Brian Clardy

50 Years Later: The Assassination of Medgar Evers

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Today marks 50 years since civil rights activist Medgar Evers was gunned down in his driveway in Jackson, Mississippi by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. His murder and the subsequent trial sparked a cultural uproar and inspired national protests. A week later, President Kennedy submitted his Civil Rights bill to Congress, and the March on Washington would follow that summer. Commentator and Murray State history professor Dr. Brian Clardy reflects on how he came to learn about Medgar Evers - his sacrifices, and his legacy.

From the Archive: Remembering Jazz Pianist Mulgrew Miller

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy — Wed, 29 May 2013 22:19:16 +0000

Jazz pianist and educator Mulgrew Miller passed away today at the age of 57. He was said to be a leader among contemporary jazz pianists. In this commentary recorded in 2007, Dr. Brian Clardy, Murray State Assistant Professor of History and host of Cafe Jazz Wednesday nights, talks about why Miller was more than just a listening experience. To honor Miller's legacy, Brian will play several selections of his work, along with work by contemporaries tonight (May 29) on Cafe Jazz.

Remembering Chicago Jazz Icon Franz Jackson

Brian Clardy and Matt Markgraf — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:23:55 +0000

One of the great music innovators in the second half of the Twentieth Century, and the formative years of the Twenty-First, was the Chicago based iconic artist Franz Jackson. Having performed with Fletcher Henderson, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington (as well as being a leader on several recordings), Jackson brought energy, excitement, and soul to his music. As such, Jackson was one of the great pioneers of American jazz. History professor and host of Café Jazz, Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with his daughter, Michelle Jackson-Jewell in a telephone interview. Listen to the full interview above. See more at franzjackson.com, including how to purchase his new album, "Milestone."

Jazz Vocalist, Artist Solitaire Miles on Cafe Jazz

Brian Clardy and Matt Markgraf — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:10:00 +0000

Classically trained vocalist Solitaire Miles has the range and sound that echoes the musings of jazz singer Anita O'Day and Ella Fitzgerald, and opera singer Fredericka Van Staad. Her brilliantly recorded albums Born To Be Blue and Melancholy reflect her complex ideas and multifaceted influences. But equally impressive are her paintings, one of which is of President Obama that was accepted by the White House. Café Jazz host and Department of History professor Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her by telephone about her work and views on the future of jazz as an art form. A shortened version of this interview aired on Café Jazz Wednesday, March 13. The interview above is the longer, full version.

Pianist and Composer Kelly Brand on Cafe Jazz

Brian Clardy and Matt Markgraf — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:39:58 +0000

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.

The Meaning of Kwanzaa

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy and Debbie Owens — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 21:16:12 +0000

Click here to download the mp3.

Recorded in December 2007

Since its creation in 1966, African Americans have celebrated their cultural heritage with the celebration of Kwanzaa, which derives from Swahili phrase meaning "First Fruits." Dr. Brian Clardy and Dr. Debbie Owens explain the origins of the week long celebration and the seven associated principles.

A Cafe Jazz Conversation with Pianist Taylor Eigsti

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Café Jazz host Dr. Brian Clardy recently spoke with jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, for A Café Jazz Christmas with Brian Clardy (aired: 12/19 at 9 p.m.). They talk about Taylor's influences, memories of Dave Brubeck and improving as a young musician into adulthood. Taylor began studying the piano at the age of four and recorded his first album at the age of 14, titled Tays Groove. He was recently nominated for two Grammy Awards and lives in New York City. Brian spoke with Taylor Eigsti over the phone.

Commentary: The Necessity of a 2nd Madrid Conference

Matt Markgraf and Brian Clardy — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Madrid Conference of 1991 was an attempt by the international community to start a peace process through negotiations involving Israel, Palestine, and neighboring Arab countries. With quickly escalating conflict in the Middle East, Palestinian militants now targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, Commentator and History Professor Dr. Brian Clardy says now is the time for the White House to initiate a second Madrid Conference.

Commentary: Remembering George McGovern

Brian Clardy, Kala Dunn and Matt Markgraf — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Tom Brokaw once called him “one of the country’s most decent and thoughtful public servants.” Senator and Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern passed away at the age of 90 yesterday. Commentator and History Professor Dr. Brian Clardy remembers the time he met Senator McGovern and National Review founder William F. Buckley, Jr. and reflects on McGovern’s life and legacy in politics.