New Records from Rudd and Redd - Bob Stewart

Legendary trombonist Roswell Rudd has reached yet another milestone in his celebrated and remarkably varied career, his 75th birthday. Through the years, Rudd has shown an affinity for music and musicians from all over the world with a love for collaboration. He's played with luminaries Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp and Steve Lacy. He's recorded with musicians from Mali, Mongolia, and Latin masters from Puerto Rico. His new recording -- "The Incredible Honk" -- is a collection of some of his recent adventures working alongside a number of ensembles, including Cajun legends Michael Doucet & Beausileil, Malian griots, and his own quartet.

Chuck Redd began his career as a young drummer with a well-earned reputation for his ability to swing with passion, making him a favorite of veteran jazzmen like Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Ray Brown and Monty Alexander. He took up the vibes after a teacher played him a Modern Jazz Quartet record and he heard the sound of master vibesman Milt Jackson, instilling in him a desire to extend his abilities to that instrument. He had a long tenure with Charlie Byrd and the Great Guitars, a half-decade with Mel Torme and, more recently, work with Bucky Pizzarelli and Ken Peplowski. He's also made a name as the leader of his own groups, and for his brand new CD -- "The Common Thread" -- he's joined by jazz legends Bob Cranshaw, Mickey Roker, and Houston Person.