December 28, 2020

Here we go, the last Breaking The Tethers program of the bad + weird year that is 2020. I thought it was a solid, regular show, a nice mix of styles and sounds and dates.  And, by request, I gave “Merry fucking Christmas” another play after starting last week’s episode with this great sound collage.

Show no. 1 of the new year will be on Monday, January 4, 2021, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. Nothing special planned, just some great music.

Thanks.

Andrew

December 21, 2020

As this program was before Christmas Day (though by four days), I figured I'd make this one the "Christmas" episode. Mostly, it was a usual Breaking The Tethers show with a few Xmas items, including some local holiday weirdness from Bent Spoon duo with Jay Crocker and two sound collages, one from Wayne Butane and the other from Alias Frequencies. The latter is called “Merry Fucking Christmas”  (though it doesn’t include the word “fucking” in the actual piece) and, while I’ve played it many times in the past, it’s never got the reaction it did this week; I got texts and emails about it, including requests to play it again. You can listen to the whole show at https://bit.ly/2KCIF1m.

Please join me for the next BTT program and the last one of the bad + weird year that has been 2020. It’ll be on the usual time, Monday, December 28, 10-11 am MT, at cjsw.com or 90.9 FM. And, yes, I’m going to play “Merry Fucking Christmas” again :-)

Thanks.

Andrew

December 14, 2020

Almost caught up now! A few words on the Dec. 14 BTT episode:

*I played a track from Ahmad Jamal in the summer and thought I would return to him here, with the first song in the show, a live version of "Manhattan reflections". This one is interesting in that Jamal plays both acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes, the latter a rarity with him.

*I really dug Jorja Smith's version of St. Germain's "Rose rouge", my fave track from the Tourist album.

*"Slappin' truck" by Chord Four is a fine track instrumentally but, like "Snorkel cows" the previous week, I couldn't resist playing it just because of the title.

*And yes, I did play some straight up prog, the short song "The spider" by Kansas. Sounds like jazz to me :-)

Feed this show to your ears at bit.ly/2WzHDFK.

Join me for the next Breaking The Tethers show on Monday, December 21, 10-11 am MT, cjsw.com or 90.9 FM. This will be a kind-of Christmas program, with a few Christmasy things (e.g. two Christmas sound collages) mixed with the usual BTT fare. 

Thanks.

Andrew

December 7, 2020

I'm a little late in getting this post up. My apologies. Anyway, this was a nice mix of a showing in many ways. Top track name for this week: "Snorkel cows" by Ingrid Laubrock. It's a great tune but, besides that, I couldn't resist playing the piece due to the title alone!

Wanna listen (again)? Go here.

Thanks.

Andrew

November 30, 2020

For this last Monday, in part because I have so much music on deck to play, I decided to do an "all 2020" show. I sometimes do "all new" shows but this was specifically "all 2020". I chose this wording because if I played something from early 2020, it really wouldn't be new. Anyway, it was an interesting concept and I think it ended up being a fun show. And a lot of music was played as well, 11 songs in all. You can listen to this program here.

I should also issue an apology. I cut off the first few minutes of the recording. It's already into the second track ("Compassion" from the A love supreme electric album) when the proceedings begin. 

Let's talk about the next show, which will be on Monday, December 7, from 10-11 am MT. I suspect it's going to have a lean to new releases but I'll also be taking some trips into the past. As always (I think), it will be good. Join me at cjsw.com or 90.9 FM.

Thanks.

Andrew

November 23, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20201123

15 songs! I played 15 songs (or almost all of 15 songs; I had to fade out the last one) in one hour. This might be record for Breaking The Tethers, at least in jazz incarnation. Some of these tracks were definitely short but not all. And I still put breaks in the music and talked on air. Next week's show likely won't be like this (but it will be good, as always 😀).

Speaking of next week's program, it might end up being an all-new (or all-2020 releases) edition. I haven't done a show like this for a while (several months?) but I've got an ever-growing list of new music that I want to play to the world. I might even do two or three all-new shows. We'll see. Anyhow, join me next week for whatever the program will be. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com on Monday, November 30, from 10-11 am MT.

Thanks.

Andrew

November 16, 2020

This show featured the usual musical odds and ends but there were also a couple of themes on the go, a Miles Davis theme and a John Coltrane theme. I played one track by Miles ("Give it up" from Rubberband) and one inspired by Miles ("Miles to go" by Bill King). I played a cover of a Coltrane tune ("Acknowledgement" by A Love Supreme Electric; this was my fave track on the program, BTW) and an homage to Coltrane ("John Coltrane" by the Clifford Jordan Quartet). There was also a number of tracks that started with solo bass work; not a bad thing, of course.

Anyway, you can listen to the thing here.

The next Breaking The Tethers show will be on Monday, November 23, 10-11 am MT, at either 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

November 9, 2020

https://bit.ly/3lwBsx3

There was definitely a broad mix of music on today’s show, from the Sun Ra Arkestra to Jeff Goldblum to St. Germain. Something interesting that developed as I presented the show was that I played a bunch of songs from the 1970 to 1974 period. I only had one or two from this era on deck but a few more raised their heads and they all ended up on air. We’ll see what crops out next week!

On that note, here are the directions for the next show: On Monday, November 16, from 10 to 11 am MT, go to cjsw.com or 90.9 FM.

Thanks.

Andrew

November 2, 2020

The first show after the (very successful) 2020 CJSW funding drive (more on this in a future post) and the first show in November. Seven tracks played, including the first Bobby Hutcherson piece for a long time ("Dialogue" from the excellent 1965 album of the same name) and two songs that have been on my to-play list for a year plus but I never got around to putting on air, "Grass" by Jonathan Finlayson and "Soon to be" by Larry Corban. Feed all of this to your ears at https://bit.ly/3ezZrJn.

The next BTT episode will be on Monday, November 9, 10-11 am MT, cjsw.com or 90.9 FM. Pick one and join me then.

Thanks.

Andrew

October 19, 2020

Catching up here, this was just an all-round good show, I thought. Some new stuff, some old stuff, a nice variety of styles. Can't ask for more. Give it a listen here.

Thanks.

Andrew

October 26, 2020 - Funding Drive Show!

This was the annual funding drive show for Breaking The Tethers and a fantastic show it was. Musically, I played a nifty selection of music from the BTT digital mix. Money-wise, $940 was pledged on the program, which is the highest amount in several years! Many thanks to everyone who pledged: Kat, Lisa, Dave, Patrick, Robin, Dan, Andy, and Steven! Many thanks also to CJSW music director, Hayley Muir, who joined me on air for part of the show.

Listen to the BTT funding drive show here: https://bit.ly/3e1NRGl

I should note that the drive does continue, until Friday, October 30 at 4 pm. You can still pledge, on Breaking The Tethers or any other CJSW program, by going to cjsw.com/donate or by calling 403-220-5555. 

Next week, it's back to a regular kinda show for Breaking The Tethers. Tune in with me on Monday, November 2, from 10-11 am MT, at cjsw.com or 90.9 FM.

Thanks.

Andrew

Breaking The Tethers and the 2020 CJSW Funding Drive

Once again, the annual CJSW Funding Drive (FD) is almost here!  This is the most important week for CJSW, Calgary’s campus and community radio station, where we call upon our fine listeners to pledge support to CJSW to help the station grow and develop for the next year.  Here’s the basics about the Drive for 2020:

The Drive will run from Friday, October 23 at 9 am through Friday, October 30 at 6 pm (all times MT).

• The Breaking The Tethers (BTT) Funding Drive show will take place on Monday, October 26, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. 
• The theme this year is Beacon Radio (which is what CJSW is!).
• The website for the FD is cjsw.com/donate
• There will be incentives given as thanks for pledging, at various levels. Check these out at cjsw.com/donate. As always, there’s some cool stuff available!
• There will also be some show-specific incentives.  During the Breaking The Tethers FD program, there will be a few jazz CDs up for grabs (get ‘em early!)  In addition, there will be a special digital-only mix available.  Here’s what’s in the mix:

1. Tony Allen + Hugh Masekela – “We’ve landed” (Rejoice) 

2. Junius Paul – “You are free to choose” (Ism)

3. Dave Brubeck Quartet? – “Golden brown”

4. John Coltrane – “Blue world” (Blue world)

5. Jazz Sabbath – “Fairies wear boots” (Jazz Sabbath)

6. Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad – “Apocaliptico”

(Jazz is dead 001)

7. Mestizo Beat  - “Osvaldo’s rebellion” (Canoga madness)

8. John Beasley – “Intermission” (MONK’estra plays John Beasley)

9. Stirrup+6 – “Song for Salim” (The Avondale addition)

10. Soft Machine Legacy – “Grapehound” (Live adventures)

11. Junius Paul – “Baker’s dozen” (Ism)

12. Azar Lawrence – “Summer solstice” (Summer solstice)

13. ephemerals – “origin” (the third eye)

14. Mahogany Frog – “Springtime for Canadian youths” (Mahogany Frog on blue)

These are all fantastic tunes.  Each one has been played on Breaking The Tethers in the past year.

• You can donate online already at cjsw.com/donate. One the Funding Drive officially begins, you can pledge via the website or by calling 403-220-5000. You can also talk with me anytime about the Drive; my email is wallersmooth@gmail.com and my Twitter handle is @01Waller.

That’s it for now! More later!

Many thanks!

Andrew

October 12, 2020

The music played in this BTT show was mostly new (including some things right out of the box, so to speak) with a few items plucked from the past. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this week is that there was alternating styles; I played an avant jazz tune then another type of jazz, then back to avant jazz, then to a different type, etc. I think it worked well! Give it a listen at bit.ly/33Sj9w6.

The annual CJSW Funding Drive is coming up soon. The event kicks off on Friday, October 23 and keeps going until 6 pm on Friday, October 30. The Breaking The Tethers F. D. edition will be on Monday, October 26, usual time, usual place. Loads of fun will had by all! I'll have more information in the coming days but, to start with, please check out fundingdrive.ca/

There'll be one episode of Breaking The Tethers before the Drive. Please join me on Monday, October 19, from 10-11 am MT, at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks!

Andrew

October 5, 2020

Howdy. We were musically all over the map this week. Let’s do a bit of recap. There was free jazz (“Nun zero” by Telepathic Band) , a version of my favourite Bill Evans tune (“Time remembered” by Kurt Rosenwinkel), some rediscovered hard bop (“Just coolin’” by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers), and some southern jazz fusion (“Grand larceny” by Sea Level). Perhaps the most interesting track was “Amplifier fire” by Attila; Attila was an occasionally jazzy organ-and-drums heavy metal band that included Billy Joel!

Want to listen to all of this (again)? Go here.

Next week’s show will be on Monday, October 12, from 10-11 am MT, at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. Join me if you can!

Thanks!

Andrew

PS Coming up soon, from October 23-30, is CJSW’s annual funding drive. I’ll have more information about the drive and what will be happening on Breaking The Tethers later but, in the meantime, check out https://cjsw.com/donate/.

September 28, 2020

What can I say about the music on this week's episode of Breaking The Tethers? Maybe a little mellower than usual? Perhaps a little more straight-ahead than normal? Yeah, could be but it was still good stuff nonetheless.  I will point out one song, "American undefined" by Pat Metheny; this was a follow-up on a promise from a few weeks back to play something from Pat's new record. I'll spin another track from this record a few weeks from now. Take it all in here.

We'll be in October (already!) for the next show. Join me on Monday, October 5, from 10 to 11 am MT, at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

September 21, 2020

There was a nice mix of old and new this week as well as a good jumble of musical styles. Just a nice show overall, I thought. My fave track this week was probably "Springtime for Canadian youths" by Winnipeg's Mahogany Frog; there's some nifty work on this tune, especially towards the end. Go here to listen to a recording of the show.

There's one BTT show left in September 2020 (yes, September is zipping by!). Tune in on Monday, September 28, from 10-11 am MT at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

September 14, 2020

 I would say that this week's program was a favourite of mine (I like all of them, of course...). Here's why:

*Free jazz at the beginning and end, old and new ("Homage to Coltrane" by Noah Judson and "Sometimes" by the Lina Allemano 4). 

*Yes go jazz! ("Siberian khatru" by Steve Howe).

*Some Pat Metheny ("Midwestern night's dream") from what is probably his best record, Bright size life. On the subject of Pat, he has a new record out; I hope to get my hands on this soon and will play a track or two on Breaking The Tethers.

*Some true Blue Note jazz, unreleased for over 60 years ("Hipsippy blues" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers).

*The Dave Brubeck Quartet covering the Stranglers' "Golden brown"... maybe 😏

To listen to all of this, go here.

Next week's program will be fun stuff, too (when is it not?!). Hang around with me for more good music on Monday, September 21, from 10-11 am, at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

September 7, 2020

I had planned this episode to be one featuring mostly newly-released music, with a few trips into the past. It turned out that eight of the nine tracks played were 2020 releases with only one "old" number, from way back in 1996. Still, the important thing is that it was all good stuff aurally.  It also covered all sorts of musical bases with free jazz ("While you snap" by Telepathic Band and "The hands are just shadows" by Mujician), jazz flute ("Barbara" by the Steve Slagle Trio), big band ("Cheap thrills" by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra), and more.

Go here to listen to the recording of the show.

Next Breaking The Tethers program: Monday, September 14, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

August 31, 2020

Not an "all new" show this week but pretty close to it. There was loads of material from 2020 and nothing older than 2018. Just the way it went but, to be honest, I am a bit backlogged with tunes that I want to play from the last few years. No harm in catching up. Some notes on a few of the tracks:

"Osvaldo's rebellion" by Mestizo Beat - This got quite the buzz going, both in the texts to the booth during the show and on Twitter afterwards. It's good stuff.

"Scientology" by the Alex Moxon Quartet - Given the title, I couldn't resist dedicating this to the Galactic Lord Xenu 😆

"Mantra" by Stick Men - Great melodic prog-jazz (this show was kinda proggy, looking back on it) from three fantastic musicians, all with King Crimson associations.

"5/4 thing" by Frank Basile/Sam Dillon Quartet - Five notes in the bar, quarter note gets the beat. Always good to hear a baritone sax swing.

And's here the link to the recording of this show: https://bit.ly/2EMrNT3 Enjoy!

Please join me on Monday, September 7, from 10-11 am MT for the next edition of Breaking The Tethers. Tune in at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. I suspect that this one will be in the same vein as the Aug. 31 program. But we'll see.

Thanks.

Andrew

August 24, 2020

Howdy.  It was an interesting show this week. It could even be called a different show. This was because what I played today was more on the conventional side of things, at least for me. There was soul-jazz from the 60s to start ("Trouble (no. 2)" by Stanley Turrentine), some jazz-rock tracks, clarinet (on "Dusk" by Francois Houle and company), and my fave track from the program, "Final thought" by Kamasi Washington from the epic album The epic. Here's the link to the podcast and tracklist: bit.ly/34vMIUH

The next edition of Breaking The Tethers, the last one for August 2020, will be on Monday, August 31, from 10-11 am MT at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. Hope you can tune in then!

Thanks.

Andrew

August 17, 2020

A nicely put-together show, I thought (if I must say so myself 😀), bookended by two Canadian pieces (Jon McCaslin and Zen Zadravec) with a good mix in the middle.  Possible my top tune from this week was Miles Davis' "Paraphernalia". It's always good to play Miles and this comes from a fave record, the third instalment in the Davis Bootleg Series, which is a seriously kicking set. You can listen to the whole shebang here: https://bit.ly/3j6oLrp. There's also a list of everything played in the program at this link.

As well, you can tune in for the next edition of Breaking The Tethers, which will be on Monday, August 24, from 10-11 am MT. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. 

Thanks!

Andrew

August 10, 2020

It was a 21st century show this week, with nothing played before 2000. Nothing wrong with that, just the way it went. Many tracks featured in this show, 11 in all, which is pretty good for an hour. 

Listen to the program at https://bit.ly/347SETN

Join with me for the next Breaking The Tethers edition on Monday, August 17, from 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

August 3, 2020

It was an August Civic Holiday (or whatever it's called wherever you live, if you have a holiday on this day) edition of Breaking The Tethers. Like last week, I decided to start the program with a long tune, this time "Algunos rastros de la memoria" by Camila Nebbia from the new album Aura. "Algunos...",  which comes from the place where experimental classical meets out-there jazz plus weirdness, goes on a very interesting trip. The rest of the BTT today was made up of good stuff, too, including "Tough askenazi" by Michael Wolff, which I had actually aimed to play when it first came out, in January 2019. Somehow, I missed it then but rectified the situation now.

Listen to today's show at: bit.ly/3i6FeuS

And then there's next week's BTT. Join me on Monday, August 10 at the usual time, 10-11 am MT, and at the usual place, CJSW, 90. 9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

July 27, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200727

Perhaps the main feature of this week's show was the fact I played a 20-minute tune. I haven't played  anything this long for a while, for some reason. I suppose as I have just a one-hour program I somewhat subconsciously play shorter songs, just to get more things played in 60 minutes.

This week's long track, "Eli's song" by Harry Miller's Isipingo from the album Which way now, has an interesting connection to Breaking The Tethers. Not long after I first went on air (in July 2006), I played a track from this record, which was a new release at the time (though recorded live in 1975). I'm not sure what track I played then; it may have been "Eli's song" (I lost some data from that time). Anyway, it nice to return to this record, albeit 14 years later.

We're into August for the next BTT show! Hang with me on Monday, August 3 (a holiday for many folks), from 10-11 am MT at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

July 20, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200720/

Mostly newer material this week, starting with a recent fave of mine, "Song for Salim" by Stirrup+6 (which features "lightbox operator" as a musical position in the group). Much other good music also played. Not much more to say than that!

Well, I do have to discuss next week's program at bit. I suspect the show will be in the vein of this week, more or less, but we'll see... Tune in on Monday, July 27 (last show in July!), from 10 to 11 am MT on CJSW, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

July 13, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200713

No interview this week, just music and a true mixed bag at that. New, old (back as far as 1962: "Effendi" by the McCoy Tyner Trio), loads of different styles including a drum solo ("Sideburn" by Soft Machine from their new live album), spoken word ("Reduction" by Lisa Marie Simmons), two Bob Dylan covers ("As I went out one morning" by Wayne Alpern and "It's alright Ma" by Charlie Ballantine), and some free jazz ("Cyclone" by Provey, Gorry, and Gunsberg). How about more of this, but different, next week?  Yes!

On the subject of next week, Breaking The Tethers will be on air again on Monday, July 20, from 10-11 am MT. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com (or both! see what happens!)

Thanks.

Andrew

July 6, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200706

The main item on this week’s show was an interview with Ed Durocher, bandleader of the Winnipeg band Apollo Suns. The Suns were supposed to be playing live on Breaking The Tethers on Monday, July 13 but COVID-19 forced a massive change of plans for the band. Ed and I figured it would be a good opportunity to talk about what working musicians are doing during these times, specifically, of course, Apollo Suns. Many thanks to Ed for the call. Hopefully, we’ll hear Apollo Suns live on BTT sometime next year.

Now to the music played. Lots of good stuff, including the new Apollo Suns single, “So long Ethan”, a rocking tune. Other favourites included Ahmad Jamal’s piano trio version of Oliver Nelson’s classic, “Stolen moments”, “Tolli’s dance” by Billy Hart, and two versions of “People make the world go round” by Ramon Morris and Milt Jackson.

Join me for the next episode of Breaking The Tethers, on Monday, July 13, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or  cjsw.com.  Lots of great music to be played.

Thanks.

Andrew

June 29, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200629

I celebrated mid-year 2020 (more or less) with an all-round good show, with lots of variation, newer and older material, etc. Nothing more to be said!

Well, maybe I can say a little more, about next week's program.  It'll be on Monday, July 6, from 10-11 am MT.  To listen, go to either 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. There'll be a special thing happening in this episode; more on this later.

Thanks.

Andrew

June 22, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200622

In some ways, a fairly straight-ahead show (at least for me) though there was lots of variation, including two actual songs (with actual singing!), lots of Canadian content, and plenty of both new releases and older material. Fave title: "Awful coffee" by John Scofield. Fave track overall: probably "Strange vibes" by Horace Silver.

I'll be back next week with more Breaking The Tethers.  Tune in on Monday, June 29 (halfway through the year!) from 10-11 am MT. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

June 15, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200615

The usual mixed bag of sounds this week, with a definite slant to more recent content (I think the oldest track was "Forget me not" by Dan Adler, which came out in 2018) and a bit of a lean to straight-ahead jazz.  Perhaps my favourite track was Aimee-Jo Benoit's version of "Norwegian wood"; I'm not a big vocal jazz fan nor am I big on covers of well-known songs but I thought this worked well and I quite liked her voice.

Two episodes of BTT left in this month. Join me for the next episode on Monday, June 22, from 10-11 am MT, on cjsw.com or 90.9 FM.  It shall be a good show (as always! but then I'm biased! 😁. )

Thanks!

Andrew

PS It's summer solstice 2020 in about two hours, as I type. Happy summer! Happy solstice!

June 8, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200608

There were a couple of interesting things to note about today's program, neither really planned. First, the three sets followed a pattern of "basically straight-ahead/mostly out-there/basically straight-ahead" (all good music, regardless of the label). Second, all the tracks came from either 2020 or 2018. This date dichotomy actually sounded pretty good. I'd talked about perhaps doing an all 2018 or 2019 show but maybe a new/not quite so new mix, focusing on one year alone for the the latter, might be the thing to do for a while?

Anyway, more of the same but a bit different on next Monday, June 15, 2020, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.  Join me then!

Andrew

June 1, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200601

It was back to the more regular date format this week (i.e. music from a variety of years, old(er) and new) as opposed to the last three weeks of "all-new" content.  I'll have more all-new shows in the future but, for the next while, it'll be the mix. Fave track for this week: "Grapehound" by Soft Machine Legacy; some great guitar work in this live piece.

The next Breaking The Tethers program will be the usual time and place: Monday, June 8, from 10 to 11 am MT, at cjsw.com or cjsw.com

Thanks!

Andrew

May 25, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200525/

This was the last of three "all-new" shows (for now; I'll have them again in the future) in a row. Next week, I'll likely go back to the more usual "mixed-date" format for a while. I have thought about doing some "almost-new" programs, featuring material from 2019 one week, 2018 the next, etc. (you get the idea); maybe that'll happen sometime?

I definitely dug everything played this week. Perhaps my favourite track was the first one, "Silver dollar" by Threadbare. Some nice, loud free jazz to wake all the sleepyheads mid-morning. I liked how the band made a bass clarinet sound like an electric guitar from a metal band.

Next week, Breaking The Tethers will be on Monday, June 1 (June already!), 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.  Your presence is very welcome!

Thanks.

Andrew

May 18, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200518

Another platter of all-new music today on BTT.  Lots of Canadian stuff, more Jazz Sabbath, and a double jazz flute set, among no shortage of other cool stuff. 

I've decided I'm going to carry on with the 2020 release theme for one more week, making a trilogy of shows in that theme. After that, it'll probably be back to the usual mix o' dates though I might do some all-2019 or all-2018 programs. I've got no shortage of content backed up from those years as well!

Speaking of upcoming shows, the next edition of Breaking The Tethers will be on Monday, May 25, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. Usual time, usual place!

Thanks!

Andrew

May 11, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200511

I was feelin' the backlog... Specifically, a backlog of recently released material that I had on deck to play on Breaking The Tethers. So, instead of presenting one of the usual BTT shows, that is, a chunk of new material plus some older stuff, I decided to go all 2020.  Et voila!  Everything played today was pretty much brand new. And, musically, a nice mix it was too!  I suspect the next two shows will be in a similar vein (backlog, backlog!).

And here's the info for the next show: On Monday, May 11, from 10-11 am MT, head to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com and listen. Simple as that!//

Thanks!

Andrew

May 4, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200504

While my on-air patter was kinda clumsy on this show, the music was definitely interesting. It started and ended with jazz flute plus there were two drum solos, modern big band, jazz-metal, free jazz, and Jazz Sabbath.  I also played another track from the recently-released Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela album, in honour of Allen, who passed away the Thursday before this episode of BTT.

May 11. That’s the date of the next Breaking The Tethers show. Join me for another hour of great tunes from 10-11 am MT at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks!

Andrew

April 27, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200427

Nine tracks.  Seven pretty much brand new.  Two older (one from 1978 and the other from 2013). One long free jazz exploration ("Crude grey sky" from Paul Flaherty and company).  Some quirky short(er) tunes.  And it was all good.

Next Breaking The Tethers sound explosion (or something like that): Monday, May 4, 10-11 am MT. Listen at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

April 20, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200420

For some reason, until the Sunday before this program, I was convinced that this day was April 23 not April 20.  In my brain, I'd jumped ahead three days. I'm not quite sure why but I'm not alone in doing this these days...

Onto today's show. Basically, this was a bunch of new releases built around an old centrepiece. The older tune was an early live version of "The creator has a master plan", performed by the man who wrote it, Pharaoh Sanders (who is still alive; I checked). The new stuff leaned to the danceable side of things a bit but was still pretty varied.  Probably my two faves were the songs that started off and (basically) finished up the show, "Hidden chamber" by Avishai Cohen and "We've landed" by Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela.

And, of course, you'll need to tune in for next week's program. On Monday, April 27, at 10 am MT, go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. All will be well.

Thanks.

Andrew

April 13, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200413

This was a fun show, beginning with a mystery track of sorts (I didn't announce it initially), Jazz Sabbath's version of Black Sabbath's "Fairies wear boots".  I'll definitely be playing more from this record in the weeks or months to come.  Other good stuff: "Tetris synths" (all 19 seconds of it!), the double versions of "One for you" by Steve Miller and Lol Coxhill, Nina Simone singing in French, and more!

Join me for the Monday, April 20 Breaking The Tethers program from 10-11 am MT. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks!

Andrew

April 6, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200406

Like last week, this week's edition of BTT focused on material released in the last few years.  Apart from this commonality, the tunes were all over the map, so to speak. There was indo jazz, Indonesian jazz fusion, a bunch of avant items, some great beats, and more. Top track, IMHO, was "Adbaga bougou" by Tony Allen and the late Hugh Masekela; this is where the great beats come in. I'll be playing more of this one in the near future!

Speaking of the near future, join me on Monday, April 13, 10-11 am MT for the next BTT show. I suspect it'll be similar to this week with maybe some songs from further back in the past. Go to 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

March 30, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200330

Show no. 2 under the COVID lockdown. I'm mostly hiding out at home but I ventured out to CJSW HQ to do today's program.  All of the music was of a recent vintage, in the last half-decade, most coming from this year.  The first track was "Apocalyptico" by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad; it's a great tune but, in a twisted way, I also couldn't resist playing it considering the situation we're in on planet Earth.

Anyway, unless something changes, show no. 3 under COVID lockdown will be on Monday, April 6, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. Tuning in is not mandatory but it would be a very good thing!

Thanks.

Andrew

March 23, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200323

In some ways this was a typical show, in some ways it wasn't.  There was the usual Breaking The Tethers diversity but there were a few oddities, even for this show e.g. "Cyclopy" by proto-Kansas, Little Feat going jazz-rock ("Day at the dog races"; I'd promised a few weeks back that I would play some jazzy Little Feat), and a full set of tracks with vocals. I also featured a recording by the recently deceased piano great, McCoy Tyner, "Rebirth" from the Sahara album (a favourite of mine).

The next BTT program will be on Monday, March 30 (not April yet!). Hang with me from 10-11 am MT at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com

Thanks.

Andrew

March 16, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200316/

Back on air after a week away. Thanks again to CJSW music director Hayley Muir for filling in on March 9. Given the COVID-19 situation, I figured I’d make this week a fun show, with lots of musical variation and a couple of comedy numbers, from the Radio Free Vestibule CD Sketches, songs, and shoes.

Next show: Monday, March 23, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com (or both!), 10-11 am MT. Please join me if you can! Lots of good music will be played (as always!).

Andrew

February 17, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200217/

Last catchup post, hopefully for a while.  This one went AWOL for a bit but the podcast and tracklist are both on the CJSW site now.  Give them a look and listen; it was an interesting show (though I kind of rambled about nothing too much and kept forgetting the first song in sets :-).

Andrew

March 9, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200309

As I’m away this week (at a conference in Austin, TX), I wasn’t behind the boards for this program.  But my place was filled and more by CJSW music director Hayley Muir who celebrated International Women’s Day with “Jazz icons, contemporary composers, and experimentalists”. Definitely a great tracklist. Check it out. Many thanks, Hayley!

You’ve got me back next week. Join me on Monday, March 16, from 10-11 am MT, at 90.9 FM or cjsw.com for another hour of jazz-type tunes.

Thanks.

Andrew

March 2, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200302

This one was a good example of the sort of music that ends up on BTT.  My personal faves this week included the songs by the Forgas Band Phenomena, Keith Jarrett, Traffic (representing their jazz-rock side), and the Lee Morgan/Sonny & Cher mash-up by Jeff Goldblum and group (yes, that Jeff Goldblum).

Thanks.

Andrew

February 24, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200224

A solid show.  Two things to note:

*The first song in the program was a version of “Seven for Lee” by Elton Dean & The Wrong Object,  Elton Dean being the author of the tune. I played a version of the track by the Alex Maguire Sextet on the Feb. 17 show but I mistakenly called it “Song for Lee”, which is actually the name of a song by Paul Butterfield. I played the Elton Dean version as a way of making up for the title mess-up.

*Probably my favourite two tunes were the variations on Joe Henderson’s “Black narcissus”. These were a live version by Henderson and group recorded in France in 1978 and a 2020 re-warp by Jeff Parker called “Gnarciss”. Both good stuff.

Thanks.

Andrew

February 10, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200210

I’ve got about a month or so of catching up to do with posts. Just been busy. My apologies.  Anyway, here’s the first post of several to come.

I was away this week (on a cruise in the Caribbean!) so filling in for me was Tim Mah, host of  another CJSW program, Jazz Today. Tim did a great job, playing a nice mix of tunes.  Many thanks to Tim!

Andrew

February 3, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200203

A good, solid show this week, I thought.  Plenty of music played (11 tracks!), including several new Canadian tracks. I also featured some Coltrane ("Configuration" from Stellar regions, which has a great drum solo by Rashied Ali) and a nifty cover of Sonny Sharrock's "Promises kept" (originally from the fantastic album Ask the ages) by Henry Kaiser and Robert Musso (and group).

There's no Breaking The Tethers for me next week (I'll be somewhere warm!) but Tim Mah, host of Jazz Today on CJSW, will be filling in for me.  Tim will do an awesome job so be sure to tune in, on Monday, Feb. 10, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com. I'll be back behind the board on Monday, Feb. 17, usual time and place.

Thanks.

Andrew

January 27, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200127

Some great tunes played this week, in particular, the two that were played by my guests this week, Redline Trio from Calgary! They played two songs live on air, "Late shift" and "The malecon", and hung around for an interview. Nice guys. They're welcome back to BTT anytime.

The first show in February is next Monday, Feb. 3, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.  This will be by last program before I head to warmer climes for a week.  Tim Mah will be guest-hosting on Monday, Feb. 10 (thanks, Tim!).  I'll return on Monday, Feb. 17.


Andrew

January 20, 2020

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200120

Faves from this week's program:

"The soft weed factor" by Soft Machine.  It's always a good day when I play Soft Machine.

"Universal indians" by Albert Ayler. I haven't played any Albert Ayler for quite some time.  I needed to rectify that.

"Motion" by Rob Clutton with Tony Malaby. Avant bass and sax with no other instrumentation can be very effective.

"Peter Gunn" by Ximo Tebar.  I wasn't sure what this was going to be but it was fun!

One more BTT show this month, coming up on Monday, January 27, at the usual time 10-11 am MT, at the usual places sound-wise, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.  Please listen in!

Thanks.

Andrew

January 13, 2019

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200113

The second program of 2020 was definitely here, there, and everywhere.  There was guitar jazz (Kreisberg and Veras), old school bop (Dexter Gordon, from 1960, the oldest recording I've played for a long while), singing (Andrea Superstein), free jazz/rock (GRID), Black Sabbath, and much more! And it all fit together well, I think. I definitely dig these dog's breakfast kinda show.  Who knows what will happen next week?!

On that note, the next edition of Breaking The Tethers will be on Monday, January 30, 10-11 am MT, on radio station CJSW, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks.

Andrew

January 6, 2019

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20200106

The first show of 2020. I figured I'd start off with a bang, a big freakout from Masayugi Takaynagi followed by a nifty mixed bag of tunes.  Simply, it worked well, I think.  I'm not sure what next week's program will bring (it's still under construction) but I aim for it to be good 😃

On that note, please join me for the next Breaking The Tethers episode, on Monday, January 13, 10-11 am MT, 90.9 FM or cjsw.com.

Thanks!

Andrew

December 30, 2019

https://cjsw.com/program/breaking-the-tethers/episode/20191230

The last show of 2019.  I decided not to do anything special, just play some good tunes to close out the year.  One specific thing I did do was to play a long piece, in this case "Utica box" by the Dan Weiss Trio Plus 1 (the plus 1 is a second bass player), from the recently-released album of the same name. In the past, I often used to start BTT with a long track (and/or a new tune by a Canadian group or performer); I haven't done that too much recently but I figured the last program of 2019 was a good occasion to return to this, at least for one show.

Fave track of the week: "You are free to choose" by Junius Paul. A great track from a great record.

Thanks for listening.

Andrew