Rudy Van Gelder was a renowned American recording engineer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. Born on November 2, 1924, in Jersey City, New Jersey, he developed a passion for sound engineering at a young age, eventually leading him to set up his own recording studio in Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1952. Van Gelder's innovative techniques in recording and mixing, often utilizing his home studio's unique acoustics, helped shape the sound of countless classic jazz albums from the 1950s and 1960s, earning him the respect of artists and critics alike. Van Gelder's work with major jazz labels like Blue Note, Prestige, and Impulse! revolutionized the genre, capturing the essence of legendary musicians such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Art Blakey. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture the warmth and dynamics of live performances led to recordings that have since become timeless. His distinct sound, characterized by a rich, clear, and spatial quality, has been a defining feature of jazz records and continues to influence sound engineers to this day. Throughout his career, Rudy Van Gelder's influence extended far beyond the recording booth. He was a pioneer in advancing the role of the recording engineer as an integral part of the creative process, elevating the technical aspect of music production to an art form. Van Gelder's legacy lives on in the millions of albums he helped create, as well as in the ongoing admiration of his craftsmanship, which has ensured that his contributions to jazz and music, in general, are remembered for generations to come. Songs Include:

1. Bud Powell "Bouncin' With Bud"

2. Art Blakey "So Tired"

3. Herbie Hancock "King Cobra"

4. Horace Silver "Calcutta Cutie"

5. George Benson "So What "

6. Larry Young "The Moontrane"

7. Freddie Hubbard "Suite Sioux"

On this special jazz episode we look at the legendary music career of Mr. George Benson! an american guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for blending jazz with pop, R&B and soul. He gained widespread recognition with his album Breezin' in 1976, which featured the Grammy-winning hit "This Masquerade". With a smooth voice and virtuosic guitar style. Benson remains a celebrated figure in contemporary jazz and crossover music. This episode is dedicated to Ray The Jazzman's mother Mrs. Betty Jean Weaver, who recently passed away in June 26th 2025. One of her favorite musical artists that she enjoyed listening to and seeing in concert for years.

1. Breezin'

2. Turn Your Love Around

3. This Masquerade

4. The World Is A Ghetto

5. On Broadway

6. Moody's Mood

7. Mt. Airey Road

8. Summer Breeze

Clare Fischer (1928–2012) was a versatile American composer, arranger, and pianist whose career spanned jazz, classical, and pop music. He began his professional journey as a pianist and conductor for The Hi-Lo's, a vocal group, and gained early acclaim for his arrangements for Dizzy Gillespie's A Portrait of Duke Ellington. Over the decades, Fischer became a sought-after arranger for artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Chaka Khan.