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Ken Laster 😎

@digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy

27 followers 3 following 121 posts

Retired in San Diego. Jazz podcaster and radio host. Lifelong baseball fan. Unabashed liberal, atheist, stoner. Lived for 40+ years in Hartford. #jazz […] [bridged from jazztodon.com/@digginjazz on the fediverse by fed.brid.gy ]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 11/10/2026

SDTJ Jazz Fest 2026 This episode is inspired by the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival (SDTJ). This festival, now in its third year, is the creation of jazz impresario Dan Atkinson and is has performances that cross the US/Mexico border. Much of the festival is free to attend, with […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026

Miles and Trane Covered This week takes a different spin on the Miles and Trane Centennial. Instead of playing music from the masters themselves, this show features covers of tunes composed or made famous by these iconic artists that defined the jazz genre for years to come. Playlist Artist ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2026

Episode September 27 2026 Lots of new releases in this week's show. Lovano and Elling are among the more well known artists. Hollenbeck, Clark and Sprague may not be as familiar. And of course, we continue with a Coltrane interpretation of a Gershwin classic for Trane's centennial celebration […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 20/09/2026

Coltrane at 100 This week marks the 100th birthdate of John Coltrane, September 23, 1926. I have played so much Trane and Miles over the past several months, that I didn't dedicate the entire show to JC's birthday, but played a set near the end that celebrates Trane's free soloing as well as […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 13/09/2026

Episode September 13 2026 Getting closer to John Coltrane's centenial of his birth, so we will begin with a set dedicated to the master. We will play some Miles as well, as we have been doing frequently these last few months. The show ends with a couple tracks from the late great guitarist Mick […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 06/09/2026

Episode September 6 2026 This episode begins with another centenial tribute to John Coltrane with an extended composition for a large brass ensemble, Africa. From there we review new releases from some of jazz's contemporary masters. Playist Artist ~ Name ~ Album John Coltrane Quartet ~ Africa ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 30/08/2026

Miles Jazz Festival This episode was inspired by a Miles Davis Centenial Jazz Festival hosted by KSDS Radio in San Diego. The three day event had seminars, panel discussions and of course music. This show contains music by the artists that performed, and is kicked off by original music from […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 23/08/2026

Episode Aug 23 2026 This show begins with San Diegan pianist with Mexican roots, Irving Flores. His music is grounded in the Latin Jazz tradition. That is followed by the late great George Duke with tunes that show off his diversity of styles with R&B and Brazilian influences. Then some early […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 16/08/2026

More Miles and Trane @100 We continue to feature Miles and Trane on the year of their centennial. These giants of jazz are represented with some of the classic recordings that pay homage to their greatness. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album John Coltrane ~ My Favorite Things ~ My Favorite Things […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 09/08/2026

Expand Your Mind This episode takes us back to the psychedelic days of the early 70's to modern day fusion starting with this set from Lonnie Liston Smith. It's followed by new music from an LA Trio with excellent guitar work from Andrew Renfroe. The fusion set ends with Metheny's Side Eye III+ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 02/08/2026

Episode Aug 3 2026 This episode begins with some of this genre's greatest masters, Herbie, Henderson, Hampton and OP. Following that we have new music from up and coming jazz artists. The show concludes with another jazz master, Charles LLoyd and his latest release from the Indian/Jazz fusion […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 26/07/2026

Episode July 26 2026 Begins with young pianist Joey Alexander who was a young prodigy at age 11, now after a decade of recording and touring is a respected jazz artist for his playing and composing. That is followed by jazz masters Brecker, Jarrett and Dr. L Smith. There is a duo of SoCal […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 19/07/2026

Episode July 19 2026 This show features a heavy dose of Coltrane related tracks from his quartet's collaborator McCoy Tyner, to his composition Naima, and concluding with Trane as a sideman with Miles. In between we have a fusion set from Airto, Flora and McLaughlin. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 12/07/2026

Episode July 12 2026 This episode begins with the politically charged music of Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra. Other highlights are Rene Rosnes playing Brazilian compositions and a newly single from Charles Lloyd and his Sangam Trio. We end this show with another tribute to Miles and […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 05/07/2026

Digging the artistry of Hank Jones in these two records. The Jones/Jordan LP is one of those direct to disk albums where the master is cut directly from the mics in studio. The Greatest Trio album is a joy to hear Tony Williams and Ron Carter holding down the rhythm. Bonus, paid $3 ea.

Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 05/07/2026

Chick Three Ways This week's episode features a Chick Corea set with three tunes in very different settings. First we feature two young jazz artists with debut albums and a pair of Miles & Trane tunes in honor of their centennial birthdays. We complete this show honoring David Clayton Thomas […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 28/06/2026

Episode June 28 2026 Another eclectic set featuring fusion, hard-bop, and protest. Beginning with piano master Hancock and up-and-coming phenom Cardello, and ending with fusion guitarists supreme McLaughlin and Stern. Then a little protest music in between. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Herbie […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 21/06/2026

Trane, Brecker, Potter This episode begins with a Coltrane inspired track from Emmet Cohen's latest album. We follow that with saxophone giants Potter and Brecker. The set concludes with a great arrangement of a Coltrane classic from Hancock and then an extended piece from Trane himself […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 15/06/2026

I don’t often buy new pressings, prefer the used LP market, but this one reminds me of why I love this format. This audiophile release not only sounds great, but the packaging is simple yet gorgeous. Great photographs, information and liner notes by Brecker […] [Original post on jazztodon.com]

Michael Brecker album cover and sleeve.

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 14/06/2026

Episode June 14 2026 This episode begins with a Joe Henderson tribute after attending a show by flautist Lori Bell of Henderson arrangements. Other tracks of note are Emmet Cohen's latest release, a Miles' classic, and the fusion feature from RTF. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Lori Bell Quartet […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 07/06/2026

More Sonny and Miles The last two episodes have been dedicated to Miles and Sonny, but there were a few more tracks I wanted to get into, so we review those at the top of the show. That is followed by some new music including a recent release by Emmet C and Joe F. Finally, we review some early […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 31/05/2026

Sonny RIP One of the greatest players in the jazz legacy, Sonny Rollins passed away last week on May 25 at 95 years of age. On this episode, we look back on his career which spanned 7 decades. Here are some of my favorite "Newk" recordings from his most creative years. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 24/05/2026

Miles Centennial Celebration For this week's episode, we celebrate Miles Davis on the Centennial of his birth, May 26 1926. Miles is one of the most influential of jazz artist, having set new directions for jazz time and time again. Here we represent music from his first and second great […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 17/05/2026

Latest from the Greatest This episode features brand new music from some of the best jazz artists of today. From Potter to Metheny to Marsalis and more we have new album releases for your listening pleasure. They don't dissapoint. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Chris Potter ~ Sister Annie ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 10/05/2026

Sunday morning wake and bake 💨, fried egg and hash, Chick Corea on the TT. Life is good. (bonus, going to a Padres game this afternoon) #Jazz #vinyl #baseball #weed

turntable, Chick Corea album, vinyl record shelf

Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 10/05/2026

A New York City Groove In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on my recent trip to New York City, focusing on the jazz clubs and concerts I explored. We visited some of the iconic spots that have been standing the test of time, like Smalls, Mezzrow, and Smoke, and also discovered some fresh […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 03/05/2026

Episode May 3 2026 Lots of new music in this week's episode. But first we begin with some funky 80's fusion from Steps Ahead with great tenor work from Michael Brecker. Perhaps two of the greatest jazz artists currently touring and making new music are on the playlist from Potter and Metheny […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 26/04/2026

Episode April 25 2026 This is an eclectic set for sure! It features a vocal track, modern jazz, 70's fusion and a jazz suite with chamber orchestra. The latter is selections from the Zodiac Suite composed by Mary Lou Williams and arranged for strings, brass and woodwinds. Playlist Artist ~ Name […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 19/04/2026

Episode April 19 2026 This episode was inspired by recent live performances to commemorate Miles/Coltrane centennial. These concerts featured some of modern jazz's finest artists including Emmet Cohen, Joe Lovano, Terrance Blanchard and others represented here. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 12/04/2026

Chick on the Side This podcast episode features Chick Corea as a sideman on other artists recordings. All except the final track are Corea compositions. His contributions to these albums are significant. These tunes span a timeframe from the 1960's through the 1990's. Chick's influence on the […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 05/04/2026

Episode April 5 2026 Highlights from this week's In The Groove include early fusion from Weather Report, lush vocals from San Diego's Steph Johnson and a set of Indian fusion from Shakti and Anoush Shankar to conclude the show... and more Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Weather Report ~ Between […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 29/03/2026

Take Me Out to the Ballgame 2026 Celebrating Baseballs Opening Day 2026 with this week's episode. Really the only track that relates to baseball is the first one by B3 organist Joey D. The balance of the show is music I have been listening to this week. We wrap up the show with the archival […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 22/03/2026

Episode March 22 2026 Classic jazz albums bookend new artists from both coasts. Plus there are some interesting covers of Metheny tunes from guitarist Peter Sprague and vocalist Leonard Patton. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Lee Morgan ~ Mr. Kenyatta ~ Search for the New Land Matt Dwonszyk ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 15/03/2026

More New Jazz 2026 More new music in this week's show. The first half are established artists with national/internations touring bands. The second have are young jazz cats, some with a local following that are making a name for themselves with creative new sounds and music. Playlist Artist ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 08/03/2026

Episode March 8 2026 Perhaps the heart and soul of this episode is the collaboration of Joe Henderson and Alice Coltrane from the album The Elements. The other recording that deserves attention is the release of guitarist Pat Metheny' Side-Eye III+. Not only did Pat's album drop this week, but […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 01/03/2026

Episode March 1 2026 Another eclectic mix. From a 1957 recording from alto sax player Art Pepper to brand new releases from tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, and other iconic jazz artists in between. Enjoy this musically diverse set list. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Art Pepper ~ You'd Be So […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 22/02/2026

Episode Feb 22 2026 An eclectic mix of music this week with no real theme. We have new releases, bebop from the 60's and jazz rock fusion. Open your mind and enjoy the full breadth of what jazz music can be. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Kurt Elling & WDR Big Band ~ They Speak No Evil ~ In The […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 15/02/2026

Valentine Vibe This episode kicks off with the iconic Valentine's day tune My Funny Valentine with a unique interpretation by vocalist extraordinaire Dianne Reeves. The rest of the playlist is vibraphone heavy with contributions from San Diego's Ian Harland as well as several tracks that include […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 08/02/2026

All New 2025-2026 All selections in this episode are from recent releases. Some of these you may never had heard of, like Brandon Sanders or Justin Joyce. Some like Joel Ross, Julian Lage or artists in Out Of/Into are young players with active touring bands. Then we have the jazz masters like […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 01/02/2026

Minneapolis Strong In this episode, we pay tribute to the spirit of Minneapolis as the city resists a heavy-handed federal ICE presence. We honor the memories of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, whose lives were taken during protests against these federal actions. This playlist features jazz artists […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 25/01/2026

In Protest Jazz artists have a history of making political statements. Mingus, Max, Rollins and Nina are among those. Recently there have been several jazz artists that have made a statement to this administration for the taking over the respected Kennedy Center for the Arts. We honor them here […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 18/01/2026

Episode January 18 2026 At the center of this episode is music from alumni of the Jackie McLean Institute for Jazz, University of Hartford where this show is broadcast. Also music from jazz greats Rollins, Pepper and Miles. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension ~ […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 11/01/2026

2025 Review Part 2 We continue with a 2025 album release review. This week we are concentrating on recordings from local jazz scenes that I have a connection with, Hartford and San Diego. I also include Detroit after attending their great jazz festival. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Irving […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 04/01/2026

2025 In Review This show features some of my favorite releases in 2025. We also pay tribute to the jazz artists that passed during last year. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Joe Farnsworth ~ All Said and Done ~ The Big Room ARTEMIS ~ What The World Needs Now Is Love ~ ARBORESQUE Branford Marsalis […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 28/12/2025

KL Replay 2025 This post-holiday episode is taken from the Replay 2025 list of most recordings that I played most frequently throughout the year. It is, perhaps a reflection of my current musical tastes that I would like to share with you at the years end. Hope you enjoy. Playlist Artist ~ Name […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 21/12/2025

A Few Christmas Tunes I usually don't do Christmas specials, but there are a few holiday tunes that seem to make it into my playlist each year. There is a San Diego jazz set following, and we throw in Hubbard and Cobham to round out this show. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Chris Potter ~ O Come […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 14/12/2025

Episode Dec 14 2025 The core of this episode has some of the best tenor sax players from today and yesteryear. I'm speaking of Potter, Kirk, Rollins and Trane. They are bookended by a new release from Out Of/Into and Zawinul's In A Silent Way. Playlist Artist ~ Name ~ Album Out Of/Into ~ Nacho […]

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 10/12/2025

(not so) Secret ingredient in Trader Joe's Castile Soap. No wonder I feel so tingly after my morning shower! This product is an obvious knock-off of Dr. Bonner's Peppermint soap, but they just list Hemp Seed Oil as the ingredient.

Trader's Castile Soap list of ingredients includes Cannabis Sativa.

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Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 09/12/2025

Woah! Emmet Cohen, Joshua Redman. Emmet’s Place has a new set in a recording studio. Different vibe for better or worse. Music killin’ in this episode. www.youtube.com/live/yssRPU9Rv1E?si…

Ken Laster 😎 @digginjazz.jazztodon.com.ap.brid.gy · 07/12/2025

Wonder Jazz S Wonder, one of the greatest artists in popular music, is known for his popular hits, vocals, and multi-instrumental playing. However, his compositions extend far beyond the mainstream, incorporating jazz sensibilities that have inspired jazz artists to cover his work. Playlist […]

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