The Jazz Imposters have finally made it to letter “Z!” If this episode is any indication, we continued to challenge ourselves all the way through to the end of this grand experiment. Tune in as we try and wrap our brains around Woody Shaw’s 1965 composition, Zoltan, and then walk the tightrope of attempting to perform it.

In this bonus episode before our finale, Andres explains how he’s been using practice apps to improve his vocabulary as a player.

As we near the end of this long journey through the alphabet of jazz standards, the Jazz Imposters are feeling nostalgic for the excitement we felt at the outset of this experiment. Join us as we dream of Yesterdays.

This is the first recorded episode since our production was halted in 2020. The Imposters attempt to find our footing again with Exactly Like You (1930). Join the OG trio as we reconvene and ease back into the swing of things.

We’ve unearthed a time capsule from March 2020 and inside was a massive Jazz Imposters episode. That’s right, the lost episode has finally been published in all its glory. The crew invite local Albuquerque bassist extraordinaire, Donny Tesso, to help tackle the tune Watermelon Man by the legend, Herbie Hancock. What a way to kick this podcast back into gear! 

After a long hiatus due in large part to the pandemic, we have finally returned to our irregularly scheduled programming. We will spend this time catching you up on what we’ve been doing for the last year, and what we have planned for the future.

Join us this week on a “voyage” captained by you, the listeners. We asked and you all answered; so in this episode, we dial up the metronome in an attempt to do justice to a tune by the great Kenny Barron.

The Imposters explore another unique voice chronicled through jazz history in trumpeter, Freddie Hubbard. We also try our hand at his original tune, Up Jumped Spring, a jazz waltz just in time for the changing seasons. Thankfully, we’re only attempting to play the music and not stepping out on the dance-floor.

Take Five by Paul Desmond was released in 1959 on Dave Brubeck’s revolutionary album, Time Out. We’ll tell you about the odd story behind this odd-time song. Plus a special guest drummer takes the throne for this one! 

The Jazz Imposters honor the “father of the blues,” W.C. Handy, and his song, St. Louis Blues. A song so old, no one can sue us for playing the melody! Or singing the lyrics for that matter . . .

The Imposters take another dive into the enigmatic mind of Thelonious Monk. A little older, perhaps a little wiser, and with a new perspective from a special guest pianist, we’ll see if we uncover anymore behind the workings of this creative genius.

Thanks for joining us in 2019. This episode is a look into what we have coming up for the show in 2020.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, from the Jazz Imposters! Join us for a brief and festive bonus episode featuring the reharmonization of a familiar Christmas tune.

The Jazz Imposters call for reinforcements as they attempt their first tune by the bebop icon, Charlie Parker. Debuting the guitar in this episode, our quintet of hosts take turns breaking down the incredibly influential soloing of Bird. Join us for Quasimodo!

‘P’ is for progress ... and Pent-Up House. This week, the Jazz Imposters finally get a chance to pay homage to the fascinating career of Sonny Rollins, including the ups and downs that led him to compose the tune, Pent-Up House. Strap in for a longer episode chock full of history, playing examples, and a look at some complex musical concepts that we’ve avoided up until now.

The Jazz Imposters trace the origins of an optimistic tune written during one of the most hopeless times in American history, as well as for the songwriter himself. There’s also a special guest pianist in this episode who cut his teeth in the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans. Join us as we take turns inquiring about his approach to this tune and music in general.

While a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver composed this tune in dedication to a devoted patron of bebop music, Pannonica de Koenigswarter. Our hosts break down the dreamlike qualities supplied by the minor-major chords featured in the harmony, along with the everchanging rhythmic feel. The Jazz Imposters also take time to remember the legacy of Nica and her contribution to jazz music.

We have made it halfway through our first run into the alphabet of jazz standards! Thanks to everyone who has joined us thus far. Please enjoy this checkpoint episode where we reflect on what we have accomplished to this point and look ahead to finishing this round.

Join the Jazz Imposters for an impromptu Halloween special as they dive into the strange history of their creepiest tune to date. Find out how a disturbing song detailing the exploits of a serial killer and all-around scoundrel became a pop hit in the 1950's.

The Jazz Imposters introduce themselves to Neal Hefti and familiarize themselves with a ballad he composed for the Count Basie Orchestra in 1957, Li’l Darlin’. Our hosts dive into dynamics and the important role they play in this tune and all music. Upon researching Hefti’s history, they quickly uncover a hefty legacy in television and film composing, including the theme song for a certain caped crusader.