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Jazz and stand-up comedy share a common trait of storytelling. Bob Newhart was a great story teller and comedic improviser; he checked out of hotel earth a few days ago. His early comedy forced the audience to improvise with him, as he only provided half of the story. Much as in a jazz performance where each player contributes to the ensemble, Bob's telephone comedy caused the audience to improvise the unheard side of the call. In essence, the listener had to join in and jam with the band. With the timing of a jazz improviser, Bob swung mightily with words. In this hour, we will explore some of Bob's classic improv, enjoy some baseball, and round it all out with some blues.
Artist | Track | Album |
Eddie Daniels & Gary Burton | Grand Slam | Benny Rides Again |
Dexter Gordon | Home Run | The Resurgence of Dexter Gordon |
The Modern Jazz Quartet | Baseball | Live at the Lighthouse |
Bob Newhart | Nobody Will Ever Play Baseball | The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart |
Dave Frishberg | Dodger Blue | Dave Frishberg Classics |
Vince Guaraldi | Baseball Theme | Jazz Impressions of "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" |
Dave Tull | The Airplane Song | I Just Want to Get Paid |
Bob Newhart | Air Traffic Control Officer | The Smothers Brothers Show |
Patrick Williams | Home to Emily | Themes |
Boz Scaggs | Runnin' Blue | Greatest Hits Live |
Mose Allison | I Love the Life I Live | Takes to the Hills |
Count Basie | Blues in Hoss' Flat | Chairman of the Board |