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Take Five: By Theme

Recent Take Five: By Theme

Judy Garland (right) sang "I Got Rhythm" in the 1943 movie version of the 1930s musical Girl Crazy.

February 9, 2011 Little did George Gershwin know that his lovable song would evolve into something far greater.

William Claxton's cover photo of Sonny Rollins standing in the desert — sporting a cowboy hat, gun holster and humorously knowing look — has only added to Way Out West's classic status.

May 17, 2011 Hear five jazz songs that express Western themes of space, freedom, pioneers and movement.

The late saxophonist Fred Anderson recorded for Thrill Jockey with drummer Hamid Drake.

November 15, 2012 Known for rock, the Chicago-based record label has often embraced creative improvised music.

For his debut album, drummer Henry Cole put together a band united under the umbrella of Afrobeat.

November 1, 2012 Hear from contemporary innovators who forge new boundaries from an open-ended tradition.

Jack DeJohnette will perform at the 2012 Newport Jazz Festival — just a few days before he turns 70.

August 2, 2012 Festival organizers also know that they present a music whose creators get better with age.

Drummer Dafnis Prieto, who was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2011, will lead his sextet at Newport.

July 27, 2012 Here are five bands, all debuting at Newport, who represent new generations of jazz expression.

 Drummer Allison Miller performs at Winter Jazzfest this weekend.

January 5, 2012 The annual event is a sensory overload, stacked with all-star lineups and wall-to-wall performances.

In 1926, everyone did the Charleston on ice.

September 27, 2011 The banning of alcohol and the subsequent rise of speakeasies played a role in jazz's evolution.

Artwork for Bill Potts' 1959 album, The Jazz Soul of Porgy and Bess.

September 1, 2011 The controversial Gershwin opera has long been an inspiration to jazz musicians. Hear five songs.

Sheet music for W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues."

August 10, 2011 Hear five versions of the popular W.C. Handy song, performed by five of America's top jazz artists.

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