Marty Ashby sits down with drummer and historian Thomas Wendt to explore Norman Granz as the rare impresario who shaped how the world experienced jazz. Their conversation dives into The Jazz Scene, Granz’s ambitious 1949 limited-release box set that combined top-tier performances with striking visuals and thoughtful curation.
Marty and Thomas highlight contributions from Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Neal Hefti, Machito, and two essential Pittsburgh voices — Billy Strayhorn and Dodo Marmarosa — alongside composers like George Handy and Ralph Burns, whose work gives the set much of its character. Their presence underscores how central both major names and underrecognized talents were to the story of American jazz.
Granz is perhaps most known for Jazz at the Philharmonic, a seminal touring and recording series that brought jazz musicians to the biggest stages. The Jazz Scene, by contrast, was his nod to the after-hours jam sessions he felt captured the heart of the music — a collection of forgotten gems, unheralded composers, and creative giants given room to stretch.
Rather than simply collecting tracks, Granz presented jazz with intention and respect, insisting that the music — and the musicians — be taken seriously. This episode offers a focused look at how The Jazz Scene reflects his vision, his values, and the artists who made it endure.
Hear it on the MCG Jazz Spotlight - Friday and Sunday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1 on WZUM
Thomas Wendt
