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Content from KIOS staff relating to jazz, blues, and all kinds of music.

Last Call Review: Robert Irving III-Generations/ Our Space In Time/ Sonic Portraits Jazz

On Our Space In Time a band of rising jazz stars led by jazz veteran Robert Irving III explores the post-bop frontiers of jazz with confidence. The journey is led by Robert Irving III, a Chicago native whose music is influenced by legendary jazz masters--Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans and Miles Davis.  Interestingly Robert Irving III was  the longest collaborating composer, producer, pianist and also musical director for the Miles Davis and his 1980s bands, having associated with Miles since the late 1970s. 

The bandleader/pianist is joined by his wife Laurence d'Estival Irving on alto saxophone. Together these jazz veterans are joined by musicians who Robert Irving III has spent extensive time mentoring: Barrett Harmon on trumpet; Irvin Pierce on tenor saxophone; Bob Davis on guitar; Emma Dayhuff on bass/vocals; Rajiv Halim on soprano saxophone and flute and Scott Hesse on guitar.  

The recording consists of ten original compositions, four of them inspired by dreams the bandleader had at one point. The results are indeed compelling. Starting with the reflective "Poznan Dream" the band explores a rich kaleidoscope of colors with a deeply spiritual pulse. "Generations" and "Energy" are high octane numbers that keep the listener's attention. The recording reaches a crescendo with "Our Space In Time", featuring vocals from the bandleader, and "Roads Less Traveled". Our Space In Time  is very similar to the adventuresome music first pioneered by Herbie Hancock and his forward looking 1970s sextet. Highly recommended for those interested in a vibrant cosmic groove.

For more information you may visit the artist's label website

Chris Cooke has been a voice on radio in Omaha since 1988. While at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he studied radio broadcasting, history and religion. Working at KVNO-FM, Cooke hosted a weekend adventuresome jazz show on the station in addition to duties as an on-air announcer on overnights, weekends and holidays. He also worked at KBLZ (the then student-run radio station) as well as KYNE-TV, and The Gateway as a reporter.
In November 1992, Cooke signed on at KIOS-FM and has been there ever since. He has hosted the Tuesday and Thursday editions of Jazz in the Afternoon since 1996 and has also hosted Last Call since that year. A long time fan of jazz music, Cooke enjoys talking with the musicians who make jazz music. He has interviewed Horace Silver, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter, David Liebman, Airto Moreira, Jessica Williams and Karrin Allyson, to name a few. While not at the station Cooke maintains a web design consultancy business that has served a number of non-profit and music clients for over 20 years.
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