As one of the premiere jazz record labels, beginning in 1939, Blue Note Records set the tone for jazz to come, especially capitalizing on the rise of Be-Bop with artists like Fats Navarro, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Lou Donaldson and Art Blakey. After decades of success, the label underwent radical changes beginning with its' sale to Liberty Records. The 1970's did no favours, and the label eventually folded. However, it's popularity in Japan and other parts of the world, and a resurgence in traditional jazz, allowed a re-birth of the label. What I Like About Jazz will pay special tribute to the rebirth of the label with a focus on the 1980's. Returning Classic artists, and some new ones, will grace the airwaves tonight at 8:30.
John Arvish is a public school teacher, as well as host and producer of What I Like About Jazz, Muse's Jukebox, and Blues on the Move. He lives with his wife Carrie, their dog Sunny and cat Pokey and a smorgasbord of good music, theater, art and food.