Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard

Episode 140 - Jive At Five

Count Basie and Harry "Sweets" Edison are in the songwriting seat with "Jive At Five" on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by the Count Basie Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry and Mike Vax, Martin Taylor and Stephane Grappelli, Joe Newman, and new-to-us artist The Shirt Tail Stompers.

Episode 139 - Blue Bossa

We all get to learn about the Jazz standard "Blue Bossa" together, as neither AJ nor Johnny had any versions of this song in their library, yet it was recommended on good authority to check it out, so we did! We'll listen to versions by Joe Henderson, Art Farmer and Phil Woods, Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, George Benson, and new-to-us artist Mimi Fox.

Episode 138 - At Last REDUX

Time to revisit "At Last", and joining us to do so is the incredibly talented Jazz singer, Melonie Collins! Yes, join the three of us as we listen to and discuss versions by Glen Miller, Etta James, Diane Schuur and BB King, Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass, Phoebe Snow, and of course Melonie Collins with the Side Street Strutters!

Episode 137 - Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

So is it "Oysters" or "Ersters"? In this episode of Same Difference, Johnny and AJ address this and many other linguistic questions posed in the song "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off". Along the way, you'll hear versions of this Jazz standard by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Billie Holiday, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Harry Connick Jr., and new-to-us artist The Jazz Sisters.

Episode 136 - Jada

After covering "Doxy" in the last episode, we decided to follow it up with the song that supposedly was the original version, "Jada". AJ and Johnny listen to and discuss versions of this Jazz standard by The Original New Orleans Jazz Band, Louis Prima, Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton, Sidney Bechet, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist Adam Swanson.

Episode 135 - Doxy

Ready for some good, fun straight ahead Jazz? AJ and Johnny take a look at the Sonny Rollins Jazz standard "Doxy"! You'll hear versions by Miles Davis with Sonny, Dexter Gordon, Red Mitchell, Branford Marsalis, Mike Jones, and new-to-us artist David Finck.

Episode 134 - Surrey With The Fringe On Top

Wanna know how jazzy a show tune can get? Join AJ and Johnny as they answer that question while reviewing "Surrey With The Fringe On Top"! We'll discuss versions by Blossom Dearie, Mel Torme, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and TWO new-to-us artists: Angela De Niro, and Joe Farnsworth.

Episode 133 - You Don't Know What Love Is

Start the new year off on the right foot! Our friends Mike and Russ from The Adult Music Podcast join us on this episode of Same Difference to review the Jazz standard "You Don't Know What Love Is"! Tune in as FOUR Jazz fans listen to and discuss versions by Dinah Washington, Miles Davis, George Benson, Eric Dolphy, Sinne Eeg, and the John Hicks Trio.

Episode 132 - Nature Boy

It's our annual Christmas episode, and this year it's the Jazz standard "Nature Boy". Join AJ and Johnny as they try to figure out why this is considered a Christmas song by so many Jazz artists, including Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., John Coltrane, Jason Wanner, new-to-us artist Laura Auer, and a super special surprise artist you won't wanna miss!

Episode 131 - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

Is it a genuine compliment, an end-of-the-night lament, or simply a pick up line? AJ and Johnny will try to solve this question when "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" goes under the Same Difference microscope. Join us as we listen to and discuss versions by Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra and June Hutton, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Jim Hall and Paul Desmond, and new-to-us artist Danny Jonokuchi and the Revisionists.

Episode 130 - Sway

"Sway" is under the Same Difference microscope this episode, but is it really Jazz? Join AJ and Johnny as they try to answer that question, with versions by Nelson Pinedo, Dean Martin, Cab Calloway and Scatman Crothers, Julie London, Diana Krall, and new-to-us (well, new to AJ anyway) artist Sal Valentinetti.

Episode 129 - Aint Nobody's Business

It's our annual "we're recording in the same room because AJ is in town for the Sun Valley Jazz Festival" episode! This time it's the Jazz/Blues standard "Aint Nobody's Business". Join us as we listen to and discuss versions by Bessie Smith, BB King, Billie Holiday, Wynton Marsalis with Willie Nelson, The Hot Sardines, and new-to-us artist The Rumblestrutters.

Episode 128 - 'S Wonderful

Spelled several different ways, and performed several different ways, it's the lighthearted "SWonderful" on this episode of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Diana Krall, Rod Stewart (yes, THAT Rod Stewart), the Shaymus Hanlin Quartet, and new-to-us artist Nicole Magolie.

Episode 127 - I Can't Give You Anything But Love

With the often recorded Jazz standard "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", AJ establishes a new ranking level on this episode! You'll hear us discuss versions by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, The Side Street Strutters, Ella Fitzgerald, and new-to-us artist Giacomo Gates. Come find out what the next level is  beyond "Obsidian"!

Episode 126 - The Stars Fell On Alabama

It's the delightful "Stars Fell On Alabama" under the Same Difference microscope this episode! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this sometimes forgotten Jazz standard by Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick Jr., Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, new-to-us artist the Boilermaker Jazz Band, and a special (and unplanned) tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett.

Episode 125 - Fly Me To The Moon REDUX

Time to revisit an old favorite! We originally covered "Fly Me To The Moon" way back on episode 2, but we were still finding our rhythm to the show then AND fine tuning our technical aspects. So, we thought we'd take a fresh look at this true Jazz standard. You'll hear versions by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Sinatra with Antonio Carlos Jobim, The Montclair Women's Big Band, Diana Krall, and new-to-us artist the Eik Trio.

Episode 124 - Moon River

A listener-suggested show! Well, ok, one of our loyal listeners suggested a new-to-us artist, and this was one of her best known covers, so here we go with "Moon River" on this edition of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Henry Mancini, the Vince Guiraldi trio, Jon Batiste, Dr. John, Boots Randolph, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, and new-to-us artist Stella Katherine Cole.

Episode 123 - Jeepers Creepers

The song "Jeepers Creepers" seems like such a novelty song, but we're gonna dive in and see if there's some decent Jazz behind its comedic surface. Join us as we listen to versions by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Oscar Aleman, Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton, and new-to-us artist Swingadelic.

Episode 122 - One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

The gorgeous Frank Sinatra ballad "One For My Baby" is featured on this episode of Same Difference, but is it always done as a ballad? Tune in and you'll find out, with versions by Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett and John Mayer, Ella Fitzgerald, and new-to-us artist The Antonella Santoro 5tet.

Episode 121 - Mary Lou Williams

For this episode of Same Difference, we take another deep dive into a Jazz artist that we feel does not get the recognition she deserves. Ever heard of Mary Lou Williams? Yeah, probably not. We barely had, but as you will hear, Mary Lou Williams quietly directed the course of Jazz music during much of the 20th century. You'll hear music and interviews from this tragically overlooked artist, and you will be amazed at just how much she had to do with the development of Jazz over the years!

Episode 120 - Equinox

It's time for another dive into the sometimes risky world of John Coltrane, with his most interesting Jazz standard "Equinox" on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Coltrane, Hubert Laws, Kenny Garrett, Tito Puente, Gato Barbieri, and new-to-us artist Stephen Riley.

Episode 119 - The Playboy Jazz Festival

On this very special episode of Same Difference, we're giving you a peek behind the "Velvet Rope" of our members-only Patreon content! AJ and Johnny have combined a few previous Patreon-exclusive episodes to bring you this look back at The Playboy Jazz festival. Along with their guests, A. Scott Galloway and Tom McGuinness, you'll hear a wealth of music recorded live at the PJF and other great Jazz festivals, as well as a lot of fond - and funny - memories from almost 40 years of attending t...

Episode 118 - Puttin' On The Ritz

It's another experiment for us on this episode of Same Difference, as we feature ALL new-to-us artists (well, except for one). Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions of the Jazz standard "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Fred Astaire (the one we DO know), The Dr. Jazz Dixieland Band, Dukes And Dukies, Ashlae Blume, The Original Wildcat Jass Band, and Antonia Bennett.

Episode 117 - I've Got You Under My Skin

We're actually surprised we haven't done this song already, but this episode brings you the very popular Jazz standard "I've Got You Under My Skin"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Diana Krall, Dinah Washington, Charlie Parker, Louie Prima, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, and new-to-us artist Michael Sinatra (yes, they're related).

Episode 116 - Old Devil Moon

The fun Jazz standard "Old Devil Moon" takes a turn under the Same Difference microscope this episode. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Charlie Spivak, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Miles Davis, Tito Puente, and new-to-us artist Hilary Kole.

Episode 115 - Take The A Train REDUX

We've been talking about doing this for a long time. On this episode of Same Difference, we revisit the standard we started the whole podcast series with, Duke Ellington's "Take The A Train"! Join AJ and Johnny as they take a fresh look at this Jazz classic, with versions by Duke, Ella Fitzgerald, The Side Street Strutters, Tito Puente, and new-to-us artist Planet D NoNet.

Episode 114 - Watermelon Man

It's a listener request! Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" goes under the microscope on this edition of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this Hard Bop Jazz standard by Herbie, Mongo Santamaria, Woody Herman, Buddy Guy, and new-to-us artist The Langley Ukulele Ensemble.

Episode 113 - Doodlin'

Are you familiar with the term "vocalese"? We may have mentioned it from time to time, but neither of us really know what it means. That is, until we recorded this episode! Join AJ and Johnny as we listen to and discuss versions of the casually fun Jazz standard "Doodlin'", which feature some fine examples of "vocalese". Along the way, you'll hear recordings by Horace Silver, Count Basie with Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, Ray Charles, The Manhattan Transfer, Mark Murphy, and new-to-us artist...

Episode 112 - I Fall In Love Too Easily

Jazz vocalist Shaymus Hanlin joins us for this edition of Same Difference, as 2 Jazz fans and 1 Jazz musician take in the beautiful ballad "I Fall In Love Too Easily". Join AJ, Johnny and Shaymus as they listen to and discuss versions by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Carmen McRae, the Harris Hamilton Quintet, and of course the Shaymus Hanlin Quartet!

Episode 111 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Can AJ find us a version of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" that doesn't have any strings? Tune in to this episode of Same Difference and find out! Johnny and AJ will listen to and discuss versions of this beautiful Jazz standard by Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Clifford Brown, The Platters, Coleman Hawkins, and new-to-us artist Cait And The Critters.

Episode 110 - Livery Stable Blues

We're going WAY back to the beginning - the VERY beginning - for this episode of Same Difference, as we listen to the very first commercially available Jazz recording, Livery Stable Blues! Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions of this pioneering Jazz standard by The Original Dixieland Jass Band, W.C. Handy's Memphis Blues Band, Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist The Hot House Hooters.

Episode 109 - As Time Goes By

If you've seen the movie Casablanca (and/or Sleepless In Seattle), then you're already familiar with this episode's standard, the romantic "As Time Goes By". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Dooley Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Durante, Anita O'Day, and new-to-us artist The Giovanni & Jasmine Tommaso Quintet.

Episode 108 - Flying Home

So just who did write "Flying Home"? Who recorded it first? What's it all about? In this episode of Same Difference, AJ and Johnny answer all these questions and more, while listening to versions of this fun Jazz standard by Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Tito Puente, and new-to-us artist The Robert Bell Hot Swing Combo.

Episode 107 - Shiny Stockings

We're kicking off 2023 with the delightful Jazz standard "Shiny Stockings"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Count Basie & Ella Fitzgerald, The Side Street Strutters, Dexter Gordon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Katie Thiroux, and new-to-us artist Swamp Kitchen.

Episode 106 - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

It's our annual holiday episode, with the Christmas classic "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra, Chris Isaak & Stevie Nicks, Harry Connick Jr., Straight No Chaser, Arturo Sandoval, and new-to-us artist the Tiger Dixie Band.

Episode 105 - Good Morning Heartache

"Good Morning Heartache" is under the microscope on this edition of  Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Billie Holiday, Chris Botti & Jill Scott, Tomy Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and new-to-us artist Mayte Alguacil. And to keep up on all things in the current Jazz world, check out the podcast "Something Came From Baltimore": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-came-from-baltimore-jazz-blues-r-b-podcast/id1400504427

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Episode 104 - Sidney Bechet

In the great tradition of Jazz - that is, experiment and improvise - we're trying a new format on this episode of Same Difference. Don't worry, we're not changing the show now and forever, but we thought we'd branch out and try looking at a specific Jazz musician (rather than a Jazz song) this time. While Jazz musicians know the name Sidney Bechet quite well, his is not a name most people recognize. He was every bit as groundbreaking as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, yet he never got ...

Episode 103 - Caravan

We're back from the Sun Valley Jazz Festival and ready to go on Duke Ellington's "Caravan" for this episode of Same Difference. Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Duke, Nat King Cole, Dr. John, Wynton Marsalis, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist Vern Spevak. We also spend some time remembering great moments from Sun Valley!

Episode 102 - Nice Work If You Can Get It

It's an A-List of performers on this episode of Same Difference with the delightful Jazz standard "Nice Work If You Can Get It". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Teddy Wilson & Billie Holiday, Miles Davis & Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, and new-to-us artist The Wendy Lee Taylor Quartet.

Episode 101 - Woodchopper's Ball

Time to explore some Woody Herman music, and what better place to start than his classic "Woodchopper's Ball"? Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions of this upbeat Jazz standard by Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Bill Harris, Acker Bilk, and new-to-us artist Paulo Tomelleri.

Episode 100 - West End Blues

It's our 100th episode! To celebrate this Same Difference milestone, we're taking a look at the King-Oliver-written-but-made-famous-by-Satchmo classic "West End Blues". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Doc Severinsen, Cornet Chop Suey, and new-to-us artist Etta Baker.

Episode 099 - My Baby Just Cares For Me

Nina Simone's hit "My Baby Just Cares For Me" takes center stage on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Nina, the King Cole Trio with Woody Herman, Julie London, Joe Williams and the Count Basie Orchestra, Cyndi Lauper (yes, THAT Cyndi Lauper!), and new-to-us artist Ledisi.

Episode 098 - Oye Como Va

It's our first ever full-fledged Latin Jazz standard today, Tito Puente's most famous composition, "Oye Como Va", however it wasn't Tito who made it famous! Join AJ and Johnny as they discuss versions by Tito, Santana, Bobby Hutcherson, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente Jr., and new-to-us artist The New Orleans Nightcrawlers. Oh, and one more...

Episode 097 - Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen

The Andrew Sisters' first big hit goes under the Same Difference microscope today, with the song "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen". Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Regina Carter, The Hot Sardines, and new-to-us artist Rebecca Parham.

Episode 096 - Perdido

Duke Ellington's upbeat standard "Perdido" takes the spotlight on this episode of Same Difference! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss versions by Duke, Louis Armstrong, The Red Norvo Quintet (or is it a sextet?), Mar De Copa (well, um, sort of), "The Quintet" featuring Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and new-to-us artist Art Lillard and Blue Heaven featuring William Ash. Plus, hear firsthand how Johnny pulled songs from his collection and sent them to AJ without actually li...

Episode 095 - Straighten Up And Fly Right

Let's have some good, light-hearted fun with the Nat King Cole classic "Straighten Up And Fly Right"! Join Johnny and AJ as they discuss this beloved Jazz standard, and listen to versions by the King Cole Trio, Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Jeff Goldblum, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist Gwen Perry.

Episode 095 - Straighten Up And Fly Right

Let's have some good, light-hearted fun with the Nat King Cole classic "Straighten Up And Fly Right"! Join Johnny and AJ as they discuss this beloved Jazz standard, and listen to versions by the King Cole Trio, Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Jeff Goldblum, The Side Street Strutters, and new-to-us artist Gwen Perry.

Episode 094 - Nina Simone

Due to numerous summer obligations resulting in very limited time to record a new show, we've decided to give you all a look behind the velvet rope of our Patreon episodes! AJ and Johnny did a 2-part exploration of Nina Simone's career and music, and we've combined them into this one Same Difference regular episode. Take a listen here, learn all about Nina, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to our monthly Patreon-exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/samedifferencejazzpo...

Episoce 093 - Tuxedo Junction

Learn the truth about "Tuxedo Junction" on this episode of Same Difference; It was a big hit for Glenn Miller, but it was NOT his song! Join AJ and Johnny as they listen to and discuss the original version by Erskine Hawkins, as well as versions by Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa, Tito Puente, Ella Fitzgerald, and new-to-us artist Blue Champagne.