A listener wonders about the origin of the phrase “your father’s mustache,” akin to the phrase “go jump in a lake,” or “your mamma wears combat boots.” Grant explains that it may sound more familiar as...
bus butt n.— «Like many touring musicians, Navarro had a voracious appetite—he quickly gained what was known as a “bus butt,” which earned him the nickname “Fats” or “Fat Lady.”» —“Navarro, Fats...
trad adj.— «He assured me that what he collects—and plays—is traditional, or “trad,” jazz. I told him I call it Dixieland. He called my terminology “unfortunate,” adding, “Eddie Condon hated the term Dixieland.” That should settle it...
skronk n.— «The music touched on free jazz, especially when Krieger let forth some quick runs or hit those intense, dented notes aficionados refer to as “skronk.” He was a fiery presence onstage, often bending over an amp to...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski strikes up the band, begins the beguine, and treats Martha and Grant to a musical quiz. Warning: Songs may be sung. Not to worry, though—all three have promised to keep their day jobs. This is part of a complete episode...
trade fours v. phr.— «We shared a too brief lunch during which both father and son in the special parlance of jazz musicians “traded fours,” with a rising crescendo of memories of all that Herb Pomeroy, trumpeter and inspiring...