One of the most recognizable women featured in the film is the legendary Marian McPartland, who is perhaps best known as the long-time host of NPR's Piano Jazz. For those not familiar with the show, check it out immediately. The weekly broadcasts provide a wealth of rich interviews and duets with Ms. McPartland and her guests. She is no longer taping new shows, but NPR still airs the program each week pulling from its deep archive.
When speaking with Ms. Chaikin, we discussed the reoccurring notion that women's jazz groups are often perceived as mere novelty acts, and their members are nottaken seriously as musicians. "Now's The Time", recorded in 1977, will rest any lingering doubts that skeptics may be holding on to.
The session, which features the all-women ensemble of Mary Osborne (guitar), Marian McPartland (piano), Vi Redd (saxophone), Lynn Milano (bass), and Dottie Dodgion (drums), is an incredibly hip and swinging collection of jazz standards. The recordings demonstrate mastery of each instrument, and the improvised solos do not hold anything back. They are as melodically innovative and forceful as their male counterparts.
The album was recorded live at the Monticello Room in Rochester, New York on June 30, 1977. The set begins with "Now's the Time", a blues standard written by Charlie Parker. It is a natural choice for the opening tune, as the swinging upbeat tempo calls the audience to attention and lets them know what is in store for the next hour to come. But I can't help but wonder if this song selection was just a coincidence, or if "Now's the Time!" is a call for listeners to wake up an take note of these women. By 1977, the women's liberation movement was well underway and feminists around the country were actively demanding equality in the home and workplace. Why not equality on the center stage of the jazz club as well? These five women certainly prove there is no reason why this should not be the case. Take a listen and you will surely agree!
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