SPIRITS; Charlie Parker – SOUTH OF THE BORDER; Anat Cohen – NOTES FROM THE VILLAGE.

Mike and Pat dip their toes into the career of boy wizard and honorary Canadian Chris Potter. Marian McPartland – IN MY LIFE; Joanne Brackeen – PINK ELEPHANT MAGIC; Steely Dan – TWO AGAINST NATURE; Chris Potter – FOLLOW THE RED LINE, THE SIRENS.

The other white Evans in Miles Davis' life, Gil's solo career apart from the prince of darkness is a mixed bag, which Mike and Pat stick their hands into with the usual sticky results. Does the Bastard like Gil better than Stanley Crouch does? Tune in to find out. Gil Evans – GREAT JAZZ STANDARDS; NEW BOTTLES, OLD WINE; WHERE FLAMINGOS FLY; PLAYS THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX; Ryan Truesdell – CENTENNIAL- NEWLY DISCOVERED WORKS OF GIL EVANS

The Bastard welcomes Indianapolis native, tenor sax player and raconteur Sophie Faught as its first guest. Sophie share her formative influences, favorite albums, and thoughts about the Tenor Players of Today. Mike demonstrates his skills as "Pat Whisperer." Hank Mobley – SOUL STATION; John Coltrane – CRESCENT; Joe Henderson – DOUBLE RAINBOW. Oh yeah- it is ON, Mark Turner!

The boys discuss one classic and three contemporary artists in an all vocal, all male, all scattin' installment of the 'cast. Mel Torme – LULU'S BACK IN TOWN; Kurt Elling – THE MESSENGER; Kevin Mahogany – ANOTHER TIME ANOTHER PLACE; Gregory Porter – BE GOOD. Mike says disparaging things about Sinatra's sex appeal but Pat is too afraid of the mob to go on record . . .

Covers are the order of the day as the bastard looks at three albums that hew closely to earlier inspirations, with a special focus on Coltrane. John Coltrane – INTERSTELLAR SPACE; Greg Bendian – INTERSTELLAR SPACE REVISITED; Don Cherry – COMPLETE COMMUNION; Tom Varner – SECOND COMMUNION; John Coltrane – A LOVE SUPREME; Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra – A LOVE SUPREME.

It's a mixed bag as the bastard discusses Bryan Ferry Orchestra – THE JAZZ AGE; Gerald Clayton – PARIS: THE BOND SESSIONS; Henry Threadgill – TOMORROW SUNNY/THE REVELRY, SPP; Betty Carter – LOOK WHAT I GOT. Which one to buy? Mike gets vaguely pornographic telling you.

The Incredible Jimmy Smith? The Amazing Bud Powell? How about Bobby "No-Brainer" Hutcherson? Pat and Mike discuss one of the all-time great leaders/side-men/utility players in jazz, whose career stretches over five decades and whose discography is a stairway to the stars. Bobby Hutcherson – DIALOGUE, THE VIEW FROM THE INSIDE, FAREWELL TO KEYSTONE, MIRAGE, SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE (SEASON ONE).

Three alto players rose to prominence in the nineties - but which one was baby bear? Greg Osby - ART FORUM, ST. LOUIS SHOES; Steve Coleman - THE TAO OF MAD PHAT, RESISTANCE IS FUTILE; Kenny Garrett - PURSUANCE, SONGBOOK.

Pat and Mike tangle over seventies super-group Weather Report in this very special episode. WEATHER REPORT, I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC, SWEETNIGHTER, MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER, TALE SPINNIN', BLACK MARKET, HEAVY WEATHER, MR. GONE, NIGHT PASSAGE, WEATHER REPORT 82.

Mike and Pat discuss 8 Bold Souls – LAST OPTION, Enrico Rava – ON THE DANCE FLOOR, Donald Fagen – SUNKEN CONDOS, and Joanne Brackeen – KEYED IN. Bastardy ensues.

After Pat resists Mike's attempt to turn the podcast organic, the boys settle in to discuss a couple of recently released three-LP sets: Sun Ra - THE MYSTERY OF BEING, and Bill Evans - LIVE AT ART D'LUGOFF'S TOP OF THE GATE.

Mike explores the wonderful world of Andrew Durkin's left coast ensemble The Industrial Jazz Group. Meanwhile, Pat grumbles in the corner. What a bastard. Industrial Jazz Group - HARDCORE, CITY OF ANGLES, STAR CHAMBER, INDUSTRIAL JAZZ A GO-GO, LEEF.

What's sexier than a picture of Herbie Mann naked? 90 minutes of the Bastard discussing some favorite albums by jazz flautists! Sam Most and Joe Farrell - FLUTE TALK; Lew Tabackin - RITES OF PAN; James Newton - AXUM, THE AFRICAN FLOWER.

To celebrate Dave Brubeck's prolific and influential career, Mike and Pat get all Benjamin Buttony. Dave Brubeck – PARK AVENUE SOUTH, CLASSICAL BRUBECK, BROTHER, THE GREAT SPIRIT MADE US ALL, TIME OUT, COUNTDOWN – TIME IN OUTER SPACE, TIME IN . . .

Did Blue Note in the late sixties took a page from Mitch Miller in the fifties? Does Jon Brion know how to mike a piano? Just how much wine is required to make Jeff Tweedy's voice palatable? These questions and more answered in this installment of the bastard. Enjoy the flow! Duke Pearson - THE PHANTOM, MERRY OLE SOUL, HOW INSENSITIVE, IT COULD ONLY HAPPEN WITH YOU, I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT; Bad Plus - FOR ALL I CARE; Brad Mehldau - HIGHWAY RIDER, METHENY/MEHLDAU, LARGO.

Mike makes it personal in his discussion of Charles McPherson; Pat pretends to have a super-ego. Charles McPherson - FIRST FLIGHT OUT, Erin McKeown - SING YOU SINNERS, Dave Brubeck Quartet - JAZZ IMPRESSIONS OF THE USA, Robert Glasper - BLACK RADIO.

Pat whispers sweet nothings about neglected alto player Strozier while Mike risks a big Mac attack in this not quite maiden voyage of the bastard. Frank Strozier - REMEMBER ME, David S. Ware - FREEDOM SUITE and SURRENDERED, Nellie McKay - NORMAL AS BLUEBERRY PIE.

The bastard debuts with discussions of Ronald Shannon Jackson - NASTY, Ambrose Akinmusire, WHEN THE HEART EMERGES GLISTENING, and Kat Edmodson - WAY DOWN LOW.