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Don't Call It Jazz: LGBTQ Jazz

Host Jon Armstrong celebrates the culmination of Pride month with the 4th annual Don’t Call it Jazz episode featuring a playlist of contemporary and historic LGBTQ jazz and creative musicians. The history of jazz has a complicated and toxic relationship with LGBTQ musicians, who have often been sidelined and ostracized, preventing many talented and visionary artists from flourishing and contributing to the art form.

The jazz culture is unfortunately not unique, however, and clearly is mirroring the ignorance and hatred prevalent in the larger general culture and sensibilities. This hateful environment is spurned by ignorance and idiocy, and a pathetic bent towards cruelty. My heart goes out to LGBTQ folks living in states who have prioritized this cowardice and ignorance with their legislation that actively erodes their freedom.

For now, we celebrate art and love with music from incredible LGBTQ artists.

1. Eli Maliwan, Saxreligious
Elysia Marginata, 2022

“Fly Agaric” - 3:01

https://saxreligious.bandcamp.com/album/elysia-marginata

2. Erika Oba
“New Rituals” - 3:39

Ghosts on the Water (2024)

Erika Oba, piano

Christopher Bastian, bass

Jeremy Steinkoler, drums

Roopa Mahadevan, vocals (Track 8)

https://erikaoba.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-on-the-water

3. Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra
“Day Dream” - 4:00

1962

4. Jessica Williams
All Alone, 2001

“Toshiko” - 3:52

5. Sylvester
“You Make Me Feel Mighty Real” - 6:36

Step II (1978)

https://www.instagram.com/comegetasip/#

6. 8-Bit Big Band featuring Chloe Rowlands
“Tifa's Theme (From Final Fantasy 7)” – 6:12

Album 4 – Game Changer (2023)

https://the8bitbigband.bandcamp.com/album/album-4-game-changer

7. Yissy Garcia and Bandancha
“Omilai” - 5:17

Piano: Miguel Angel Garcia

Bass: Julio Cesar Gonzalez

Trumpet: Julio Rigal

Percussion: Marypaz Fernandez

Drums: Yissy Garcia

https://yissygarcia.bandcamp.com/track/omilai

8. Erika Oba 
“Kokiriko” - 3:39

Ghosts on the Water (2024)

Erika Oba, piano

Christopher Bastian, bass

Jeremy Steinkoler, drums

https://erikaoba.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-on-the-water

Host of Don't Call it Jazz (DCiJ) on KISU-FM. DCiJ air's twice monthly on Saturday nights at 7:00 pm.