More Jazz Secrets!

We have more Jazz Secrets to share with you. What a treat!

When you’re listening to a jazz song, multiple things are happening. You hear a melody played by all the instruments together. Then a solo. The solos can last for a long time, as the musicians get very caught up in the playing. Then all of a sudden, a melody comes back. It’s as if the musicians speak a language that you can’t quite understand. Here at Arkadia Records we understand the language of Jazz, and we want to help you with the translation!

Short Cuts

Bob Karcy, Arkadia’s Founder and CEO, came up with a musical idea. What if we break down the recording into its various sections and get to the heart of each? It should provide a focus, resulting in a more meaningful experience to music lovers. Thus, the concept of Short Cuts was born, as we zoom into the heart of each song and focus on selective segments of that particular interpretation.

The shortened versions of recordings provide an insightful experience to jazz beginners, experienced listeners, and musicians. By highlighting the unique elements of an individual recording, the composition and its performers, Short Cuts result in a more fulfilling musical experience.

In addition to editing the tracks, Bob shares his insights, explains the historical context of the songs, and provides some background on the artists behind the music. Video and graphics liven up Short Cuts and provide visual references. This way, listeners can follow along and even learn something new about the musicians playing the songs. We put together a number of videos illustrating the concept.

Here’s a famous jazz ballad, Body and Soul, performed by the legendary NEA Jazz Master, pianist Billy Taylor. This Short Cut breaks down the intricate techniques and unique interpretation, so you can see what makes Billy’s interpretation truly remarkable.

We believe that with more attentive listening, you will uncover the secrets and gems within this music, helping you differentiate what is good from what is great. Curious to see more Short Cuts? Visit our Short Cuts YouTube channel.

Billy Taylor (1921 – 2010) was an American jazz pianist, composer, broadcaster and educator. He was the Robert L. Jones Distinguished Professor of Music at East Carolina University in Greenville, and from 1994 was the artistic director for jazz at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Learn more about Billy Taylor, read his biography, and check out the recordings he created with Arkadia Records.

“The thing that is making jazz healthy today is that people are coming out of other backgrounds – from rock, folk, from ethnic music. It’s changing the music, and for the better.”
-Billy Taylor

How to listen to jazz: 10 Tips

Ever wondered how a soloist in a performance becomes both a composer and a performer at the same time? Or what is the secret of improvisation? We uncover the secrets behind jazz music in our introductory Guide – How to listen to jazz: 10 Tips.

Check out the Guide Now:How to listen to jazz: 10 Tips

Is there a burning question about jazz you would like to ask? Let us know. We always like to hear from our listeners.

Email us at admin@arkadiarecords.com or call 845-246-9955

Stay tuned for more secrets to be revealed!